In case you haven't noticed I am on a mission. I have decided that I am going to keep walking during the Billion Steps Challenge through snow, wind, cold, and hopefully, sunshine soon. And, today, it was cold. I am sitting here right now drinking a cup of tea. I'm about a hot bath and a warm blanket away from a good night's sleep.
Before today's walk, I thought about the cold weather and how we tend to hibernate during the winter months. In fact, that's exactly what I would be doing right now if it wasn't for the Billion Steps Challenge. I most likely would be sitting in my living room, in front of the fireplace, reading a book, and definitely not worrying about getting my 6,600 steps in today.
In order to get my 6,600 steps in today, I walked on the trail like I usually do. It was cold. I had my winter coat, gloves, long socks, thermal henley on. You can see some of it here in this picture. Yes, that's really me getting ready to walk in 37 degrees weather.
In the video today, I talked about the importance of staying hydrated in winter. If you are like me, you drink a lot more warm beverages and a lot fewer maybe "good for you" beverages. But, in the winter time, your body needs hydration just as much as it does in the summer time. A really easy way to tell if you are dehydrated is to look at your skin. Does it look dry and cracked? Do you swear you didn't have that many wrinkles in the summer time? If your skin is dry, it means your body needs more water.
Before today's walk, I thought about the cold weather and how we tend to hibernate during the winter months. In fact, that's exactly what I would be doing right now if it wasn't for the Billion Steps Challenge. I most likely would be sitting in my living room, in front of the fireplace, reading a book, and definitely not worrying about getting my 6,600 steps in today.
In order to get my 6,600 steps in today, I walked on the trail like I usually do. It was cold. I had my winter coat, gloves, long socks, thermal henley on. You can see some of it here in this picture. Yes, that's really me getting ready to walk in 37 degrees weather.
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| Photo by Jeanette R. Harrison |
In the video today, I talked about the importance of staying hydrated in winter. If you are like me, you drink a lot more warm beverages and a lot fewer maybe "good for you" beverages. But, in the winter time, your body needs hydration just as much as it does in the summer time. A really easy way to tell if you are dehydrated is to look at your skin. Does it look dry and cracked? Do you swear you didn't have that many wrinkles in the summer time? If your skin is dry, it means your body needs more water.
Water is super important for your body all year around. Not only does water help you stay hydrated, but it helps your body function properly. Your body is up to 60% water. That water is used by all different organ systems, cardiovascular, respiratory, neurological, and, yes, your skin (the integumentary system is considered an organ). Water is used in cell functioning. If you are trying to lose weight or get fit, you don't just need water to feel full. You need water to make sure that all the foods you eat are processed correctly and that your organs work in the best way that they can.
Have you ever felt tired during the day and you weren't sure why? Maybe you are dehydrated. Drinking water or other low calorie drinks (remember to rethink your drink before choosing sodas or other higher calorie and higher sugar beverages) throughout the day can help you maintain focus at work or even at home. You actually may even feel like you have more energy if you drink water. Really, you are helping your body work more efficiently.
If you drink water throughout the day, you will also not feel so thirsty or dehydrated during your workout or walking routine. You will start at a point of hydration instead of starting at a point of dehydration. I don't know about you, but if I don't stay hydrated after exercise, I will get really tired and also get a headache. I actually learned from one of my students that sometimes the reason you get a headache is just that you need a glass of water. I tried this, and it worked! That just goes to show that everyone can learn something from everybody.
I hope you have a great week and really keep up with your walking routine. If you are doing 6,600 steps a day, I am so proud of you. If you aren't there quite yet, but you are still walking, I'm proud of you, too. Every step forward is a step forward.
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