Let’s start 2025 by focusing on our new year’s fitness resolutions and turning them into achievable goals to help us look and feel our very best.
We all face many challenges in our day-to-day life cycle, and it’s important to recognize those challenges—and to take action to overcome them. For seven months, I’ve been dealing with two root tears in the meniscus of my left knee, and I’m still awaiting a surgery date as I write this. This has set me back tremendously with the level of hiking that I love to do—but looking on the bright side, I can still walk if I take it easy with things. I may not be climbing around on the tough, technical, strenuous mountain trails I love, but I can do some short, flat walks.
I’m learning the importance of being in tune with your inner self and, specifically, listening to your body. Yes, our body speaks to us, but we often don’t hear or listen (or at least I don’t). We’ve all heard the term “mind over body,” but we may not realize that the mind and body are interconnected and constantly influencing each other. So just when you think you can’t do something, take a deep look into your inner self, and you may find that you can do it. Don’t be afraid to set high goals for yourself, and if you need to scale down, know that it’s OK to do so.
I’ve learned to be creative in the ways I exercise now, and I still get out in nature and do what I can. Nature is healing; it’s amazing how giving a little time to nature can transform your health and well-being in so many ways.
I was recently invited to join a group hike at the Coachella Valley Preserve for people with disabilities, hosted by Friends of the Desert Mountains and SoCal Adaptive Sports. During this hike, I met a talented and inspiring young man, Ian Masoumpanah, and his dad, Bijan, a local artist. Ian is super-excited about hiking and loves the trails.
“The trails give me energy and make me feel enthusiastic and healthy,” Ian said. I saw that enthusiasm as we all climbed the Múmawet Hill Trail.
Aside from his passion for hiking, Ian loves music. “I’m a self-taught percussionist,” Ian said. He went on to tell me that he is an awesome drummer with his own YouTube channel. He’s has been drumming since he was a child—and music feeds his soul!
After the hike, I spoke with Michael Rosenkrantz, executive director and founder of SoCal Adaptive Sports. The organization goes to extraordinary lengths to engage with athletes dealing with a disability, and their families, meeting them where they are in their life journey. SoCal Adaptive Sports has partnered with many local organizations, including Friends of the Desert Mountains for hiking; they also do adaptive archery, golf, tennis, bowling, ice skating and hockey at the Berger Foundation Iceplex. They even go sailing in San Diego! Learn more at socaladaptivesports.org.
Don’t let your mind or body hold you back from getting out and exercising in nature and enjoying the beauty around you.
Mike said the group hikes are really good for Ian, because he is a “people person.” Ian is indeed amazing. We should all be like Ian!
Don’t let your mind or body hold you back from getting out and exercising in nature and enjoying the beauty around you. There are so many wonderful outdoor health and fitness events coming up soon, and they can help you achieve your goals for the new year. Here are a few:
• Don’t miss the Palm Springs Health Run and Wellness Festival, at 8 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 25. It’s a 5K and 10K (both USA Track and Field-certified), with a 1K fun run (which is free for kids 12 and younger). There will be a fitness expo featuring many health and wellness vendors showcasing the latest in nutrition and exercise techniques, along with information about the KESQ News Channel 3 Food Challenge, a LifeStream Blood Bank Drive, a rock-climbing wall, walk-on-water and aerial performers, and more. This child- and pet-friendly event will take place at Ruth Hardy Park, 700 Tamarisk Road, in Palm Springs. Learn more and register at www.palmspringshealthrun.com.
• Register now for the Palm Desert Half Marathon and 5K on Sunday, Feb. 16. The half-marathon will kick off at 7 a.m., and the 5K will start at 7:30 a.m. There is a 1K run for kids 4-13 years old at 10 a.m. All festivities take place at the Civic Center Park, 43900 San Pablo Ave. Half-marathon and 5K participants will receive a snazzy long-sleeve technical race shirt, a finisher’s medal and post-race grub. Participants 21 and older can grab a free beer at the post-race beer garden; 1K kids’ race participants will receive a bib, finisher medal and post-race grub. Register and learn more at www.palmdeserthalfmarathon.com.
• Start your day with a trail run/walk at the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument at 8 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 22. Join Friends of the Desert Mountains as they host the run-walk-hike on desert land that celebrates wildflowers, wellness and wildlands. Friends of the Desert Mountains is celebrating 38 years of conservation in the Coachella Valley, and your participation will help them continue saving our desert. Wear trail running shoes or hiking boots for this 2.5-mile run/walk that starts on the Randall Henderson Trail, located just off Highway 74. All ages are welcome, but no dogs or strollers are allowed on the trail. The entrance fee is $35 per person and includes a T-shirt for those who sign up prior to Feb 1; after that, registration is $40. Kids 12 and younger can register for free, but this does not include a T-shirt. Register and get more details at www.desertmountains.org/event/2025-wildflower-trail-run-walk.
Save the date! On Saturday, March 1, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Friends of the Desert Mountains’ annual Coachella Valley Wildflower Festival takes place at Palm Desert Civic Center Park. This great event is free for all ages and helps promote education, environmental stewardship, land conservancy and an appreciation of the beautiful surrounding desert mountains. Learn more at www.desertmountains.org/event/the-coachella-valley-wildflower-festival.
Edited on Dec. 26 to clarify that SoCal Adaptive Sports works with athletes with all disabilities.
