Written January 6, 2025
Hello Dear Readers,
Guess what? Nashville woke up to a winter wonderland today! My wife, the early bird that she is, returned from her morning run and casually dropped, “Oh, it’s snowing outside.” That’s how my day began. I had checked the forecast last night and already started dreading today’s run. Snow and ice might be picturesque, but they’re not exactly a runner’s best friends—unless you enjoy the risk of turning your jog into an impromptu figure skating routine.
Now, while I was contemplating excuses to skip my run, my wife, ever the snow enthusiast, was soaking up the magic outside. She adores the way snow transforms our backyard, which comes with its own tiny forest. Today, the trees wore a perfect frosting of snow, and I’ll admit, it looked straight out of a postcard. It’s moments like these that make me appreciate working from home. If we were still braving daily commutes, I doubt I’d find this snowfall quite so charming.
Still, snow isn’t all beauty and poetry. It’s also uncertain. The freezing cold? Manageable with layers. Slippery roads? A different story. I told myself I’d assess the situation after grabbing my second cup of coffee. If the roads look like an ice rink or snow continues to fall, I’ll declare it a no-run day. Safety first, right?
This isn’t my first snowy rodeo. A few years back, we had a massive snowstorm right around Christmas Eve. My wife and I decided to deliver little gifts to our neighbors, braving the icy sidewalks on foot. Even walking felt like a gamble. It was beautiful, yes, but also a reminder that winter weather demands respect—or at least sturdy boots.
Do I feel a twinge of guilt about skipping a run so early in the year? Of course. There’s a certain pressure that comes with January and all its shiny new resolutions. But let’s be realistic—falling and breaking something would mean missing out on way more runs, not to mention the general inconvenience of being injured. So, I’m calling it a strategic decision. One missed run now to avoid a month of no running? That’s a trade-off I can live with.
Besides, let’s not pretend I was leaping out of bed with enthusiasm this morning. The truth is, I was dreading this run even before the snow arrived. In a way, the weather gave me an excuse wrapped in a bow—or maybe a flake.
And hey, while I can’t control the weather (still waiting on that superpower), I can control my choices. Today’s choice? Enjoy the snowy view from indoors, savor another cup of coffee, and keep my bones intact for another day. To all my fellow runners—or fellow coffee drinkers—stay safe and cozy out there. Whether you’re braving the trails or embracing the couch, winter’s charm is best enjoyed on your terms.