'Be a Trailblazer' with me and reap the rewards of nature
Editor's note: Digital and print marketing coordinator Katie McCollum may not be eligible for any of the "Be a Trailblazer" prizes, but she is participating to get an even better reward.
If you're anything like me, winter tends to keep you cooped up indoors. Stepping outside to a horrendous wind that stings your face? Yeah, that's a hard pass. As a result, I often find myself feeling the weight of seasonal depression. That's why I've decided to "Be a Trailblazer." As a Forest Preserve employee, I’m not eligible for any of the awesome prizes, but maybe the best reward is simply getting out into nature — that’s the true goal of the challenge, after all.
What am I going to track?
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My mental health: Research shows that cold weather can trigger the release of endorphins, and I’ve seen this firsthand with my dog, Gator. Every time he goes outside in the cold, he comes back full of energy. If it works for him, why not for me too? I’m taking this challenge as an opportunity for a mental reset. A walk through the snow-covered woods might be just what I need to refresh my mind.
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My seasonal deficiencies: Winter seems to bring a wave of sickness for me every year. Some nasty virus always seems to find its way to me. I’m hoping that getting outside more often, soaking up whatever little sunlight there is and staying active will help strengthen my immune system and fend off illness.
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My stress levels: From warming up the car in the morning to wrestling with a toddler while layering on winter gear, mornings can feel like an uphill battle. Add in shoveling snow and navigating icy driveways, and it’s no wonder winter can be overwhelming. But I’m hopeful that spending time outdoors — even in winter — will help me reduce stress and find some much-needed calm.
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My fitness goals: Did you know that exercising in colder temperatures can actually help your body burn more fat? I’m embracing the challenge to stay active and discover new ways to enjoy the season. One activity I’ve always been curious about but never tried is snowshoeing. It seems like the perfect way to explore nature while getting in a great workout. I plan to rent snowshoes at Plum Creek Nature Center and make a day of it. Another item on my winter activity list is the giant sled hill at Goodenow Grove. While my toddler zooms down the hill, I’ll get my own workout climbing up and down. I’m also determined to get back into running. Over the summer, daily runs became part of my routine, but as the temperatures dropped, so did my motivation. This winter, I’m committing to layering up, lacing up and hitting the trails.
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My gratefulness: There’s something truly magical about a snow-covered landscape. You can admire photos of winter’s beauty, but nothing compares to stepping into it yourself. It’s the quiet stillness that calls to me. I hope this challenge will allow me to soak it all in and fully embrace the beauty that only winter can offer.
Feeling sluggish this winter? Let's change that together by becoming a trailblazer! You can find me on Goosechase under the username “kclucks.” Not a fan of the cold? We've got tips to help you stay warm. If you want to join the fun, simply download the free Goosechase app on your smartphone. Search for “Be a Trailblazer” or use the code PQNL75 to get started.