I just turned 65. I am now officially a senior citizen – bring on the discounts, extended health care benefits (in my Province) and my Old Age Security cheque (coming in the new year). I’ve taken pretty good care of myself over the past few decades (I want to enjoy my retirement). I am physically fit (or so my watch tells me), I have a plan – first exercise.
My favourite motto is – “Move it or Lose it.” With my exercise plan, it’s not how many kilometres I run or walk, it’s about getting out and moving every day, no matter what weather conditions. Last week we had a -31C with the windchill snap, but as the Swedes say – “No bad weather, just bad clothing .” Every morning, I get up, drink half a litre of lemon water and immediately head out the door for a run or walk.
Running is unique – I run to the conditions. If the paths are too snowy, or if it’s too cold, (-15C or more – running gear gets too bulky), I do a 3k walk (in any condition) and run later. I am very lucky because I can afford winter walking/hiking gear – fleece hoodie, puffer jacket, windproof shell, two layers of pants, light gloves inside mitts, toque and a buff for my neck and face. Walking gear for really freaking cold weather (I am good until -25). If it’s -5C to zero get out the shorts and flip flops (kidding). I follow my walk with a 6k run on the treadmill (another luxury, a gift from my daughter).
If I can run outside, it’s a very slow 7k to 10k (winter max). Winter is not the time to set speed records. Last thing I need is a broken ankle (please see winter emergency rooms). One more item, I cannot hit the trail or path before 8am because it’s too dark out (the sun does not rise before 8:30 – mid winter). Double danger whammy – darkness and ice. The Swedes have another saying, if it’s too dark and cold, go to IKEA. Always sunny among the meatballs and
Now the best benefit with waking or running outside are what I call morning bombs. Moving outside in the early morning sun, the radiance fills your bones like drops of sweet honey dew. As you move, you are literally elevated, your entire mood is lifted atop the mountains or clouds. I cannot think of a better mental health medicine than an early morning walk or run. Every Sunday I walk through the forest near my house (another lucky nugget) and feel the energy of nature buzzing in me bones. Even in -25, my bones are tingling. Face stings like a metal glove slap, but the bones are very happy.
Now here’s my weekly movement schedule:
| Sun. | Mon. | Tues. | Wed. | Thur. | Fri. | Sat. |
| 5.5 k nature walk | 7k outside run with weights | 7k outside run | 3k walk/6k dreadmill run with weights | 7k outside run | 3k walk/ 6k dreadmill run with weights | Long run 8-10k |
All weather permitting – see, ice, snow, cold and emergency room broken bones. And yes – three fifteen minute weight session each week to keep the upper body muscles strong and
So many things to like about Vancouver (unless you need to buy a house) – the transportation, the food and the ability to walk everywhere. Let’s get to them all.
Ok, so we left early afternoon and walked into town with happy hour feet. First, Murietta’s, our one-time favourite spot. However – rejection. The happy hour beer was flat and dull with an equal nastiness for the three-dip appetizer we ordered. The intention was pita bread, but it was nothing more than a limp mass of dough. Our pleasant server brought a glass of Rose, but how long was it sitting on the shelf? Roman times? They did bring another glass of wine not on the happy hour menu and only charged the happy hour price. And the view? Our whole intention of going to the place. Clean the streaking, dirty windows please. I was afraid of this. Ruined. The place has gone downhill. However, we will always have the first time we went there (cost 24 bucks).
I missed summer. I spent the entire season in my basement treadmill running. The paved paths get so busy with the nice weather, and death is close under the wheels of an elderly dude on an e-bike. Don’t get me wrong, I have nothing against e-bikes. Many people would not get out if not for this novel invention. But the traffic increase is noticeable. 
The Spicy Road 