Today, my wife received a book she had eagerly ordered, and the excitement on her face was unmistakable as soon as I handed it to her. The book in question is Save The Cat! by Blake Snyder, a highly regarded guide in storytelling. She’s been diligently studying how to craft a compelling narrative, dreaming of publishing her own novel one day. This book is another step in her journey toward that goal.
Save The Cat! isn’t just any book on writing; it’s known for offering a structured approach to storytelling that has proven successful across different media. While it doesn’t provide a cookie-cutter formula that fits every novel, it does offer a framework that can be adapted to various genres. We discovered that some Japanese manga companies encourage their authors to adopt a similar structured style. This approach makes it easier to adapt their stories into other formats, like dramas, movies, or anime. The idea of writing with such flexibility in mind is something my wife finds particularly fascinating as she considers how her future work could transcend traditional formats.
In addition to exploring Save The Cat!, my wife and I often find ourselves engrossed in the ‘Writing Excuses’ podcast hosted by Brandon Sanderson and a group of other talented authors. The podcast is a treasure trove of insights into the craft of writing, and it’s where we first started deepening our understanding of storytelling. We’re both huge fans of Brandon Sanderson’s books, which is what initially drew us to the podcast. The episodes are rich with practical advice, lively discussions, and expert opinions on various aspects of writing—from character development to world-building.
For my wife, the podcast has become more than just a source of inspiration. She sees it as a vital tool for learning not just how to write but also how to read critically. Although her primary focus is on nonfiction, the podcast has helped her analyze the books she reads with a more discerning eye. This analytical approach is something she applies to her own writing, using the lessons learned from fiction to enhance her nonfiction work.
I’m particularly intrigued by Save The Cat! because it presents a clear and practical structure for creating engaging stories. The method Snyder outlines has been used successfully by countless writers, not just in novels but in screenplays and other forms of storytelling. As someone who also aspires to write a book one day, I believe this resource could be instrumental in helping us both achieve our writing goals.
In our shared journey toward becoming published authors, every tool and piece of advice we gather brings us closer to realizing our dreams. Save The Cat! feels like a significant addition to our writer’s toolkit, and I’m excited to see how it will influence our work in the future.
My English could have been better when I first arrived in North America. I had passed the TOEFL exam well enough to enter a Canadian university, but my reading skills needed to improve. In my first year, I often had to read my textbooks five times with a dictionary to keep up with my coursework.
Reading has been a passion of mine since childhood. Back then, it was hard to find Japanese books in Canada, so I had no choice but to read English books.
I would be lying if I said it was easy. It was nothing but frustration. It took me trial and error to improve my English. I was desperate to satisfy my reading needs. With patience, I eventually reached a point where I could read English as if I were reading in Japanese.
I know that foreign books are more accessible online in North America nowadays. You can even get a translator for your web reading.
Reading books has many benefits, and so many books are written in English. Suppose you want to learn to read books in English as a second language. In that case, I have something to share about my learning experience. Today, I want to talk about how I improved my English reading skills.
Reading but Not Understanding
In my first year, no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t fully grasp the stories I read. It gets more complicated to read novels. Unlike textbooks, Novels follow a relaxed format, making them more challenging for me to understand than academic papers.
A novel contains plots to create a story. A book has many components, such as a theme, characters, symbolism, etc., to create a story. Each of these components is connected to understanding a story you are reading. Unfortunately, I spent so much energy deciphering each word that I couldn’t spare any mental capacity to connect these components or to visualize a story. The book was full of English words I understood individually with the help of a dictionary. Still, I could not piece them together into a coherent narrative.
Then there were phrases like “cat got your tongue,” which made me think my book had turned into a horror story. It took me a while to understand these kinds of expressions. Such informal idioms aren’t used in Japanese to describe someone being unusually quiet.
When you’re “reading” like I was, you cannot summarize the chapter you are reading. All my focus was on translating words, so my brain ultimately gave up on understanding the story.
I often wondered if reading English books could have been a better use of time. I struggled to comprehend them, which was a frustrating experience.
