No Excuses
Happy New Year! Now that things finally feel like they’re getting back into full swing, I hope you’re still sticking to your 2013 resolutions.
If you made a resolution this year to be more active, there aren’t many excuses you can offer up this week for not getting out there and doing it. Even Mother Nature looks likes she’s giving you a leg up with this spring-like weather. The afternoon temperatures have been nigh-perfect for getting outside and enjoying the wonder that is a North Carolina winter – great temperatures and no bugs!
If you’re working in the Park, it’s even easier because there are 17 miles of pedestrian pathways and trails to enjoy and explore. The trails are perfect for walking or running and our handy map breaks down the trail into smaller distances so you can create a comfortable (or challenging) route distance. And, for the botanists out there, you can brush up on your winter dendrology skills (nerd alert!) on our paved Tree ID trail. The Tree Identification Trail is currently marked in the section between Development Drive and Kit Creek Road near Davis Drive; head out and learn what a lot of the specimens there look like without their leaves!
And for the bike enthusiasts, don’t forget about the RTP Mountain Biking Trail – a great technical trail for mountain bikers, located in the southern portion of RTP. It’s a moderately challenging trail that includes rock armoring, stream crossings, and ladder bridges along with an abundance of dips and rolling contours. (It also makes for a pleasant lunch-time walk or hike – just be sure to step aside for cyclists riding through.) Access to the trail is from the gravel parking lot located on Louis Stephens Drive near the new volleyball courts. And be sure to stay tuned for an exciting update about this trail in the coming weeks.
So get out and enjoy this tease of spring-to-come, stick to those resolutions, and be sure say hi if you pass me on the trail! And comment below and share your other ideas on ways to stay fit in RTP.









