Here in the mountains above Boulder, winter has definitely arrived. Not only is the snow gathering daily in depth, but there’s ice coating the roads, and it’s been all I can do to talk myself into my daily walk. A couple of things have made it easier, despite the whippy wind and the sub-freezing temps.

First up are my Yaktrax. These lightweight, stretchy traction webs slip over the soles of my shoes and give me amazing stability on my icy up- and downhill hikes and runs. The company’s interest in footing also extends to its own footprint”Yaktrax purchases green wind power energy to cover all electricity used in the manufacturing of their product.

The second thing getting me outside on a semi-regular basis is my supply of organic almond oil. After applying my normal moisturizer and sunscreen, and before stepping through the door, I add a thin, protective coating of the oil to the surface of my face. It’s doing absolute wonders to prevent chapping without clogging my pores (or creating an oil slick).

Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, is the 80-something-year-old gentleman who lives up the hill from me. Every day, regardless of the weather, he passes my house with a cheerful wave and friendly hello, on his way to make the 3-mile circuit from his home to the Post Office and back (half of it uphill). He’s an inspiration to me, and not only because of his age”but because I happen to know he has a fully functioning four-wheel drive vehicle in his driveway, and still chooses to make the journey on foot. I hope that if I live as long as he has, I’ll still be enjoying my daily walk as well, reveling in the fresh air and happily greeting my neighbors. Regardless of how cold it is outside.

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