Monthly Update - A Series

The official hiking season is over.  Weeks of typical Colorado winter weather...if there is such a thing as typical weather in Colorado...are ahead.  For some, that means spending more time indoors, and a less active schedule.  That can be the beginning of a winter of lower expectations and little motivation.

Negotiating deep powder at Vail.

At the first sign of being less motivated, change gears...think about what you can do to keep the body in 'Active mode' until spring arrives.

The key is to find a method of making a smooth transition from one indoor/outdoor exercise routine to another. 

As we age, it can be more difficult to move from season to season, while maintaining an exercise plan.  Stuff happens to derail us from what we had planned to do, i.e. relocating our place of residence, pre-planned holiday travel/vacation, unexpected loss of a spouse or other family member, diagnosis of a disease, or unexpected accident.

On Sandbeach Lake trail (RMNP).

Although it may be difficult to plan a transition this time of year, it's important to understand how critical it is to push through any thoughts of doubt.  Remember that remaining active in winter is important to ones mental and physical health.

Over the next few months, this blog will have a series of articles relating to healthy winter habits.  Among the topics covered:

• Highlights from monthly ACAA Citizens Advisory Council meetings, as reported by fellow HCH member, Mary Kay Ryan.
• Information on upcoming downhill, Xcountry, and snowshoe trips sponsored by Denver Parks and Rec., Englewood rec. Center (Malley), and ACAA.

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  We begin the series with notes from the December meeting of the ACAA Advisory Council.

• ACAA will close at 6 p.m. December 22, 23, 26, 29, 30 and 31.  It will be closed December 19, 24, 25, and January 1.

• Day Tripper Spring Social is Friday, January 9, from 9 to 11 a.m.

• New to Medicare:  Thursday, January 15, 10 to 11 a.m.

• Questions about your Meds.:  Tuesday, January 13, 10 to 11 a.m.

• Hip Pain:  Tuesday, January 20, 10 to 11 a.m.

• Ruth Buchheit, ACAA Staff Supervisor, retired Friday, December 19th., after 15 years service.

Snowshoeing is great fun.

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 Upcoming Day Trips in January:  NOTE, Nordic centers and ski resorts have gear rentals on site.  Those who do not have skis or snowshoes will be required to either borrow gear or rent them prior to the scheduled trip.

Ingrid and Betty 

Cost:  Englewood (Malley) - $19/person, non-resident/ $16 resident
           Ask for Tara Micheli (303) 762-2660

          Denver Parks and Rec.  - $20/person
           Ask for Skylar Ruggles (720) 865-0680

          ACAA - $31/person, non-resident/$24 resident
          Front Desk (303)739-7950

Remember resorts/Nordic centers will have ski and snowshoe rentals.  Other trips, you are responsible for all gear.

• Tuesday, Jan. 6:  Malley will go to Keystone Resort for downhill skiing and Keystone Nordic Center for those who enjoy Xcountry and snowshoeing.

• Tuesday, January 13:  ACAA plans a day trip to Sprague Lake.  This will be for Xcountry and snowshoeing.

• Wednesday, January 14: Denver P&R will also go to Sprague Lake for the day.  This trip is for Xcountry and snowshoeing.

• Thursday, January 15: Malley plans a day at Copper Mountain for downhillers, and Frisco Nordic Center for Xcoutry and snowshoeing.

• Tuesday, January 20:  Malley plans a trip to Winter Park resort for downhillers, and Snow Mountain Ranch Resort for Xcountry and snowshoeing.

• Wednesday, January 21:  Denver P&R plans a trip to Wild Basin in RMNP.  This is for Xcountry and snowshoeing.

• Tuesday, January 27:  ACAA plans a trip to Caribou Ranch.  This is for Xcountry and snowshoeing.

Snowshoes await their next trip out...Gold Run Nordic Center, Breckenridge.