Coping with crappy weather

Could be worse. Could be snowing.

We’ve had a run of chilly weather lately. (Shhh… this happens every winter, but don’t tell the Florida Tourism Bureau I said so.)
 
For 60 years I coped with 30-foot snowdrifts and icicles that have been known to kill people, but that doesn’t keep me from complaining now. You, too? And those who hang around year-round must deal with what Kathleen Riddle calls the “stupid hot” summer.
 
What’s a poor track and field athlete to do?
 
A few ideas off the top of my head:
 
Rest  We’re a highly motivated bunch – so motivated that we don’t realize taking a break is vital to training. When the weather improves, your outlook and your body will be rarin’ to go.
 
Cross it up  Some team members keep a wind-trainer bike in their lanai or weight machines in the garage. Besides strengthening different muscles, cross-training wakes up your sluggish brain.
 
Take it indoors…   Besides running, many of our club members use fitness centers in good weather and bad. Try out this option with a day pass.
 
…or hit the town  From billiards to dancing to tai chi, or tickets to professional opera, plays and music tributes – if you can’t find something new to do around here, check whether you still have a pulse.
 
Shop  Take a good look at your trusty old training shoes. Holes where your socks peek through are nature’s way of telling you it’s time for a new pair. Or treat yourself to a stylish jacket, tee shirt or cap from Custom Apparel; they’ll print/embroider it with our official team logo. (For details, click here.)

Make it a movie night by streaming an underdog film like “Chariots of Fire,” “Breaking Away” or “St. Ralph,”  the sweetest boy-runner story you’ve never heard of.
 
Zone out in front of a cozy crackling fireplace video and take a long winter’s nap. 

Leah Rewolinski
The Villages TLC Word Nerd