Interruption of Reading
Suppose you are reading a book way above your reading level. In that case, you will interrupt your reading whenever you encounter unknown words. I found I needed a flow of reading to focus on the book’s story. Looking up too many unknown words interrupts the flow. Our brains aren’t designed to multitask. Every time I looked up a word, it distracted me from reading. Although it was essential to look up new words, it took my focus away each time I opened my dictionary.
It did not help; I used an English dictionary, not a Japanese-English dictionary. My English teacher suggested switching to an English-only dictionary so it would force me to think like an English speaker. It was hard. Sometimes, I even had to look up the definitions of words in my dictionary. We didn’t use Google Translate or our smartphone to look up either. I may have given up if I wasn’t so desperate for books.
I was getting very frustrated at this point. No matter how many books I “read,” my English reading skills never improved. I am wasting my time.
If A Book Reading Is Too Difficult, Pick an Easier One
There was a turning point in my life with books. It was more like luck.
During a trip to Prince Edward Island, I picked up “Anne of Green Gables,” a book I had enjoyed many times in grade school. To my surprise, I scanned it without any difficulties. Encouraged, I bought the second and third books in the series and read them just as smoothly. This experience made me realize I had been attempting books that were too advanced for my current reading level, so I decided to return to the basics.
I began with books for elementary schoolers, such as Anne of Green Gables, Little House on the Prairie, and the early Harry Potter books aimed at younger readers. Having previously read these stories in Japanese was a huge help.
A friend lent me several books by V.C. Andrews, which were also relatively easy to understand. Reading multiple books by the same author was beneficial because authors usually use a consistent vocabulary, reducing my need for a dictionary.
Reader’s DigestWas My Other Alternative
Reader’s Digest was another helpful resource for improving my English reading skills. The magazine featured short excerpts from various books, perfect for people too busy to read full-length novels. These brief passages were ideal for quick reading sessions between classes on busy school days.
Since Reader’s Digest was for adults, I am still determining how much I enjoyed reading it. All I knew was that each was a shorter version of a book. There are a few stories I would like to read all the books for, but the library near my apartment doesn’t have them since our area is predominantly French-speaking.
Suddenly, I Was Enjoying A Book
I noticed that I was gaining vocabulary. Over time, I found myself reaching for the dictionary less frequently. The first book I fully grasped on my first attempt was Dean Koontz’s “Watchers.” The thrill of understanding it completely was so exhilarating that I read through the night despite feeling guilty about losing sleep. The sense of satisfaction was unforgettable.
At the time, I was remembering my childhood in Japan. My parents scolded me for reading books at night when I was supposed to be sleeping. I was excited. This was a serious turning point for me when reading English books. I started reading much more books. Importantly, I enjoyed reading them immensely. I improved my reading skills a lot faster after this point.
Being a student with a limited budget, I could only afford to buy a few books, so I often visited the local library. It wasn’t an extensive library but a welcoming place that brought me joy. I stumbled upon a series called “The Cat Who…” by Lilian Jackson Braun. I got hooked on Asimov’s science fiction.
It took me about two years to reach this level of reading proficiency after moving to North America.
Some Classic Books Were Still Difficult
Since I could read books for adults, I wanted to read some classic books. So, I tried to read James Joyce’s Ulysses. How wrong I was! It was all over again. I was “reading” but not understanding the story. I also tried to read Illiad, and I had the same problem.
This time, I start reading classics that are easier to understand or something I’ve already read in the past. Despite the significant roadblock in reading some classic books, I could still read classics used in high school. I read “A Tale of Two Cities” by Dickens, Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte, and Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. I think there’s a reason schools encourage students to read these books—they may be conceptually difficult, but they’re more approachable.
Conclusion
Here’s what I’ve learned from my journey to improve my reading skills: if you need help understanding a book, try something less complex. Just as skiing down an advanced slope is risky for beginners, and playing Chopin’s Etudes is challenging for new piano students, reading requires progressively building your skills.
Starting with books whose stories you already know can be beneficial. Since you’re familiar with the plot, you can focus more on language and structure.
