Staying active in the autumn season
Fall is my favorite time of the year. Back-to-school season always feels like the start of a new year-the time to turn over a new leaf as the leaves fall from the trees. I love the colors of the season, the reds and oranges as the trees change. I love the crisp feel in the air as I go out for my morning walk or run-that one day when you just know autumn is in the air. My birthday and wedding anniversary are both on glorious fall days, and I love the fun of Halloween and the indulgence of Thanksgiving.
But even with all the wonder of the fall season, it’s not all fun and games. Business travel carries on even as the leaves fall from the trees. So how can you take full advantage of fall and all it has to offer-and fit in business and fitness? I’ve got some active ways to enjoy fall both at home and on the road. Here’s the scoop on fall business travel, tips and tricks for fall and ways to work fitness into my favorite season.
Autumn Activities
Regions like the South are great for the year-round sunshine. But the good news is that if you live in a region that doesn’t celebrate the fall weather, such as Arizona or Florida, traveling to other regions for business can help you temporarily enjoy the bounties of autumn. If you have the opportunity to travel for business to the Northeast or even the Midwest during these perfect months, take it! If you have time, arrive a day early or stay late to take advantage of seeing the fall sights and sounds. If you don’t have that extra time, get outside during lunch breaks for a late afternoon stroll to take in the season and get some exercise.
Small towns and big cities alike have fall festivals with loads of activities. Before you leave for your business travel destination, check to see if it offers any fall activities in the area during your stay. Likewise, if you’re just looking to fill a weekend with a friend or loved one, find local fall activities to participate in. Haunted houses are active (and scary) ways to enjoy the weeks before Halloween. Walking through corn mazes and pumpkin patches are active ways to enjoy the weather as well. Hike local trails to check out the colors of turning leaves or join a local charity run to enjoy the weather (www.active.com can help you find runs in your area). Apple picking and horseback riding are also active fall adventures. Even an hour of horseback riding can burn more than 200 calories if you weigh 150 pounds-and the horse is doing most of the work!
As you already know, when you’re away on business, chores are always waiting for you at home. When you get home from that business trip, don’t forget that raking leaves is great exercise-especially when kids and the dog keep plowing through your pile of leaves.
Wondrous Weather
Fall weather is pretty splendid. The heat of the summer is long gone, but the cold of the winter still hasn’t hit. It makes for the best weather for exercising outdoors. No coats are needed, which makes for easy packing when you hit the road for business travel. For outside workouts, a lightweight pair of pants or running tights is enough to keep you warm and a light, long-sleeved shirt and a light jacket will be enough to keep the upper body warm. Wearing layers in the fall is a safe bet; that way, you’ll be plenty warm but can remove items as needed if you start to heat up on a run.
Dark Days
As much as I love fall, I also love long summer afternoons, so it’s always sad to me when fall approaches and the sun goes down by 6 p.m. And while the weather is still relatively mild, you still have to be careful when being active outdoors. Light-colored, reflective clothing is very important so that cars will see you if you’re out on the roads at dusk. Make sure your shoes have reflective strips on them, and don’t be shy about wearing a blinking light. Always make sure you run in safe neighborhoods, preferably with sidewalks, and don’t be afraid to ask the Embassy Suites concierge for a safe, car-free running path if you’re heading out for an evening run.
Seasonal Deals
During back-to-school season in the fall, travelers can score serious travel deals to some destinations. Add in the threat of seasonal weather and hurricanes, and you can get deals on flights, hotel and extras in cool locales. Be prepared that during low season, you do run the risk of fewer amenities offered at some destinations, but if you’re a gambler, it can be well worth the risk! Purchasing travel insurance in case of natural disasters is usually a good idea, though.
Fall Fare
Take advantage of awesome and healthy fall cuisine-think pumpkin and squash-but be careful with overindulging, especially when traveling. It’s human nature to store up those calories for a long winter, but seeing as how food is plentiful year-round, we don’t need to bulk up those bellies. Enjoy those occasional fall treats (who can say no to a slice of pumpkin pie, after all?), but try not to pilfer your kids’ Halloween candy-you don’t need five mini Milky Ways on your flight to Orlando!
Fitting in exercise both on the road and off will get you in the habit of health and activity this season and set you up for year-round success no matter where you are. Which is good because my other favorite season-winter-is right around the corner!
What are your favorite fall activities?
