The calendar says it’s summer so here are some fun summer finds for you! I am linking up with Courtney at Eat, Pray, Run DC, Cynthia at You Signed Up for What and Mar at Mar on the Run for their weekly linkup. Each Friday, they host a link up — a “Friday Five.” This week’s topic is fun summer activities.
1. Go somewhere new! Summer is a great time to take a break and explore. The Husband and I booked a 6 day trip to Colombia. We don’t have specific plans yet, but are super excited to check out a new place. A quick look at Viator suggests paragliding (no way!), gondola (yes, please), local food and farmer’s market tour (yes, please) and a Pablo Escobar tour (yup, that’s for me). I am also doing a 26.2 mile foot tour in Duluth, MI next weekend. I have never been there either. If you are looking for a fun last minute escape, don’t miss my travel tips in this post. Where are you headed this summer? Near or far, try somewhere new!
2. Take a hike or check out “rails to trails” – We are super excited here in Chicago as the 606 has finally opened! The trail connects the Logan Square, Humboldt Park, Bucktown and Wicker Park neighborhoods. Many neighborhood groups and non-profits worked together for a decade and turned the idea for a trail into a park and trail system to connect four Chicago neighborhoods and create innovative park space for thousands of residents and visitors alike. Find trails near you with Trail Link from the Rails to Trails Conservancy. They even have an app! There are 69 trails in and around the Chicagoland area alone and TONS all across the country.
3. Check out your local farmers market and make a picnic! I am super excited for the Green City Market season. We already have out long run group ending whenever possible at the Lincoln Park Market (after coffee at Elaine’s of course). Check out Local Harvest to find farms and farmers markets near you (or wherever you are this summer!) Check out Farmers Market tips from Finds’ fave naturopath physician Kelly Simms in this post, too.
4. Try a new sport – Ever wanted to try Stand Up Paddleboarding or mountain biking or yoga or sailing? Now’s the time. There are tons of great ways to have fun and stay fit in the summer time. Don’t want to invest before you know you like a new sport? Check out Groupon or Gilt City for deals/trials and REI also offers classes and trials. What do you want to try this summer?
5. Run a race – try a new distance, a trail run or even an ultra! There is nothing like signing up for a race to kick things into gear with running. If you are just starting out, check out Couch to 5k (there is an app, too! Definitely worth $1.99) or join a beginner running group at your local running store. For seasoned runners, I recommend a trail race, a back to back race weekend or maybe even (never say never) and ultra. Want to try the ultra I did last summer? Check out the Christmas in July races in Lisle, IL on July 17 and 18. Get 10% off on any race (5K, 10K, 6 hour, 12 hour or 24 hour race) with code ERICAPROMO10. They have a ton of swag, fun awards, great support and kids races are free. I will be doing a giveaway on the blog soon – so stay tuned.
What are your favorite summer time activities? Please tell me about them in the comments.
Have a great weekend!
PS. Don’t forget my great giveaways!