Health By Bike

A peaceful stretch of the
Illinois Prairie Path

One of the most delightful blessings of my life is living close to the Fox River and its wonderful trail network. Yesterday's glorious weather called me outdoors and I couldn't resist hopping on my bike and zipping on to the trails for a quick trip down to the library. Sure, it would be a smidge faster to do errands by car, but that would be to miss out on the fresh air factor. Navigating traffic and parking lots causes headaches. The only problem I had biking was the near-miss when a chipmunk with a death wish darted in front of me and parked his furry little body in front of my oncoming wheel almost a moment too long. Ah, a little nature-induced adrenaline is good for the brain, too. 

Today I made time for running on the treadmill in the basement, which isn't nearly as invigorating. I do open the windows but it isn't the same as running or biking under a verdant canopy alive with the birds and filled with some of the happiest pedestrians a person can meet. It just feels good to be outside these days and my body thanks me for making time to be there.