Local Trails for Training
What is your favorite exercise venue? I spend a fair amount of time at the gym on cardio machines, but I also like to get outside and enjoy nature while keeping up my fitness.
Cooler weather this time of year provides the perfect opportunity to take your workouts to the trails. Over the past few years I’ve become an advocate of community walkability and access to physical activity. A large portion of this involves the preservation and development and local trails. These trails can be used for physical activity or for a convenient way to get from here to there without being too close to dangerous traffic.
While working in community health outreach, I got to know the organization Rails-to-Trails. They are very active in the state of Kentucky and have done some great things in small and large communities to improve access to physical activity. Taken from their web-site, Rails-to-Tails Conservancy (RTC) is:
“a nonprofit organization working with communities to preserve unused rail corridors by transforming them into trails, enhancing the health of America’s environment, economy, neighborhoods and people.”
Not only is the organization doing great things to improve the health of communities, but their web-site has some pretty helpful information. You can find a trail in your area and learn about any efforts being made regarding the conservancy of trails.
Active transport is another issue that they have raised awareness about and set out to make changes. Most recently RTC sent a team to the Brita Climate Ride 2008; a 320 mile, five day event.
Are there any similar efforts going on in your area? Are you an advocate of outdoor exercise?
Photo by Lori Rice
Great photo Lori! I love walking outside on trails, whether they are paved city park trails or rough hiking paths. It’s invigorating to walk past the natural scenery, see the wildlife (except snakes!) and just be in the outdoors. Plus once you walk out you have to walk back. No quitting half way!
Thanks! I find that nature enhances the mental benefit of my exercise. A trail makes it more peaceful. I agree about the snakes!
We don’t have Rails to Trails in Colorado, but we do have a great network of urban trails in the Denver metro area. It’s where I do most of my training, except that it’s getting chilly in this part of the world and about time to head back into the gym. Bummer.
I have heard about all the wonderful trails in Colorado. What a great way to stay fit. I am always disappointed when the weather sends me inside for good, too. I love having the option of being outside without being incredibly uncomfortable (cold!).