Island Spring Starts

Ah, springtime on Martha’s Vineyard! Traditionally, it feels more like late winter until the late spring. Since my first spring on island, back in 1999, I can only recall one or two that came early. Though it seems like just yesterday, it was three Presidents and many moons ago that the island felt so busy, so soon. I have been a business owner for nearly ten years on Main Street in Vineyard Haven, and only in recent years have I really ventured out and expanded my on-island horizons.

After working at the University of Connecticut in the athletic training room and in the recreational sports department at the University of Florida, I returned to New England and found work on Martha’s Vineyard. While my profession is that of a licensed massage therapist, I also have been working at Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School as an assistant coach for the Cross Country and Track & Field teams. Now I begin another chapter as a blogger for Patch.

This blog will deal mostly with the pursuits of sports and fitness, with an island twist, from a personal perspective. While this first blog will serve mainly as my introduction, I would like to discuss a timely issue of preparing for the impending outdoor activities so many people pursue during the summer season, on the Vineyard and elsewhere. Yes, summer is just around the corner.

Yet, spring on the Vineyard is unlike spring in other places in many ways. The influx of new seasonal workers begins. The turnover of businesses and owners suddenly becomes more apparent. People become reacquainted after winter’s long presence has kept people indoors for far too long. The warmer weather also brings out the athlete that has long been in hibernation.

Most people on island shun the gym in winter, instead enjoying comfort foods and wood stoves. Aside from the diehard athletes that workout year round, the seasonal athlete tends to over-do it after winter’s long break. The extra padding gained over winter is made heavier by the lack of activity and loss of strength and endurance. Fear not, just use a little common sense and follow a few basic fitness guidelines.

First, you cannot go wrong by getting a physical before starting any strenuous physical activity. If it has been more than a few years, or you have had an injury or illness or any sort, you are due. After you get the ‘green light’, then you can begin in earnest. A good rule of thumb is moderation. Walk a while before running, cool down, stretch, etc. Too often people hit the gym hard on the first day and wind up so sore a day or two afterward, they give up before they even get started.

Relax! You’re on Martha’s Vineyard…get a Land Bank Map and plan a walk or hike that is easily manageable for your level of fitness. Take a friend that you haven’t seen all winter and chat while you walk. Even strolling through the downtown area of any of the busier down island towns will be full of old friends and new businesses to make the exercise more moderate and interesting. Before you know it you will have regained that spring in your step and not feel winded just walking to the Post Office.

Even after living here year-round for more than a decade, I have only begun to explore all that this island offers the fitness enthusiast. Hopefully this blog can offer a Vineyard angle on the many local things related to sports and fitness.