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Community Corner

Spring Ushers in Ample Opportunities to be Outside

Local health and fitness enthusiast Courtney Black shares some suggestions for getting outside now and enjoying the spring season.

Just when your case of the Mondays starts extending through Thursday due to long, dark winter days, spring arrives and brings with it renewed hope of time spent outdoors.

Even if you aren’t the Northwest action figure guy described in the Pemco commercials, there are some fun and entry-level opportunities to get outdoors and active, without expensive equipment.  

Here in the Northwest where we are short on the natural dose of vitamin D provided by the sun, longer days that come with spring allow us to go outdoors for oxygen, movement, exposure to nature, and however much vitamin D will filter through the cloud cover and peak out from the sun-breaks.  It’s a winning combination to battle winter blues and kick-off a more active season.

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An excellent way to break in to outdoor activity is with a trail walk or hike.  A fairly well-known, entry-level hike is right in our own backyard at what is officially known as the Cal Magnusson Trail in King County’s , locally known as Mt. Peak or Mt. Pete.  This trail is a local favorite and considered a family-friendly hiking choice.  

for more information about the park.

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While most Northwest natives won’t let a little drizzle keep them indoors, it doesn’t hurt to look at the weather forecast and select a day that appears most promising for minimal rain and mild temperatures. Beyond weather tracking, preparation for a local day hike includes a pack of what is referred to as the 'Ten Essentials.'  Though some authorities have longer lists, here's what our regional specialist in all things outdoor, REI,.  It includes things like sun and rain protection and first aid supplies.

Following your hike you will experience both the mood lifting effects of being active outdoors, as well as potential muscle soreness.  One way to remedy the soreness and further fight the winter blues, is to attend a yoga class.  Recently featured through Groupon, on Cole Street offers a variety of classes including an intro class for newcomers and those needing a refresher, as well as classes along a spectrum of intensity and speed of movement.  The benefits of yoga include stress reduction, increased range of motion and increased flexibility.  A listing and description of the classes offered can be found here.  

For those who want to get their feet moving without the incline setting, the (formerly known as the Enumclaw Plateau Trail at its Enumclaw segment) is a paved walking/riding trail that provides long stretches of walking and bike-riding opportunity.  For families with little people that require some form of wheeled transportation, whether by stroller or bike trailer, a paved trail gets everyone out in the fresh air.  A ride on the trail can put the fussiest baby or toddler to sleep.

For those who recognize the value of the paved trail system, Saturday, June 4 marks National Trails Day and the ninth annual Rainier to Ruston Rail-Trail Relay.  The event raises funds and awareness to complete the connected system of non-motorized trails from Mt. Rainier to Puget Sound.  Participation in the event includes both walking and running relays and solo entries.  My own neighborhood group of moms will have two relay teams under our often-used team name of S.O.S. (Save Our Sanity).  It’s a great reason to join with neighbors or friends to get active together for fun and community enhancement.

Whatever your pleasure, trust that the weather will warm up and dry out as summer approaches. Meanwhile, get on your calendar and start scheduling appointments for some post-winter mood and body rehab in the great outdoors.

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