Be patient with your learning curve. Everyone progresses at their own pace. Instead of measuring your progress week by week, consider looking at it over more extended periods, like six months.
Despite my passion for books, I have also struggled to develop my reading skills. If you are having the same problems as I am, I want you to reflect on some of the things I’ve learned. I know it requires effort. Eventually, my efforts made me get what I wanted: to read English books. I hope my story inspires others facing similar challenges.
I’ve grown increasingly adept at molding myself closer to the ideal version of who I envision myself to be. While I’m not going as far as Wayne from Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn series—whose complete transformation into different personas is on another level—I do take inspiration from certain traits of characters I admire and integrate them into my own personality.
The process starts with identifying a persona that resonates with me, someone whose qualities spark a sense of aspiration within. From there, I customize and adapt these traits to fit my own personal goals and the context of my life. This approach allows me to consciously evolve aspects of my character in a more directed and meaningful way.
Characters from books and movies often inspire me, especially those who are quick-witted, clever, and delightfully mischievous. While these traits are engaging and can be fun to emulate, there’s a fine line between being charmingly cheeky and coming off as tiresome or inappropriate. For instance, Wayne from the Mistborn series is a character I particularly enjoy.
I admire his mischievousness and wit. Still, his quirky habit of trading items like a half-eaten hot dog for something of someone else’s doesn’t translate well into real-life interactions. Copying him 100 % would not endear me to others. I doubt my wife would appreciate it if there was a half-eaten hotdog for a thing I took from her. Therefore, I pick and choose aspects of his demeanor that can be adapted to suit my personality without overstepping social norms.
These days, my quest for a clear role model has become more pronounced. Finding a single person or character who embodies all the qualities I admire would simplify the process of self-improvement. It would provide a clear template to emulate, a solid example of how those traits could be integrated into a well-rounded and respected individual. Until then, I have been somewhat like an artist, selecting different elements from various sources and attempting to create a coherent and attractive whole.
The challenge is to do so without ending up like a patchwork or a clumsily glued pot. It’s about integrating these traits in a way that they form a seamless part of who I am, enhancing my personality rather than overshadowing or contradicting the core of my being.
Hopefully, as I continue on this path, I will discover or develop a role model who perfectly aligns with the vision I have for myself—a person whose traits and demeanor I can strive towards holistically rather than in fragments. This search for a perfect model is not just about imitation but about finding a version of myself that feels authentic and fully realized.
One of the abilities I lost after my stroke was taking a shower by myself. It is ironic, but taking a shower is one of the private activities I enjoy a lot. For the first several months, I had my wife help me take a shower. I always wanted to regain the ability to shower, so I determined to train myself.
It took longer than I would have liked. When you get severe brain trauma, you will forget how to move your limbs. You suddenly feel like you are in a body that I have no control over. I had to be patient about it; it would be dangerous if I started to take my shower without being in control of my ability to move. Slowly, I started to regain mobility.
When I tried to take a shower, I noticed that some of my overcalculated versions of impulsive tendencies due to stroke started to creep into many of my behaviors. In other words, some of these behaviors suddenly overwrite my activities. I need to remember to do some clearing. I quickly realized that I have to be systematic with my activities to control my impulsive tendencies.
How can I overcome this challenge? I decided to use exactly the same method to control my other impulsive tendencies. I used a method very similar to how I trained myself to remember to do many things. I do a series of rituals in the shower. I must remember normal things are not normal for me.
When I realized and contemplated what I thought was normal, I gained the habit of anticipating what would happen throughout the day and deciding how I wished to respond. Believe me, when you don’t have your body’s normal movement, there are many anticipated events. I think about it a lot while I am showering.
Some people may say it is a mental simulation. My wife will say disaster or risk management, and I say that is my normal life. In some ways, my reaction was still impulsive when an anticipated event occurred, but it was at least one more in line with how I had previously decided was preferable. There were also times when my planned response was different from what I should have wished to do. Yet, I find myself with the planned response taking the place of the impulsive reaction.
