As a parent, I am always encouraging my kids to associate themselves with the kind of friends that have the best set of core values and children who make good choices. As my priorities in life have evolved over the years and my interest in eco-friendly living has increased, I've sought the same (looking for and making friends with "like minded" eco-friendly people). Studies have shown that your environment or community of people that you associate yourself with has a greater influence in your decision making than anything else. So, if you are struggling to make more eco-friendly choices, join a group or attend a local eco-friendly event. If one can be "guilty by association," one can also be "successful by relation."
Now that I have been actively training for a halt marathon, I have begun to meet other runners through local running groups and running store sponsored clinics. It is great to share the same challenges and struggles with each other and know that we can all lean on each other for words of encouragement.
Biking to work saves money on gas and enables you to get a workout without spending extra time in the gym. However, it maybe a bit intimidating to bike to work. National Bike to Work week starts today. Biking to work is not an "all or nothing" decision. You can do any of the following:
- Bike to the nearest train station or bus stop and park your bike there (instead of driving your car to the train or bus stop).
- Bike to work during certain work days of the week (e.g. Fridays may work best for you given that many offices have a casual Friday dress code).
- If a colleague lives closer to the office than you do, consider driving to your colleague's house and parking there (obtain his/her permission first), then you can ride your bikes to work together (aka buddy system).
-If your company has a large office campus, consider biking from one office location to another for your meetings instead of driving around within the campus.
Remember that safety always comes first! If traffic is not conducive for biking to work, do not get frustrated. Instead of biking to work, consider riding your bike to your local grocery store for grocery purchases and for local errands.
For those last minute shoppers, here is an eco-friendly Mother's Day wish list that I hope will inspire you with great gift ideas for the special Mom in your life.
1) Set of glass reusable storage containers (I always seem to run out of these reusable containers that are great for food storage and are microwave safe).
2) Eco-friendly jewelry – which can mean antique, second hand jewelry or jewelry made by natural recyceable materials.
3) Eco-friendly makeup
4) Any craft that is made from recycled materials that is theme based and handmade – I especially like sports, cooking, gardening and arts/craft themed items. Handmade bookmarks are fun and sentimental.
5) Organic, eco-friendly clothing
6) Gardening tools/equipment - can be easily found in thrift shops or major supermarkets - ideal for the budding or seasoned gardener
7) Introductory lessons - if your mother always wanted to learn how to dance, sew, play piano, etc., a great gift idea is to purchase introductory lessons
8) Time - spend time and have a nice family dinner at home or at a restaurant.
Happy Mother's Day!
I am training for a half marathon scheduled in October. It's a huge commitment between working full time, being a mother and wife. It's completely worth it. I find that I need races to keep me motivated and to help me train, so the first thing I did was sign up for a race (in this case, the Ramblin Rose Durham Women's Half Marathon Event). Now that I have a goal and deadline, I am much more motivated to train and to run.
In addition to helping me sleep better at night (yes, running a few miles can be the best sleep aid), it has also gotten my complexion a lot clearer (must be all of the sweat leaving my system and cleansing my face from inside out).
I also find myself less likely to park near store entrances because I don't mind the extra walk anymore.
I have not joined a running group because my hectic scheduled is quite unpredictable.
The following are some truths that I discovered regarding running:
- You really need to run about 10-15 minutes to let your body warm up before you run at a faster pace.
- Stretching after each run is important, before each run is optional.
- If you alternate your sneakers (between two pairs), they last longer.
- Quality socks makes a difference.
- Running is the cheapest and most effective exercise there is!
- Cross training with other sports makes you a better athlete.
- Reading about other runners either online or in magazines is a great motivating tool.
- Running can be and should be a family event (if your spouse or partner is a better runner, have him/her push a jogging stroller with a kid in it and you will be able to level the running field).
- Drink plenty of water.
- If you feel guilty having a rest day, then, do some cross training (biking, swimming, etc.) so your body still gets some exercise.
- Running can be viral (you don't realize it, but once you run, you inspire others to take up the sport).
- It has alot to do with getting into a rhythm (still working on this, but having a certain rhythm to my strides help me as a runner).
May is National Bike Month. Did you know that the average kid bike cost less than $100? It is a great source of exercise and entertainment for children. Studies have shown that children who are active when they are young and more likely to remain active athletic as adults. Riding a bike is a great skill to teach a child.
I usually ride my bike at least once a week and honestly I always wish that I have more time to ride. Bike riders always give each other a happy nod or wave because we are sharing a great time on the road.
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