Winter can get pretty depressing! One of the best all natural, easiest, and lasting remedies to winter blahs is….exercise! If you can just get that foot out the door – the benefits you will reap can literally change your life. For those who made a resolution this year to get more exercise, here’s an encouraging article to keep you moving forward. A “New” New Year’s Resolution.
Have you ever gone out on one of the trails to ‘exercise’ in the Portage Park District but found yourself so caught up in the beauty and fantasy of the moment that you forgot you were ‘exercising?’ That has happened to me so many times I couldn’t recount them. One of my most memorable walks took place last fall which I wrote about immediately after finishing my hike in this feature, A Journey into a Ravenna Fantasyland.
Last year, many folks participated in the 2013 Wild Hikes Challenge. No doubt, there will be lots of repeat hikers for 2014. Why not join their ranks? As the weather improves, Chirstine Craycroft and staff will lead scheduled hikes at various parks you can participate in, but you can get started now by contacting her and go out on your own or with your own group of friends. Not only will you enjoy the winter wonderlands of the parks, you’ll feel incredible – in fact amazing after you finish your hike! The emotional and physical boost from being outside in the creation within such natural beauty cannot be replaced by any other experience. If you are faithful in your efforts to escape several days a week, it will transform your perspective on life and guarantee a better 2014.
For those who took the Wild Hikes Challenge last year and hiked at least eight parks, Christine says:
“Congratulations to all who finished the 2013 Wild Hikes Challenge! Simply mail in your completed form to get your ‘2013 Year of the Snake’ brass tag for your hiking stick or dog tag.”
Call the park office and make an appointment if you need the first-year hiking stick, hand finished from local natural wood. They will be getting another batch of cool one-of-a-kind sticks in this week, so be sure to check in and pick up your cool stick! You deserve it!
The Wild Hikes Challenge
For those who have not taken on this challenge yet, another year brings another opportunity. Just walk eight of the designated trails before December 1st to earn a locally made hiking stick and 2014 brass tag. This year’s commemorating tag theme has not been announced yet. Whether or not you take the Challenge, you can still join Christine’s hikes she’ll be scheduling. Last year they added the opportunity for your leashed 4-legged hiking buddies to earn a dog tag for completing the Challenge with you!
Most of the designated trails are rated as easy, with length ranging from 1-3 miles. If hikers can’t make all of the listed trails, they are able to substitute up to 2 of the trails with ones of their own choosing within the Park District system. Optional donations to help cover program costs are $5/tag and $10/hiking stick.
Improve your mood, improve your health, improve your life. Do yourself a favor this year and start hiking!
Portage Park District
(330) 297-7728
*Carrie Knight Wilcox shared this Dix Park photo on Facebook