My day begins between 5:15 and 5:30 a.m. without the jolt of an alarm clock; I wake naturally when my body is ready. To ensure I get the requisite seven hours of sleep, as tracked by my Fitbit, I aim to be in bed by 9 p.m. Sleeping less than this leads to a sluggish day, as I typically lose approximately an hour to wakefulness through the night.
How I start my day is essential—it sets the tone for everything that follows. My morning routine spans from the moment I wake until about 8 a.m., with slight modifications on the days I head into the office by 7 a.m. Nonetheless, I completed most of my routine by the 8 o’clock mark.
via. NightCafe
Harnessing the Morning Light With Early Morning Run
Running in the early morning has become a vital part of my daily routine, not only for the physical benefits but also for the incredible surge of energy it provides. Stepping out into the morning light, I feel as though it infuses me with vitality—an uplifting experience I only discovered after moving to Nashville. Previously, while living in Canada, my runs were typically scheduled during lunch or post-work due to shorter, colder days.
Nashville’s climate posed new challenges with its hot, humid afternoons, making morning runs a more appealing option. Despite the summer heat, morning temperatures here hover between 68°F and 72°F (20C to 22C), which is quite comfortable for running. Even in winter, the occasional freezing temperatures don’t last, making it easier to maintain my routine.
I was annoyed to wake up early to run. However, the benefits soon became apparent once I started running in the morning. The morning light, I learned, plays a crucial role in regulating our internal clock, or circadian rhythm. According to research by Walker et al., consistent exposure to the natural light-dark cycle helps prevent mood and sleep disorders. It can even reduce the risk of chronic diseases (pp.2 – pp.3).
Realizing the profound impact of morning light, I reshuffled my routine to include runs every morning. On office days, I limit myself to a 3km run. This adjustment has allowed me to enjoy the energizing effects of morning exercise without overwhelming my schedule. Now, running isn’t just a part of my routine—it’s a therapeutic start to my day, enhancing my well-being and keeping my internal clock in check.
From Movement to Mindfulness
Running isn’t just a physical activity for me; it’s a powerful catalyst for creativity. As I run, blood circulates vigorously throughout my body, enriching my brain with oxygen and inspiring a flood of ideas. This period of physical exertion becomes a prime time for brainstorming, often leading me to exciting insights and solutions.
Previously, I would listen to audiobooks to pass the time while running, but I found that it stifled my creative process. The audio content overwhelmed my thoughts, blocking the natural flow of ideas. One day, I chose silence over soundtracks; the impact was immediate and profound.
To capture the surge of ideas post-run, I immediately began journaling on my phone before taking a post-run shower. I realized the action of taking a shower made me forget the ideas I generated during my run. So, recording my thoughts became the priority. I use the Notion app on my mobile phone for its accessibility and ease. With just a few taps, I can open the app and log everything that crossed my mind during my run, ensuring that I can revisit and utilize these insights later, all without missing a step in my cool-down routine.
Roma Wasn’t Built In a Day, Nor will be my German.
Dedicating time to learning German is vital to my daily routine, though it might seem modest at first glance. On weekdays, I manage to carve out about 20 minutes, while weekends allow for a more extended study session of 40-50 minutes. Despite the packed nature of my schedule, these 20 minutes are a window where I aim to absorb at least one or two new words each day.
My approach to learning is structured: About 25-30% of my time is spent acquiring new content, and the remainder is devoted to reviewing previous lessons. This method ensures that each new information is reinforced and stored in my long-term memory. On Saturdays, I revisit the material from the last week, and Sundays are reserved for reviewing what I learned a month ago.
This rigorous review process means that most of what I learn becomes deeply embedded in my long-term memory. This gradual, consistent approach works best for me. Learning a little each day and accumulating knowledge over time proves to be more effective and less stressful than trying to cram and risking burnout. It’s a gentle, steady pace—much like a toddler’s steps—that leads to lasting progress.
The Power of Morning Journaling
After I take a shower, I start writing on Morning Journals. The morning journal serves as my mental cleansing ritual, where I offload the clutter from my mind. With this process, focusing on my morning meditation is likely due to the constant barrage of thoughts about upcoming tasks.
