Since a child I always went on holiday with my grandparents and this became the norm for my sister and I. Always in the UK and always somewhere near walks and in stunning locations. My grandparents say don’t see the need to travel abroad when there are so many gorgeous places to see in the UK.
Picnics, country walks, visits to National Trust properties and being outside was something we grew up with.
My husband and I had our son young and I quickly adapted from party girl to mum and soon found myself with my own National Trust membership and in the garden helping my son make mud pies.
It’s funny though as my husband started with obstacle runs years ago and at the time I thought he was crazy and running around in the wet and mud absolutely did not appeal in any way shape or form and now we’ve totally swapped and that’s when I’m at my happiest. I’m not the biggest fan or urban OCRs and much prefer those that use the natural landscape available with many using lakes and streams and woodland.
We have had a dog for over 8 years and so country walks, or even to our local parks, are part of our everyday lives now.
I’m one of those people who are always busy and long to just sit in front of the TV and do nothing but on the rare occasion it happens I am completely twitchy and need to get up and do something. I’m fairly certain it’s the being indoors element as I could sit in a park for hours.
I’ve been swapping regular run routes for trail runs and just making the route up taking whatever turn I come across knowing that none of them go too far out of the local woods so what’s the worst that can happen? I’ve even run through streams and gone through tunnels during a walk and run – what’s the worst that’s going to happen? It’s only a bit of water and mud!
I’m lucky with my cycle club that we have a good number of routes so I’m never short of places to head but sometimes I do just go where is familiar and make it up and they can be the best rides. And I often find myself noting different places that I will go back and visit another time.
I’ve even taken to doing some of my workouts in the garden rather than at the gym if I am able to. With the weather we’ve been having it seemed silly to go inside if I didn’t need to.
Being outdoors and in nature for me is a happy place. I’ve found over recent years that the fresh air is something I end up craving, the peacefulness that comes with it too. I always sleep better when I’ve been outdoors and feel like I have more energy and most importantly less stress! Being outdoors is simple and about just enjoying what is right in front of us and when it’s good for your health, both physically and mentally, why wouldn’t you take advantage of that?
I’ve found I’m planning events for next year but there are so many gorgeous places I want to see including hiking so any recommendations are gratefully received.
Are you like me and like to be outdoors?
Why not try it? Get outside and explore – you never know what beautiful places you might find, what adventures await and you’ll get an added dose of Vitamin D to top it all off!
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