by Wendy
Follow me on twitter @wendylooksleaps

I am not exactly what you would call an outdoor enthusiast, but I’ve improved a lot.

As a kid I played in the yard but generally preferred sitting on the couch reading. Growing up, I favored sports like volleyball in an air conditioned gym, kickball on a freshly mowed neighborhood lawn or tennis on a nice crisp court. In other words, activities where you didn’t get too dirty and could even wear cute skirts. I never really wanted to go camping, fishing, kayaking, rock-climbing or mountain biking.

I’m great as far as walking goes, especially on sidewalks and in parks. I’m an all-star at navigating a city on foot. During the year I lived in Chicago, I cannot remember doing any intentional exercise. I kept in shape from walking (no car) and going out dancing with my friends from the International House. Of course, you can’t get away with that so easily as you get older.

My hesistation begins when we start to call walking “hiking”. Woods can make me feel a little claustrophobic and nervous, especially if there is not a clearly marked path. And the presence of bugs, mud and the lack of clean bathrooms can make me a wimpy and whiny hiker indeed.

That doesn’t mean you can’t teach an old dog new tricks. Many people I love are into hiking and outdoor sports, so over the past few years I have made more of an effort to appreciate the beauty of nature. So instead of only hanging out in museums and bars our travels often involve skiing or biking or hiking. I actually go swimming in a pool now instead of lounge near it reading and hoping my hair doesn’t get messed up. This is progress!

I may take new outdoor activities slow at times but it has been very rewarding. I don’t want to let someone down or miss out when I see others having so much fun. A few things I’ve learned so far:

• It’s easier when you have the right gear – My parents bought me a pair of cool Merrell hiking shoes that have been fantastic. Jack gave me winter boots that have also served me well (and gotten a few compliments). I broke down and purchased hiking pants from REI that are pretty comfortable and not *too* dorky looking. I’m on the lookout for a few more items that are quick drying and wind resistant – qualities I have never before noticed or considered when shopping for clothing.
• Consider your fellow travelers’ athletic abilities, outdoor interests and comfort level and see where they intersect. This helps plan joint activities that everyone enjoys. Jack may want me to go scuba diving, and I may want him to take salsa lessons. Neither is gonna happen. But we both like hikes with pretty scenery, walking or biking on the beach, or relaxing by a fire pit outside.
• Beer tastes better after a hike, swim, pickup game, ski run, or bike ride.
• There are often big payoffs to getting out of your comfort zone. Taking a walk where a car can’t go, going ice skating for the first time in 25 years, trying to make it down that ski slope without a wipe out. Just be careful and use common sense.

My nieces and nephews on both the East and West Coast continue to be a great inspiration to me, and in recent weeks I’ve been lucky to visit with both. I love watching their joy at being outdoors and marvel at their energy. In the Lake Tahoe area, my niece and nephew led us through trees, meadows, up a steep hill, over snow banks, spotting tiny frogs and enjoying a trail mix snack on some giant rocks. And a few days later I was swimming with my niece and nephew on sunny afternoons in Hilton Head, developing a pool trivia game where a missed question resulted in a penalty of bucket of water over your head and shouting something embarrassing. My summer is off to a great start!

It’s never too late to rekindle youthful enthusiasm for a new hobby or interest. I still read a lot and love my cities, but believe in the benefits or balancing this with good, healthy exercise and spending time in nature.

Are you headed into the great outdoors this summer? Any tips for me?