This technique was inspired by Julia Cameron’s book The Artist’s Way, where she introduces the concept of “morning pages.” I’ve adapted it into what I call my morning journal. Constantly interrupting what I need to be next prevents me from creating ideas. Not surprisingly, many of these are to-do items, reflecting my preoccupation with what needs to be done next.
My English professor used to tell me to try to make a draft without thinking about grammar first. Now I see her point. This stream of consciousness often reveals how these incessant thoughts prevent me from listening to my inner voice. They keep me tied to a routine, doing what needs to be done rather than what I desire to do. The routine becomes monotonous and controlling.
After journaling, I reflect on what I’ve written and identify the tasks that genuinely resonate with me—those that will bring me joy upon completion. It’s a small practice but has gradually led to deeper self-understanding and a more fulfilling daily life.
Organizing the Day by Crafting an Effective To-Do List
Immediately after journaling each morning, I transition to creating my daily to-do list. I select a few tasks from my morning journal entries and record them in a dotted notebook, which I’ve found more effective than the Post-it notes and Google Calendar methods I used previously.
Drawing from my experience in project management, I approach my personal tasks with similar strategic planning. For any project to be managed effectively, it’s crucial to break down tasks thoroughly, understand their sequence, and recognize dependencies and potential roadblocks—like needing your boss’s approval before proceeding. I’ve honed this detailed structuring over years of managing projects.
Once I’ve laid out my tasks, prioritization is my next step. I determine the most critical tasks and assign them to my peak productivity hours, usually between 10 a.m. and noon. I use Google Calendar for scheduling, which helps me maintain a balanced daily workload and ensures I can handle my challenges.
Not every day is perfect; sometimes, tasks remain unfinished. In such cases, my notebook becomes especially valuable. At the end of each day, I jot down “lessons learned,” reflecting on why I could not complete them. This practice is not just about record-keeping; it’s a tool for continual improvement, allowing me to reflect on my days and improve my productivity over time.
Ritual of My Short Morning Meditation
I have discovered that a brief morning meditation provides a refreshing start to my day. While these sessions are too short to yield significant physiological benefits, they are crucial in setting a positive tone for the day ahead. This practice began as an experiment in April 2024, driven by curiosity, and has since evolved into a cherished part of my morning routine.
Initially, I struggled to establish a consistent meditation habit and found it difficult to focus during these sessions. However, by scheduling meditation after completing my to-do list, I removed the distraction of pending tasks, allowing me to engage more fully with the practice. This sequence helps me clear my mind and approach the day with a calm, focused mindset.
Even when I go to our office, I make sure to fit in a concise meditation. This practice helps center me no matter the length, ensuring I start my day with a clear and focused intention.
Integrating Daily Study Sessions into Lifelong Learning
I dedicate 30-45 minutes to learning after my morning meditation. My approach to continuing education is broad and systematic, incorporating a variety of topics to keep my knowledge base diverse and current. I follow a yearly learning plan, which I adjust monthly based on my immediate needs or if an urgent work requirement demands specific expertise.
Holding several professional designations requires me to complete 30-40 hours of continuing education annually. My morning study sessions contribute significantly towards this goal, allowing me to accumulate approximately 100 hours of continuing education each year. This practice of learning new things not only enriches my professional skills but also energizes me, fueling my enthusiasm for the day ahead.
After absorbing new information, I take a minute to jot down key points on a letter-sized paper. This quick summary helps cement my understanding and provides a reference for future use, often proving invaluable for solving work-related challenges or everyday issues.
Lessons in Persistence Inspired by Ancient Wisdom and My Husband
The ancient Chinese believed that even the gentle drip of water could eventually wear through rock, given enough time. This principle of persistence resonates deeply with me and has influenced the development of my morning routine. While some may view my structured mornings as a sign of hard work, they are more of a commitment to gradual, consistent effort.
My husband’s journey has been a profound inspiration in this regard. After a severe stroke robbed him of his mobility, he had to relearn basic skills one small step at a time. Through unwavering persistence, he runs 10km—better than ever before his stroke—and has regained nearly all his pre-stroke abilities, including cooking and baking. His recovery has been a powerful reminder that small, consistent efforts can lead to significant achievements.
