Trying to find an outdoor activity

The past two months I have been hitting the gym and getting into shape. I feel better, I look better, but now that it's getting warmer I want to incorporate my healthier mind and body into an actual outdoor activity, further making this new found fitness a lifestyle and not just what I do at the gym for 2 hours everyday.

The problem: I hate sports. And by sports I mean football, basketball... any kind of organized group ativity. I like to do things for fun, and the competing energy in most sports puts me off... STRONGLY. I just hate them.

But what else is there. There's really no mountains here, no ocean or clean water, there are some state parks, but thats all I can think of. I live 20 miles outside of DC, so this is city and suburb country up here.

What are some activities I just might not be thinking of? How can I stay fit and healthy this summer and kept motivated, out of the freakin bed? I enjoy things that are not possible here like ski-ing or mountain biking, more like activities you can do alone or with friends.

My friends father has Kayaks but there's no guarantee thats going anywhere. I mean what can I do?

 

The Appalachian Trail is only about 70 miles west of you, why not go hiking? I don't mean through hike the whole thing, but perhaps section hikes. Most people have the gear you would use for a weekend on the trail lying around in their attic or garage. Spring break could get you from Front Royal to Harper's Ferry. You could train on the C&O right in NoVA/MoCo. It's amazing but no matter how many times I hike a trail I never see the same thing twice.

 

I'm not a big fan of participating in sports either, but I really enjoy walking and running outdoors when the weather is nice. It's cheap (all you need are the shoes!) and you can do it anywhere!

 

hikings about the only thing I can think of too It's fun and I always enjoy finding newlittle critters on the trail.

I wish I could go hang gliding or something cool. but I just gotta make do with what I got. Thanks for all the advice!!

 

I think the kayaking idea is great. I know that I worked a lot of layers of fat off doing that for the summer. I like to go walking in the water in general its great for the leg muscles. Give a work out like no other. If you can go in at leg level or at ankle level or try thigh level or heck I have even treaded along the water in almost chest level it works so many different muscles. I usually take the kayak out with me and string it along the behind me and tow it lol. Then when I get to the point that I feel I have reached my destination I jump in the kayak and start paddling back. Other than the kayaking and the biking what about tennis? You only need one other person lol. Or what about lookin in your local www.craigslist.org for people that like to do the things you do. I dont usually do these things alone its not really a good idea unless you carry a cellphone to hike around here or farther north of where I am. I have heard that people have been chased by coydogs. Not a good idea to go swimming alone why Kayak alone? I dont know its always funner with having a good buddy to go with. If you go camping you can always pack your gear that works the muscles just carrying the stuff. I always bring a back pack when I ride my bike and it helps keep my back straighter so Im not bent over all the time unless Im going up a steep incline LOL. Hope that helps ya out

 

Post deleted. Sorry, those weren't good ideas for folks new to the wilderness.

 

how about yoga? that can easily be done in a backyard or even a patio. just simple stretching can help you tone up for other exercises too.. (i really need to take my own advice here)

 

I've been into yoga and do it fairly often... I guess what I'm trying to look for is a fun activity that can be enjoyed with others. I did ulimtate fris bee once, pretty cool. I just wish I could get into something really strongly instead of oh yeah thats kinda cool... i guess it's all just a matter of motivation. I gotta kick my ass into doing something meaningful!!

 

good idea. well though out. just one problem. it tends to be harder to get into that state with others. We tend to conversate and what not. But will definitely try. good thought

 

After receiving a well-reasoned PM from only of the posters here, I'd like to retract my advice. I'd erase it, but it's already been quoted so that won't work.

Please understand that I wrote from the perspective of a 54 year old outdoorsman who's been "running the woods" since I was a child. On reflection, it was bad advice for someone with fewer years of off-trail experience.

 

i'm not sure if I should feel bad cuz i'm "just a kid". Or if your just so good your giving me too good of info it might make my head combust. lol. otherwise thanks all the same

And I did get it in my own way. if you meant it to be taken differently... I don't know

 

No, I meant nothing bad in any way, nor do I have a high opinion of myself as a "master woodsman". From your initial reply that quoted my post, I think that you "got it" very nicely.

 

Hey Crystal,

I've figured out something fun to do, and you don't even have to get out of the trail - man-tracking! Check out "Tracking: A Blueprint for Learning How" by Jack Kearney, and "Tom Brown's Field Guide - Nature Obversation and Tracking". I'd read the Kearney book first, since most of the time people are a lot easier to track than critters, then move on to the Tom Brown book. It's fun, it's kind like reading a mystery book and trying to figure out what's going on ... but you'd be outside in the woods.

 

Harpers Ferry is one of my old stomping grounds. Stop in at the Harpers Ferry Outfitters and tell Ron n Laura BooBoo says hi.

 

I'll have to find out where that is...


Thanks everyone!!

 

Also stop in at the Armory Pub for pint or two. They have great micro brew there I reccomend the stout.


If you don't want to deal w/ DC traffic(UGH!!!) you can take the train from DC to the station in Harpers Ferry. Go up the long flight of stairs that run up the hill next to the railroad car diner go all the way to the top look across the street and you'll see a stone building which will have the Harpers Ferry Outfitter sign on the balcony. If Ron and Laura aren't there the staff will be able to help ya find lotsa fun hiking activities. btw> My old house(aka La Petit Rouge) on Union St was something like 100 yards from the AT.

see www.theoutfitteratharpersferry.com the website has their phone # and email address.
they're located at 180 High ST in the lower town of the historic district.

There is free but limited parking near the train station.

Since you live in DC you're just 6 hours or so from Damascus VA where they have the annual hiker festival known as Trail Days which is May 17-20 notsure) I HIGHLY reccomend this fest as you'll met tons of really cool hiker pholk and you'll met my hiking phamily know as Billville(long but funny story). I'll post more info on here and on the Events and Festivals forum.

 

Wow. So you guys hike for like 3 days. Thats amazing. Definitely keep my updated. I'd like to meet more phamily in this area, and nature conscious folk It's always funner to plan activitites with others!!

 

Three? Hehehehe. I'm planning 5 1/2 months on the trail...

Three days is a vacation.

 

I envy you soooooooo much right now....lucky bastard, give me a thought everynow and then, i'd love to be there! Few more years....kids do get older.

 

On the bright side though my wife is leaving for a week in 2 weeks, at least i'll get to do some good day hikes/overnighters, provided mudseason isn't too terrible.....hoping for a few warm days to kill off the snow, few more warm ones after that to harden up the ground a bit