Challenge #9– March 1, 2010

Week Nine: March 1, 2010

Challenge: Out and About!

Now that the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics have come to a historical finish, I think we can all reflect back on the last 17 days and take something from the amazing athletes who showed stamina, endurance, strength and most importantly, passion, for what they do!!  I think it’s important to recognize the amount of work that goes into their training.  The long hours they put into improving their technique, and the little pieces of their puzzles they continuously and strategically put together to see the big overall picture……a personal best, or in some cases, a gold, silver or bronze medal hanging around their necks!

Just like fitting a “work”-out into our days, becoming an Olympic athlete also takes a tremendous amount of work.  So, this week, whether you are committed to a weekly exercise/activity routine, have put it off for a bit, or are looking to get started with something, I challenge you to get Out and About!  As the weather starts warming up, and the sun begins to make an appearance on a daily basis, take advantage of this!

• A 15-minute power walk in the middle of your day or during your lunch hour is guaranteed to bring a fresh mindset and alertness to the rest of your day!
• Grab a group of your friends and hit your local ice rink for some fun, social skating
• Find an open space (some type of court) for a friendly game of hockey, basketball, volleyball, or dodgeball!!
• Dust off your roller blades and start putting the spring mileage on the wheels early! Try a nearby path or clean road to be safe!
• Grab your helmet and take your bike out for a refreshing ride!

Additional to getting Out and About this week, March kicks off Nutrition Month®, with the Dietitians of Canada’s campaign to “Celebrate food…from field to table!”  Next week’s challenge will touch upon this campaign a little more, but in the meantime, think about the foods you choose to include in your grocery list this week, and take a look at where your nearest local Farmer’s Market is (http://www.farmersmarketsontario.com/markets.cfm)!  Make an outing of it, with your family, friends, neighbours or kids, and check out what our Local Farmers have to offer!