Incorporating activities like waking early, running, and meditating into my routine wasn’t initially enjoyable, yet I recognized their benefits for my productivity. I often started new habits in the past, only to abandon them when they felt uncomfortable. However, influenced by my husband’s example, I adopted a strategy of small, incremental changes, trusting that these efforts would accumulate and become ingrained in my routine. Adapting to include meditation regularly was challenging, but now it’s a seamless part of my morning.
By the time I complete these activities, I am fully prepared to tackle the day’s work or household chores. Despite originally being a night owl, I’ve discovered that an early start leads to a more productive, energized day. Due to time constraints, I often move through my morning tasks with a sense of urgency, which adds intensity to the process. This brisk start charges me up and creates momentum that carries me through the rest of the day with vitality and purpose.
Reference
Walker, W. H., Walton, James C., DeVrie, A. C., & Nelson, R. J. (2020). Circadian rhythm disruption and mental health. Translational Psychiatry, 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41398-020-0694-0
Life with my wife is always bustling with activity. Today, for instance, she’s swamped with work-related meetings stretching into the evening, nudging us to have dinner unusually early. Her work-from-home setup extends to four days a week, a decision influenced partly by my inability to drive since my stroke. We own a manual car, which she skillfully manages, a skill sharpened by her Canadian living, accustomed as she is to navigating snowy roads. Now, her driving duties include ferrying me around as well.
Fortunately, our residence’s location is strategic, just a stone’s throw from essential services like our dentist and general doctor, yet she still has to drive me to various appointments.
Household chores are a joint responsibility, but my wife takes on more demanding tasks like home maintenance or renovations, mostly on weekends. Despite her flexible work arrangement, her days are typically jam-packed. When she’s not buried in work, she’s either accumulating continuing education credits for her professional designations, diving into new languages, exploring technology, conducting research, or writing. Occasionally, she expresses a longing for more leisure reading time.
I’ve taken on more household duties to support her and tailored my schedule to sync better with hers. This allows us to enjoy joint activities like visiting the farmer’s market or spending quality time together. Adjusting my commitments has proven more straightforward and helps ease the pressures of her dense schedule.
Today, I plan to stick to my routine, which includes a morning run. To make the most of our time together, I’m committed to starting as early as possible, avoiding delays in my other morning rituals. While I’m on track, the day has yet to unfold completely.
Navigating life with my wife’s busy schedule requires flexibility, understanding, and a lot of teamwork. Each day brings challenges and triumphs, but together, we make every moment count.
Sometimes, life throws a wrench into our plans. Just this morning, a big storm rolled in unexpectedly, thwarting my wife’s intention to go for her morning run. Now, I find myself eyeing the gloomy skies with a hint of concern about my own plans for the day—yard maintenance. The thought of the storm leaving the ground too soggy for mowing lingers in my mind. I suppose I’ll discover the truth when I venture outside in a couple of hours.
This weekend promises to be busy. We’re planning another trip to the farmer’s market, a beloved ritual that brightens our Saturday mornings. However, this Sunday is also Mother’s Day, so our schedule is packed with family activities. Given the day’s full itinerary, I’ll likely have to forgo my usual weekly 10k run. It’s a sacrifice for family time, but one I’m willing to make.
The primary allure of this weekend’s market visit is undoubtedly the strawberries—a seasonal treat that both my wife and I eagerly anticipate. However, there remains a small detail I need to confirm with her: the frequency of our visits to the market. Though these trips are temporary breaks from routine, I need to understand how many Saturdays we’ll spend browsing through stalls so I can adjust my running schedule accordingly. Her plans will dictate how I manage my training days.
Speaking of running, I’ve found returning to my pre-vacation pace challenging. The speed isn’t the same despite sticking to my regular running sessions. My wife, ever the voice of reason, reminds me that numerous factors influence running pace. She lists body condition, stress levels, and even external elements like wind or temperature as possible reasons for the fluctuations. “Don’t dwell on the pace of a single day,” she advises, suggesting that I look at the broader trend over time. It’s comforting to hear, especially when I notice that my speed has gradually increased over extended periods. I want to trust her insights and remain hopeful I can hit the pavement later today.
