Put on your shoes, let's go

Spring is probably one of my favorite seasons. The sun is out and the sky is clear with that beautiful Carolina Blue color.

This past week the weather has been wonderful and has incentivized me to spend more time outside. As we are still in the time of quarantine (day who knows how many), it’s easy to get down and stuck in a rut, but when the weather is in the 60s and 70s you can take a moment to go outside.

These past few days I’ve had the chance to do things outside that I probably would have never done if it weren’t for this time of social distancing and patience.

While I love to exercise and am a big fan of the Peloton app, I wanted to share with you a couple of places you can exercise outside during this beautiful weather.

1. If you have a front porch, take advantage of it. Take your Eno and hang it up and read your favorite book. Take a break and do one of your favorite at-home workouts right on your porch and leverage your stairs. You’d be surprised how much a change of scenery can make a difference.

2. Don’t want to use your front porch because people might see you? Not a problem, why not go up to Kenan Stadium and do a workout there. Just the other day I wanted to do something different, so I ran up to Kenan and did stadiums. It’s not every day that you have the option of using tons of stairs in your workout. Don’t want to run up and down the stadium? Maybe try a sprint workout using the lines of the field. The options are endless, and it will take you down memory lane to fall football season.

3. Whether you want to run or walk, there are lots of options for trails. One of my favorites is Bolin Creek which connects the Community Center into the neighborhoods behind Pantana Bobs. I recently discovered another trail that comes out on the other side, called Battle Branch. This one connects all the way to the Forest Theater and the Battle House on campus. Maybe you’re like me and your knees and feet are tired of running on sidewalks and need softer ground, well there you have it. Or maybe run to the golf course and try a new route just because. It’s fun to explore and get lost with your friends, discovering new neighborhoods and secret connecting paths, or maybe even a cool castle.

4. Maybe you just want to get out of your place for a little and try something new. Why not go find a tennis court nearby and play some tennis? I never played growing up, but I think this is a sport even if you’re absolutely terrible at, you can find some joy in and keep your feet moving. And even if you don’t want to play, I’ve found that laying out with your friends can be just as fun on a sunny day.

5. I have to say I will always advise anyone to take a walk around campus. Nothing beats the Old Well on a sunny evening walk. There’s something about walking on campus that just brings so much joy. During a time like we are experiencing, I find myself being sad and confused more than ever, but somehow a walk around UNC never fails to bring me back down memory lane. It makes me smile just because I remember how amazing this place has been to me and how it will always feel like home.

These are certainly not the only options but simply some of my favorite. I laugh because these have always been available to me but somehow it took a pandemic for me to take a break out of my chaotic and busy day to go outside, explore and discover something new. Next time the sky is clear, and the sun is out I challenge you to try one of these options- I promise you won’t regret it.