Ah, the possibilities

By JERRY HITCHCOCK

Staff Writer

After one long, hard winter, it’s easy to believe we are owed a better-than-average summer.

Snow and ice can dampen a spirit, but now that warmer weather is staring us in the face, it’s time for a plan.

The last thing any of us want is that feeling bubbling up in late October that we somehow missed out. Hence, we need a plan.

What fun is planning out our summer you say? Well, first off, the summer season can come and go in a heartbeat, if you’re not ready for it.

Secondly, by doing a little pre-planning, we can accomplish great things and do everything we want, and more, before the inevitable snow flies late in the year.

So what’s your goal this year?

Are you going to take up jogging, with sights set on a 5K race? Do you want to ride the area trails and byways to your heart’s content? Maybe you have aspirations of following in the footsteps of those Ironman competitors and doing one of the many triathlons in the area.

Or maybe you just want to enjoy the weather, walk the neighborhood and smell the fresh air every day.

All good plans. But again, all need some planning to ensure you have some satisfaction of a summer well-spent come October.

So here we go.

Any activity takes the right equipment. Even if you’re just walking a mile or two with the dog, correct-fitting shoes and apparel make for a better experience, and no lingering effects to deal with afterward. Maybe you want to mix in a little jogging. In that case, a good quality running shoe with a professional fit will lessen the chances of injury or soreness throughout your body.

Many running shoe manufacturers are making shoes for trail running, which are more rugged and are made to stand up to the harsh trail environments of North Idaho.

It’s safe to say one moderate fall or accident can put a damper on your summer plans. Make sure your bones and muscles are ready for the rigors of summer by eating right and supplement any needed vitamins.

Maybe this is the year you decide to hop on a bike and feel that sense of flying without ever leaving the ground. We are blessed with great cycling routes in the region, highlighted by the North Idaho Centennial Trail (which joins the Spokane Centennial Trail at the Washington border). A full day can be had on two wheels, traffic free.

Other routes include the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes, running from Plummer across Lake Coeur d’Alene and all the way to Mullan. The Route of the Hiawatha utilizes an old railroad right-of-way for spectacular views.

If you want to be free of asphalt and concrete altogether, there are plenty of mountain biking opportunities locally as well. Canfield Mountain has a plethora of trails for every skill range, and if you’re so inclined, Riverside State Park hosts a May-June racing series put on by Nomadz Racing, and Farragut State Park hosts the popular Bike 5 in July series.

Remember, all that yard work can be valuable exercise. Don’t put it off because you are training. Instead, substitute a day of yard work (or cleaning the garage) for a scheduled workout. You may work some new muscle groups, or let some other muscle groups have a light day of activity.

Let’s say Ironman (and the half-Ironman) have piqued your interest in becoming an all-around outdoor athlete. If that’s the case, time’s already a-wasting: You’ve got to schedule time for running, biking and swimming, around whatever your normal life consists of.

Swimming becomes the biggest obstacle, unless you live near the lake or have a Kroc Center membership. You’ll also need a good quality wetsuit, to keep the chill of the lake at bay while you hone your stroke.

You’ve reached mid-summer. Here you are in July — it’s hot out. Are you where you want to be? It may be time to reassess. Maybe you’re working too hard, or not hard enough to reach your goals. Changing course may be the healthiest thing you can do, even if it means readjusting your goals.

By August, you feel summer slipping away. Now is the time to check those last few items on your summer list, since you have a good month to six weeks of warm sunshine to enjoy.

Ah, late September. The mid-day temperatures start to flatten out, and the nighttime chill become noticeable. Your legs and arms wear a bronzish finish, like badges of honor. Some nice outerwear will keep you going and help you stay healthy as the sunshine becomes less prevalent.

We’ve made it to October. We could have some nice weather — in stretches — or it could be miserable out. Either way, the impending season is fast approaching.

Have you accomplished your goal, and more importantly, have you enjoyed yourself? Now’s the time to take note of what you did right, what you did wrong and what you want to change for next summer.

And cheer up. You can maintain that fitness through the winter season with the correct gear, or hit the gym and make new friends while getting in a workout.

Just don’t be tempted to use that wetsuit after punching a hole in the ice.

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Jerry Hitchcock can be reached at 664-8176, Ext. 2017, via email at [email protected], or follow him on Twitter at HitchTheWriter.