Walking on the Wild Side

Hey Just Tri Tribe!

During my most recent trip to visit my sister in Crested Butte, Colorado, I found myself at the base of Mt. Gothic, surrounded by nothing but fresh fallen snow and aspen trees. As I snowshoed in the backcountry, I felt a sense of peace and completely re-energized. The crisp air and stunning views helped me disconnect from the stress and chaos of everyday life and reconnect with myself and our natural world.

It got me thinking about how often we neglect self-care. As athletes, we know that training hard and pushing our limits are essential for achieving our goals. But what about self-care? While it may not seem as glamorous or exciting as a tough workout, self-care is just as important for our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. In fact, neglecting self-care can lead to burnout, injuries, and decreased performance in the long run. That's why it's nice to have subtle reminders to prioritize self-care because it should be a central part of your training routine.

What is self-care, exactly?

Self-care is any activity that promotes your physical, mental, or emotional health and helps you recharge and recover from stress. It can take many forms, such as getting enough sleep, eating nutritious foods, practicing mindfulness, or spending time with loved ones. But one of the most effective and accessible forms of self-care for athletes is simply walking outside and connecting with nature.

Research shows that walking regularly can boost your mood, reduce stress and anxiety, improve cardiovascular health, strengthen bones and muscles, and even lower the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and cancer. Plus, it's free and requires no special equipment! But walking outside has even more benefits when you take the time to appreciate your surroundings and connect with nature. Being in nature can reduce blood pressure, improve immune function, enhance creativity and cognitive function, and promote feelings of awe and gratitude.

How can you incorporate walking and nature into your training routine?

Here are some ideas:

1. Schedule "nature breaks" into your day. Whether it's a 10-minute walk around the block during your lunch break or a longer hike on the weekends, make it a priority to get outside and breathe in some fresh air.

2. Mix up your training routine with outdoor activities. Instead of always hitting the gym or the pool, try cycling, trail running, or open-water swimming to get your heart pumping while enjoying the beauty of nature.

3. Practice mindfulness while walking. Instead of zoning out or checking your phone, pay attention to your breath, your senses, and the beauty around you. Allow yourself to disconnect from technology and reconnect with yourself and the world.

Remember, self-care is not selfish or indulgent - it's necessary for our health and happiness as athletes and as human beings. Making self-care a priority should be a central part of your training routine and this is your sign to make it a habit. You deserve it!

Thank you for reading my blog! I hope you find this information useful and start supporting your needs!

Have a great week, get some movement in, and as always, Just Tri!

Yours in Sport,

Lindsay

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