BRIAN BRAWDY PRESENTS WONDER.EXPLORE.BELIEVE.

SUMMER SURVIVAL TIPS

Summer Survival

Here a few tips that, frankly, most of us know already yet tend to forget once the temperatures climb towards summer.

1. Dress, don’t stress, for the weather. There is no bad weather only bad clothing. April and May spring showers may bring flowers but with winds blowing off the cool lake waters this time of year, they can also bring hypothermia in a worst case and at the very least a fit of cold shivers. Stay dry by using apparel and footwear that uses Gore-Tex for its waterproof yet breathable properties.

2. Go slow, build a base. Regardless of your sport, build an aerobic (heart smart) base. There is no long term benefit to pushing it too hard, too fast. Actually, you can injure your muscles, your heart and even your attitude if you push the limits too early. Biking, hiking, kayaking, jogging, whichever outdoor activity you choose is greatly benefited by the use of a heart rate monitor like the T6 from Suunto. It allows you to go just fast enough to build your aerobic abilities with your heart as the ultimate judge.

3. Consistency is key. During the start-up phase, stay motivated, use music and a logbook. I like to use a logbook to chart my daily progress in the beginning. Recording your time, distance and heart rate is a GREAT way to chart your improvement. I also use a TrailAudio portable music player with headset by Highgear. Fill it with your favorite tunes and it acts as the perfect motivational coach on those days when you can use a little extra push.

4. Stay Hydrated. 70% of human body is composed of water. Don’t forget. Staying properly hydrated helps your whole body run smoothly. The sun, the wind, even indoor air conditioning does a great job of dehydrating us. Watch for excess caffeine and alcohol intake and make sure to get a couple liters of fresh water into your system each day. I like to fill a ½ gallon jug, put it in the fridge at home or at the office and finish it by the end of the day. Remember, by the time you are thirsty, it is already too late.

5. TREAT YOURSELF. Watch your progress, be good and then “bad” every so often. I like to use a routine that is really focused on living rather than “working out.” There is not a single food on that planet that is bad for you; only the quantities make them so. If you stick to your plan all week, celebrate and treat yourself on the weekend. A slice of pizza or a couple scoops of ice cream on the weekends is a great way to fight off cravings and to reward yourself for a great week.

Wonder.Explore.Believe.

ABOUT BRIAN Conservation through Exploration Philosophy