As we navigate these little adjustments and prepare for the bustling weekend ahead, I am reminded of the importance of flexibility and patience. Whether it’s tweaking weekend plans to accommodate family gatherings or adjusting my running schedule to fit new commitments, the ability to adapt is key. Life, much like the weather, is unpredictable. Still, with a bit of planning and a lot of understanding, we can manage just about anything that comes our way.
It seems the weather in Nashville is in roller-coaster mode, fleeing from summer and dropping 20 degrees the next day. This sudden change has relieved some pressure to complete the pre-run parts of my morning routine. After enduring a month of 90-degree heat, I would certainly welcome a 20-degree respite. However, the drop feels more disruptive than refreshing after only a few days of 80-degree temperatures.
The abrupt shift in temperature is impacting my running pace. I am curious to see how much of my newly gained speed remains when I hit the pavement. How will the cooler temperature influence my run this time? I know that excessive heat slows me down from previous years, and I believe that today’s cooler weather is pretty close to ideal for running. The only complication now is deciding whether to wear shorts or pants.
In the past, consistent hot weather would slow me down significantly. The high temperatures would sap my energy, making each step feel heavier and more laborious. This recent dip to cooler weather feels like it could be a perfect running condition, but it’s a stark contrast to the heat I’ve been acclimating to. The rapid temperature swing introduces a new challenge to my routine.
The cooler weather offers some benefits. I notice that my breathing is easier, and my body feels less stressed without the oppressive heat. The sensation of cooler air is invigorating, making the run more enjoyable. Yet, the suddenness of this change has left me slightly disoriented. My body, conditioned to expect the heat, now has to adjust to the cooler temperatures. This adaptation period is crucial, as it influences my performance and overall comfort during the run.
Another aspect of this weather shift is the decision of what to wear. On hot days, the choice is straightforward: shorts and a light shirt. But with the temperature dropping, the decision becomes more complex. Wearing pants might keep me warm initially but become uncomfortable as my body heats up during the run. Conversely, shorts might initially leave me feeling too cold but more comfortable as I progress. This dilemma is a small but significant part of how I approach my running routine.
Ultimately, these temperature fluctuations remind me of the importance of adaptability in my fitness journey. While the weather can be unpredictable, finding ways to adjust and maintain my routine is key. I look forward to seeing how this cooler spell influences my run today. Whether it helps me maintain my speed or introduces new challenges, it’s all part of the ongoing process of becoming a better runner.
In conclusion, Nashville’s unpredictable weather presents challenges and opportunities for my running routine. The recent 20-degree drop has been more disruptive than a relief. Yet, it offers a chance to adapt and potentially enhance my performance. As I lace up my shoes and step outside, I embrace the cooler air, ready to face whatever the run brings.
Sometimes, we might overlook something truly incredible because of our first impressions. I’ve been there, too, and I’d love to share a story about how my view changed during a family trip to the Keys.
When we first saw the mangroves, I’ll admit, I wasn’t impressed. They have these odd-looking roots that stick out over the water and stand in dark, shallow waters that don’t look very clean. I even joked to myself that they were called mangroves because they looked like a bunch of men trying to form a grove! It reminded me of the time I used to peek under rocks until one day; I saw a two-headed snail—both were a bit unsettling at first.
I was ready to leave to see something more interesting, such as a beautiful ocean. Then, my husband asked a simple question that made me pause: “How do these trees live in this salty water?” Honestly, I totally forgot we had been looking at the ocean until he mentioned it.
That question stuck with me for the rest of our vacation. When we got home, I started researching mangroves and fell into a rabbit hole of discovery. The only thing I can imagine is a plant-looking thing in the ocean is Kelp, and Kelp is not even a plant. I didn’t even know a plant could grow in the ocean.
