While running is my favorite form of physical activity, I try to live my life in an active way that does not just involve running. Humans are active beings, and I think we’re meant to use our bodies to do work, be in play or actual physical labor. I believe that if we’re not active in one way or another, no matter how big or small, we’re not living up to our full purpose as people.
Physical activity has been a big part of my life since I was a young teenager. I played tennis and lacrosse through high school, and still enjoy playing pick up tennis matches from time to time. I’ve also found that throwing a ball around for my dog is much more fun for both of us when I use my lacrosse stick–he likes it because I can throw it farther, and I like it because it’s easier on my shoulders and I can switch sides when I need to.
Mark and Ike shoveling snow
As I am sure everyone and their brother knows (because I talk about him way too much), I have a border collie named Ike. For those who aren’t familiar with border collies, let’s just say that the word hyper doesn’t even begin to describe these dogs. Ike is still young, but already requires a minimum of three walks a day, plus some serious training and outdoor play time. He keeps me active even on the days when I don’t feel like it. Ike’s favorite activities are walks, fetch, chasing after tossed snow, agility activities, playing at the dog park, and coming along on cross-country ski outings and hikes. We plan on starting him in formal agility lessons when he’s old enough–he is already familiar with some of the equipment from his obedience classes and freaks out with excitement whenever he sees it. I also plan on running with him once he is a bit older and his bones are more fully formed.
Hiking Whiteface Mountain with my friend, Lori
Even though the long, snowy winters in Central New York wear on me, I love that we have four drastically different seasons, each with something special to offer in the way of outdoor activities. I love to hike in the summer and fall, both near my home as well as in the not-too-far-away Adirondack Mountains. I enjoy riding my bike, and hope that once it is fixed and the weather is nice, I can start riding it the 6 miles to and from work a few times a week. I also love rollerblading at a large park near my house. Cross-country skiing is probably my favorite winter activity–it’s a great, low-impact total body workout.
Ike on the X-C ski trail
