Working out? No thanks! I have a hard enough time trying not to fall asleep after a long day in class. However, spring term is the perfect time to change that. Eugene is one of the most vibrant and active cities and offers a variety of outdoor activities.
On those beautiful spring days, nothing compares to a run through Amazon Park. Not only will you be running through some of the most gorgeous scenery, you can also find some very friendly people on the path. If you ever get lost or are not sure where to go, do not hesitate to ask for a little direction, and you may end up with a new running partner. Also, located near Amazon Park at 24th and Amazon Parkway is a large dog park, the perfect place to take your dog. I have been there several times and can say for certain that the dogs are friendly and well cared for, so take your pooch there for a fun day in the sun.
If you want a harder workout, try running up to Pre’s Rock, a memorial plaque that sits in the hills of Eugene that remembers the life and death of famous track athlete Steve Prefontaine. Although a fairly short run – roughly a mile long – it is on a steep windy road. If you start at Hayward Field and begin running east down 15th avenue, the road eventually bends to the right, and you take a left at Birch Lane where the work begins. Birch Lane is a fairly steep hill, and this type of workout helps you develop power and muscle elasticity, improve stride length, coordination, and control, and promotes strength endurance. When you get to Skyline Boulevard, take a left and continue until you get to the memorial plaque. Be careful, though, because cars tend to drive quickly up and down these narrow streets. You should always run with a partner not only because of safety issues, but also because your partner will push you to improve and do your best. At the end of this beautiful run, you will gain a little knowledge about the man who made Eugene “Track Town USA.”
If these two ideas do not intrigue you, consider hiking up Spencer’s Butte, a landmark with breathtaking views of the Valley and the Eugene skyline. The summit can be reached by starting your hike at Spencer Butte Park, which is located roughly five miles south down Willamette Street. There are three trails that lead up to the summit: Willamette Trail Head, South Willamette Trail Head, and Fox Hollow Trail Head, each of which varies anywhere from two to five miles. Spencer’s Butte is open all year long; however, the best time to go is on a sunny day, especially anywhere from late spring to early fall. Other times of the year can often leave the trails muddy and washed out, producing heavy terrain. Many different trees grow throughout the park, most of which are Douglas Firs, but the summit is bare and allows for a fabulous 360-degree view of Eugene. I have spent anywhere from an hour to upwards of four hours hiking the Butte. A great day trip to take with a boyfriend, girlfriend, or pal, you cannot go wrong with a day at Spencer’s Butte, and you will end the hike feeling great , thanks to a release of those magical endorphins.
Remember to take a snack with you when you are out having fun, in order to keep up your blood sugar levels and stay within a healthy caloric intake level. My favorite choice is homemade trail mix. I make it with peanuts, almonds, cranberries, dried apricots, M&Ms, sunflower seeds, dried bananas, and Cheerios. It’s an easy and fun snack to make and pack on my hikes, runs, or even to class.
So put down that homework, and get outside for a little bit of activity! There is nothing like some exercise to put you in a great mood. The Surgeon General recommends that people who are just starting to get active should do so for 30 minutes, three to four times a week. However, if you are a fairly active person, you should have no problem finishing that five-mile hike up to Spencer’s Butte. These three outdoor activities will have you active in no time and leave you with a rush of adrenaline at the end of the day.
(Credit: Lululemon Athletica)