What is Mangrove, then? According to the U.S. Department of Commerce (U.S. Department of Commerce, n.d.), mangroves only grow in subtropical areas or near the equator, like some parts of Texas, Louisiana, and southern Florida in the U.S. There are about 80 different species around the world, thriving in low-oxygen soil, brackish waters, and even the ocean. Their roots are super cool—they can filter out up to 90% of the salt from seawater!
I learned more about how their roots work. According to scientists from Korea (Kim et al., 2016), the Mangrove’s root membrane selectively pulls in chloride ions while keeping out most of the sodium ions at the first membrane layer. A second membrane blocks the chloride ions, so the chloride ions are trapped between the first and the second layers of root membranes. This setup causes the trapped chloride ions (Cl-) to create a massive negative charge, which attracts sodium ions (Na+) back toward the first membrane like a strong negatively charged magnet. It’s a clever system that lets air pass but keeps salt water out, making it possible for mangroves to thrive in salty environments. Researchers are even trying to mimic this filtering process through ionization to develop new water purification systems.
My research didn’t stop there. Mangroves are also home to tiny microorganisms that can withstand harsh environments and even help synthesize metallic nanoparticles with their special synthesizing pathway (Vaish & Pathak, 2023). These nanoparticles are being studied because they could be key in creating new materials to help with pollution cleanup.
Mangroves play a crucial role as natural barriers protecting our coasts from hurricanes, winds, waves, and floods. They also improve the water quality in their areas. I had no idea mangroves were so fascinating.
So, what’s the takeaway from this adventure? If my husband hadn’t asked about the mangroves, I might have written them off as creepy trees in muddy water. It’s a good reminder not to judge things based only on first impressions.
References
Kim, K., Seo, E., Chang, S.-K., Park, T. J., & Lee, S. J. (2016). Novel water filtration of saline water in the outermost layer of mangrove roots. Scientific Reports, 6(1), 20426. https://doi.org/10.1038/srep20426
What constitutes the perfect temperature for you? For me, that delicate balance of warmth allows for a comfortable run. Our local climate has recently been erratic, with an unexpected snowfall throwing us for a loop. This weather rollercoaster brought back memories of the year we spent in Vancouver, Canada, where the weather pattern was similarly unpredictable. During our time there, the mercury seldom rose above 21°C (high 69F), which my wife found quite astonishing, given her long tenure in Ontario, Canada. Personally, I found Vancouver’s (B.C., Canada) climate to be quite to my liking.
Just yesterday, the weather resembled those Vancouver days, creating ideal conditions for my run. It was slightly more relaxed, yet not so cold that the warmth generated from running didn’t compensate. This perfect blend of conditions pushed me harder, culminating in one of my quickest 5k times this year.
Reflecting on this, I’m reminded of the weather’s significant role in our outdoor activities, especially running. The right temperature can serve as a catalyst, propelling us to greater heights and achievements in our fitness journeys. Despite the weather’s fickleness in Vancouver, I discovered a climate that matched my ideal running conditions—cool enough to invigorate, yet warm enough to be energized by the effort. This harmony between body and climate made every run there memorable and fulfilling.
Running under such conditions is both exhilarating and motivating. It reminds us that sometimes the best performances emerge from the most unexpected circumstances. Weather, often seen as a mere backdrop to our daily lives, can, in fact, be a powerful force in shaping our activities and achievements. The ideal temperature is more than just a number on a thermometer; it’s a state that resonates with our personal preferences and enhances our physical endeavors.
As I reminisce about my time in Vancouver and the pleasant surprise of yesterday’s weather, I realize that these moments are not just about the runs but about finding a deeper connection with our environment. It’s about how a simple thing like the temperature can influence our mood, performance, and enjoyment of the moment. This interplay between the external world and our internal states is a fascinating aspect of human experience that adds depth and color to our everyday lives.
Ultimately, the quest for the ideal running temperature is a profoundly personal journey that varies from individual to individual. For me, that slight chill in the air, tempered by the warmth of vigorous exercise, creates the perfect conditions for running. It’s a reminder that, in the ever-changing tapestry of life, some moments and places resonate with us in profound ways, elevating our simple pleasures into cherished memories.
