Run Lazy

The Ultimate Lazy Exerciser

My dear friend Sue (who has an awesome blog, Vintage Rescue Squad), recently posted a comment on sleepwear on Facebook that made me realize that my sleepwear habits qualify for comment within the "run lazy" philosophy.

Most mornings I try to do some yoga or pilates (and occasionally something more ambitious) before I start off my day. Nothing major, just 20 minutes of downward dogging it and rocking the shivasana to give myself some mental clarity.

However, managing that AND getting dressed for it are apparently too taxing for me, so I sleep in my yoga clothes. Pretty much every night. 

Does this strategy work? Yes. Is it kind of sad that I recognize that if I add even one more step to my morning routine nothing productive will happen? Damn skippy.

 

Does the Prettiness of a Place Correlate with More Outdoor Activity?

Okay, I know I've been silent for a while, but I swear I'm still alive and running! I ran well most of the winter until I was sidelined by the DC Blizzaster, and on vacation in April I ran on this lovely beach in Siesta Key, Florida (which I hope and pray is still oil free).

It occurred to me to wonder while I was there and pounding the sand instead of the pavement whether people who live in pretty places are more outdoorsy than people who live in homelier locales. It seems like an obvious correlation, and probably is, thought I expect there are other factors as well. 

Colorado, for instance, makes national lists as the fittest state many years, and Colorado's pretty darn pretty. However, West Virginia, which has many beautiful places, tends to be toward the bottom of those lists. I have theories about accessibility being key--how close on average are parks and trails to people's homes? What's the weather like--is outdoor activity comfortable year round?

But in any case, I know I'm motivated by the beauty of my surroundings. Running on that beach was just fabulous (I even got to take a yoga class on the beach!), and I didn't have to bully myself to get out there. There are many beautiful trails in and around DC that I get excited about running, and that keep me coming back. 

Next month I'm heading to Seattle and Vancouver on vacation, and I hope to strap on my running shoes and see the natural and urban beauty of those locales. If anyone has any suggestions of places to run, pass them along!