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By Joel Vernier
I just sat down to enjoy a much-needed nap in my “Comfy Chair” around 3:30 in the afternoon. I pulled my winter throw blanket, a heavy, warm covering, and one of my dogs came up and put his paw on my knee and gave me the look. I call the look “Canine Hypno-Control!’ Most dog owners know this look, if they are eating a snack on the couch, over at any of the 3 mealtimes. The “look” is an intense, loving, guilt-creating weapon that causes the look target to cave in minutes and give in to whatever the look is asking for. In this case, it is a winter walk! Summer walks are usually in the morning before it gets too hot, or in the late evenings when it cools down. I prefer the mornings. Winter walks are usually at 3-4pm, as the day’s high temperature begins. As the “Look” broke down my resistance, I exclaimed, “Let’s go for a walk!”
The excitement of a successful targeting using the “Look” is amazing to watch, the contortions, jumping, and pawing with excitement. The dog gets excited too! Winter walks are a bit more complex than summer walks, as different temperature ranges require different clothing requirements depending on the outside temperature. My preferred temperature is in the 30-to-40-degree range. I put on a long-sleeve shirt, maybe a light vest, a hat, gloves, a neck warmer, or a gator. That will suffice. 20-to-30-degree range: switch to a winter vest, 2 gators, and a long-sleeved undershirt. In the 20’s, I may opt to add hand warmers with the gloves, especially if it’s a windy day. From 0 to 20 degrees is a game-changer! I have walked down to 12 degrees with the wind, and I must admit I cut the walk from a mile and a half to a half mile. I add toe warmers in this weather. If it is icy, I add cleats to my warmest boots, so I do not have to report a fall at my Medicare review. Lower temperatures with sub-zero wind chills, I dust off and start up my treadmill. My dog looks at me in disgust as he watches me walk on a treadmill, not getting any exercise. It reminds me of a human sitting on the couch watching a Richard Simmons or Jane Fonda workout video while drinking a pop and eating cookies or popcorn. It may result. In gaining instead of losing weight. Treadmills are also quite handy for hanging clothes on or stacking things on the belt area for use at some point in the future, which may not arrive until you need to use the treadmill again.
One of the many benefits of winter walking is no flies, mosquitoes, or other flying death. Usually, no sunburn, as most of your skin is covered, and you don’t get so hot that you sweat! If you are a good neighbor, you will pick up the puppy presents instead of leaving them for the spring melt. You can reward yourself with a hot cup of cocoa, coffee, or tea instead of an ice-cold beverage.
On any walk, at any time of year, make sure you have the right shoes/boots and clothing for the weather conditions. I also recommend that you bring your phone, just in case of a slip-and-fall!
“Remember, every day is a gift! Some are just a little more fun to open than others.
