Is rain a good excuse not to be healthy and not do my activity? Living in the Pacific Northwest, this hurdle comes up very often in conversation with patients about whether or not they can pursue healthy lifestyle habits. So is it a question of comfort? Is it a question of dedication? Maybe both or something totally different. Regardless, weather is a roadblock. I think it was last winter when someone brought this up to me after we discussed a huge jump in blood sugars over the winter months: “I bet you don’t go out in the rain! There’s no one out there.”

This morning was a great example. I have a routine Sunday morning which involves a nice long walk, and this morning, I wanted to include our golden retriever, and give her an opportunity for some serious steps. She usually jumps at the opportunity, literally, and calming her down is always an effort so that I can put my coat on and then the leash on her neck. But not today. I brought her out to the back yard and she was not happy about the misty rain falling from the sky. No jumping. I tried to put on the dog leash and she turned her head and began to walk away, tail down and with no eye contact. I tried to distract her, be super positive, approach from a different angle, etc. Nothing worked. I opened the back door and she bolted back in the house. I stood there for a minute contemplating my options. If the dog wouldn’t go, how could I brave this mess? But if I don’t go, I would be a horrible hypocrite and might as well turn in my license…

I have a confession to make: I am a native to Western Washington and I use an umbrella. This is not a popular stance here. For those who are unfamiliar with the cultural pressure of this region, I admit that people view umbrellas as a sign of weakness and being a rain wimp. On the other hand, so what. I use the umbrella because then I go for a walk. I don’t have to get cold and wet and it is so much easier then the process of putting on raingear. If it rains extra hard, no amount of raingear is going to help anyway, but the umbrella creates a beautiful rain free zone to hang out in. Then I do not have to worry about the weather tastes of my dog. I just go and brave the elements.

Yes it is work and not always satisfying. If the dog comes with, the aftermath is always some serious drying/toweling and maybe even some mopping. Then there’s the wet dog phenomenon, which is not pleasant. Hours later, the smell lingers. The dog would not leave the house today in the rain. I went for a walk though, and I even used an umbrella, and there were a few of us out in the wet…

Tips to remain active in the dark, wet winter:

• Use an umbrella and be empowered to move!
• Gortex boots, shoes
• Gloves, stocking cap/beanie, coat – stay warm!
• Listen to an audio book now that you feel ok using an umbrella since your headphones will stay dry!
• If you can’t do it, go to a local mall and lap, or my own personal favorite, Home Depot, and you can even bring your dog!
• Finally, just buy a treadmill and walk at home, and definitely watch a video of rain falling to feel authentic.