Rowing is definitely over for the season here. The docks and ramps have been pulled out and stacked up by the boathouse, far from winter ice and spring floodwaters. Winter is on its way, signaled by not just the date on the calendar but colder temperatures, shorter days and snow flurries instead of rain. You might think that it is time to retreat indoors, but no, time to get outside again.

In a normal year we would get out the sweaters, book an appointment to have the winter tires installed, stock up on hot chocolate and red wine, and start perusing travel brochures and websites, dreaming of warmer climes. A pandemic year is hardly normal, especially as cases surge in Canada and elsewhere. Manitoba is back into a form of lockdown. Most of us are a little nervous and edgy even as we want to maintain what normalcy that we can.

When I first started writing this post, emails are circulating about safety protocols for use of the gym and ergometers at the boathouse given public health orders. I was ignoring them, not because I disagree but because I have not intention of erging.  Not my thing. Outdoors is my thing. Now we are in code red and the club is closed, as are all indoor fitness facilities. Looks like this year it will be everyone’s turn to get outside.

I don’t follow professional sports. But a recent opinion piece in the Sports section of the Globe & Mail by Cathal Kelly caught my eye. He was speculating about what might happen if fans enjoy going cold turkey in a nearly sports-less winter.

“Wherever you head’s at on COVID-19, you have probably baked in the idea that this is going to be the longest winter in history … You are convincing yourself that this is the winter you get “outdoorsy”. Those are air quotes, because you know how you define a Torontonian? Someone who has chosen to live in a cold place and cannot stop complaining about the cold.”

There are many other quotable quotes in the article. But he is right. So many Canadians escape the winter for at least a few weeks with a sun getaway, or in the case of retiree snowbirds, for months in their second homes south of the border. The assumption so far is that this won’t happen for many this winter.

Suddenly every vacation property in British Columbia is booked. Oh wait, there may be prohibitions on non-essential travel coming soon. Snowmobiles and cross-country skis are flying out the doors of stores. I know – I am trying to replace my classic skis and boots and it is not looking good. One store told me that they have already sold everything that would normally take all winter and some Boxing Day sales to clear. A second, equivalent order is mostly pre-sold. Note to self: the trails will be busy.

But I love it! I look forward to crowded cross-country ski trails! Yes! There is so much good about outdoor exercise, whether a walk in your neighbourhood, or heading to a park and a ski in the woods. Please, please get outside.

I tire of the complainers. I also recognize that this is difficult and each of us must find ways to cope. It probably is not helpful to have someone like me say, “STOP COMPLAINING”. So, in a positive spirit, here are a few tips for those of you not yet fully convinced, or who might find your resolve tested on a dark day in January when once again it is -32 with the wind chill…

Here are a few tips to reduce the reasons to complain.  If you wonder what crazy Manitobans do for the cold winter months, check out more ideas for when you can’t row.

• Planning … or maybe not. Set a time every day or at least a timeframe. I like walking early afternoon. It breaks up the day. A friend prefers late afternoon, early evening. The sunsets can be lovely plus as lights come on in houses, it is easier to see in. I prefer a run in the morning, between coffee and breakfast. Definitely in the daylight.
• Equipment. Another friend was complaining that her feet and joints were hurting. One idea is to mix up your footwear. Equipment makes a difference in skiing and snowshoeing, but it is never an excuse. I will be back on my old, slow skis which have lost their camber this winter – will tune up my waxing instead.
• Technique. I know, we all know how to walk. And what is there to running? To illustrate, at this time of year I always restart a running, okay jogging, okay barely above a fast walk routine. I am not a natural runner and struggle to get past “it hurts”. I decided to think about technique. Based on an article in Runners World, I stopped stretching before the run. That helped. I watched a couple of videos with Shane Benzie. I focused on a three-point foot landing and having my legs stay under my body and turnover. Better posture and looking straight ahead not down also made a difference. And what a difference! I no longer have reason to complain.

See you outside!