"Detroit Metro Airport" Flickr photo provided by Philosopher Queen
This is my favorite part of the McNamara Terminal at Detroit Metro Airport … the tunnel under the runways between A Terminal and B/C Terminals. The colors are constantly changing and they play a variety of sounds/music as you walk through. A very peaceful and relaxing setting in an otherwise fast-paced, hustle and bustle environment.
I was thinking of this spot on my recent trip back from San Diego. For two reasons – 1)what a peaceful and relaxing environment; and, 2)the people movers on both sides of the tunnel.
When we’re at the airport, we aren’t necessarily thinking about making healthy choices. We’re rushing from gate to gate, hoping the planes won’t leave without us. If we’re lucky, we can grab a quick bite to eat in between flights. There are some slight changes one can make to be a bit healthier on the runway…
If your connecting gate is a mile and a half away from where your landing gate is (oftentimes the situation at Detroit), it can be quite stressful thinking of how to get there in time. I usually try to put a bit of a cushion in my layovers. This way I don’t feel rushed and I can walk over to the gate without having to use the people movers. If your flight was delayed two hours and cuts off your layover time, use the people movers and walk fast. Unless the terminals are not connected, try to avoid the transporter. If you have to take it, stand up for your ride.
Airline Meal image from www.insidesocal.com/bargain/AirplaneFood.jpg
New airline food policy:
It was mealtime during our trip on a small airline in the South.“Would you like dinner?” the flight attendant asked the man seated in front of me. “What are my choices?” he asked. “Yes or no,” she replied.
Concerned about airport/airline food? Bring your own fresh fruit, sandwiches (without condiment), snacks with you. As long as they don’t have paste, gel or liquids they are ok through security. When through the gate, you can purchase bottles of water to sip while waiting for your plane. Once on the plane, you can ask for bottled water at no cost. Unless you are in first class, it’s highly unlikely they provide meals to you except for transcontinental flights. However, they do have some snacks and/or sandwiches you can purchase inflight. Delta, for instance, offers a nice fruit and cheese plate for $6. You get fresh fruit, walnuts, a couple different types of crackers and a few slices of differing cheeses. Not too heavy for a long flight and just the right balance for a healthy meal.
It is important to remember that while you are flying the altitude can lead to dehydration. Make sure to drink plenty of water before and after your flight and what you can tolerate during your flight.
Next time you happen to fly through McNamara Terminal at Detroit Metro Airport, take a walk through the tunnel…it’ll put a spring in your step!
I often hear the same question “What is there to do in the middle of winter, when the snow covers the ground, and there is a chill in the air?” Well, this past Saturday, February 13, I had the privilege to be a volunteer for the North American VASA Race held annually in Traverse City, Michigan. This year would be the mark of the 34th race held. Linda Deneen, who is one of the board members for the race, allowed me to follow her for the day and help out at the local event. Linda is a retired Licensed Professional Counselor from Traverse City’s Central High School and enjoys spending much of her time helping out and organizing local community events like the VASA. She has also been a participant in the race for many years, and this year decided to, instead, root on all her friends in the event. Linda organized a wonderful program this fall called, “SheSkis”, which is a cross-country skiing program that encourages women of all ages to get out and enjoy the activity. Another program she put together is “WeSki”, an instructional family ski program. Even some of the women who were new to skiing this year and joined her weekly program on Wednesday’s, “SheSki’s”, decided to sign up for the VASA and further challenge themselves.
The half way point for some of the race was “The Rock” location on the trail, so Linda and I drove out into the woods to go there and continue to cheer on the racers. There were also volunteers out there who had a tent sent up, and were supplying the skiers with water as they passed by. I saw many new – and neat – ideas. One was a volunteer in the tented area grilling bananas to give to the racers as a warm treat and boost of energy that they may need to finish. We walked on up the trail a little ways from the tent, and Linda made sure to supply me with a cowbell and with our bells in hand we stood with her friends out at “The Rock” and cheered on the racers to keep pushing!
The hectic holiday season has come to an end. Hopefully this means most of us can get back to our daily routines and put a stop to the insanity that has been running our lives for the past few months. Whether you where good or bad over the holidays, let’s make it a goal to get back into the routine of being active! It’s February, and with Valentine’s Day right around the corner, why not be active with your loved one! I understand you and your significant other may be at different fitness levels but that doesn’t mean you can’t work out together! There are a number of reasons to give it a try.