Get Moving: Experience the great outdoors

Gary Wilbers
Gary Wilbers

Where did the summer go?

Every year, we look for and anticipate the summer season, and, every year, it seems to go by faster and faster. If you are like me and you want to enjoy the outdoors during Missouri's good weather, you have to decide to create a plan of attack before the season gets here.

Don't worry, even though the summer season is ending, you can still get moving because the season of fall gives us a great opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors. I want to share with you three ways you can get moving and enjoy the beautiful fall weather of Missouri.

Walk-run-hike

Find places you like to explore like the Greenway, Katy Trail or Binder Park and take a walk, run or hike and enjoy the beauty that nature offers. Sign up for a 5K and run with others who like to compete while helping a local charity raise funds.

Bike riding

Get out and ride your bike on the Katy Trail and follow the river to see some of our beautiful fall colors while enjoying a peaceful ride. Ask some friends to join you for some social time along with your ride.

Spend time with friends

Since 1938, Harvard has been running a study that shows our relationships have a powerful influence on our health. Robert Waldinger, director of the study said: "Taking care of your body is important, but tending to your relationships is a form of self-care." My suggestion is to find others with common interests and create long lasting relationships. Why not enjoy the outdoors while you are enjoying those relationships?

This summer, our family was fortunate to enjoy the outdoors at Yosemite National Park in California. We were able to hike and go rock climbing in the park. We also went whitewater rafting on the nearby Tuolumne River. On our family vacation, we were able to experience the great outdoors.

The first step is to decide today what will you do and make a plan of action. Don't make it hard - instead, tell yourself today you will walk 1 mile and just enjoy the walk.

I look forward to seeing you on the trails this fall, be sure to say hello or wave as you go by.

Make it a great day!

Gary Wilbers of Ascend Business Strategies is a speaker, author and coach. His most recent book is "Positive Culture Wins."