Get Out!

 

Snow can make a trucker's job miserable. It can shut down interstates. There will be times when it can leave truckers stranded for days. When I was younger, it was a sign of my toughness that I made it out the other side. Now, it is sign of wisdom (and electronic logging) to sit out the storm. It is winter. Snow happens. Deal with it. GET OUT!

 

Don't let the snow make your life miserable. GET OUT! Carrying a set of snow shoes, or cross country skis is easy. Remember when we were kids. It snowed. We played. It is a little different now. When you were a kid, you fell down. You got right back up. As an adult, you fall down. You lay there for a bit and check for aches and pains. You get up. You limp. It may not be a great idea to get into a massive snowball fight. You may want to avoid those sports that involve surgery.

 

That does not mean becoming a shut in. Put on a set of snow shoes. Try cross country skiing. These are low impact activities. They can help you burn off a few dozen holiday cookies. GET OUT! Find a trail. Go to www.rideandroll.me . Join groups like Truckin' Runners. Ask other drivers if there is a recreational area near truck parking. An afternoon, or an hour spent in a forest preserve can change your outlook.

 

Winter sports require proper hydration. Drink water before you go. We tend to drink less water during winter activity. That does not mean that we don't need it. Warm up with a hot healthy bowl of soup.

 

Winter means less daylight. Less daylight and the post holiday season can lead to depression. Exercise releases endorphins. Endorphins release happiness. Sunlight can raise your spirits. GET OUT! Go for a walk, or a run. Don't let winter stop you from enjoying life. Plus there is that best drink of all – the post winter activity hot chocolate with marshmallow.

 

 

Comments (6)

Jeff Clark

Jeff Clark of Kewaunee, WI has been driving a truck for 24 years. He has been an owner operator for 11 years.

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Thanks Craig, we don't have much snow this year, kind of bummed about it.

January 25, 2015 0:45:35 AM

Very good blog Jeff! Winter certainly is a rough time to GET OUT. We don't typically get the snow but we get what seems like never ending rain which can really grind in the depression with weeks of not getting any sun. Sometimes it feels like it rains so much your car grows moss.

January 12, 2015 8:50:39 AM

Right, Joey! For me it is about finding ways to stay comfortable and enjoy it. Yes, there are days up here that you are just better off inside. Most days are tolerable, if you stay active and have the proper gear.

January 12, 2015 6:46:40 AM

Winter is a tough time of year for many people, especially our minds. The lack of sunlight is the biggest factor. I would increase my vitamin D if not already on a good vitamin and do like you said, GET OUT!

January 12, 2015 6:20:53 AM

Thanks, Linda. And today I ran inside. I got back to the yard at 5am. The temperature was -9F. Our training group was going to run 3 miles at 7am. I bailed and hit the treadmill for a 5k.

January 10, 2015 8:24:05 AM

Very nice pictures and blog Jeff.

January 10, 2015 7:50:08 AM