As I type, the Cruisers and my MRTT chapter are trying to find a place to meet for our group run on Saturday morning. With 34 inches of snow over the weekend, crews are having a hard enough time getting the streets plowed. Understandably, recreational trails are at the bottom of the list for HOA employees trying to assist in opening sidewalks so school can resume next week.

My Ragnar teammate Debi, posted this picture to Facebook yesterday. At least a small part of the W&OD Trail has been plowed, but I’m afraid this is just a short section in front of one of the local schools. Many students living nearby use the trail for their walk to and from school, and I suspect the trail is clear for only a half mile or so next to the school.

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Without knowing whether or not we’re going to be able to get out for a group run on Saturday, I thought I’d suggest some ways we can complete a cardio workout even when Mother Nature throws us a curveball.

 

1. Probably not most people’s first choice, but shoveling is a great cardio workout, not to mention a great upper body workout. I actually enjoy shoveling snow. It’s one of those jobs where you see the results of your hard work immediately.

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2. If you have cross-country skis or snowshoes (affiliate link), dust them off and take them for a spin around your neighborhood before the snow plows arrive. Once your streets are clear, explore local parks and unplowed recreational trails for a delightful adventure.

3. If you have a treadmill, stationary bike, or elliptical, put them to use. Exercising indoors might not be your first choice, but sometimes it’s the only option, especially while the blizzard in bearing down on you. Mix up your workout by adding intervals to keep yourself distracted and entertained.

4. Try to find a clear path or plowed road with plenty of room on the side if the runzies are getting to you and you can’t stay indoors another second. If you’re running along a road, be sure that you can be easily seen and that there’s plenty of room for you to step to the side if a car drives by.

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5. If the roads and trails are still covered with snow too deep to run on, you’re stuck without cardio equipment, you don’t have snowshoes or skis, and the shoveling is complete, do calisthenics.  Make up a fun workout including burpees, jumping jacks, push-ups, squat jumps, planks, etc. If you have small children, get them involved. They’ll love it!

 

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Today I’m joining the DC Trifecta’s Friday Five Linkup with Courtney at Eat Pray Run DC, Cynthia at You Signed Up for What?!, and Mar at Mar on the Run!  Please stop by these DC area bloggers’ blogs to say hello; and while you’re there, be sure to check out other bloggers who are also participating in the linkup.

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  • Questions:
  • What are your go-to options for getting your cardio in when the weather doesn’t cooperate?
  • Have you ever cross-country skied or tried snowshoes?
  • Are you racing this weekend?

 

Disclaimer:  This post contains affiliate links which means if you click on the blue product link and then make a purchase, I will receive a commission for referring you. You will pay no more or less for the product; however, Amazon will show their gratitude for my referral by paying me.