Rain, Appointments, and the Tragedy of a Missed Run

Written March 5, 2025

Hello Dear Readers,

Today, disappointment takes center stage. Nothing earth-shattering—no grand betrayals, no existential crises—just a simple, frustrating reality: I have a doctor’s appointment, and it’s trampling all over my running plans. Normally, I outmaneuver these scheduling dilemmas by booking appointments on non-running days, but this time, fate (or, more accurately, my doctor’s availability) had other plans. And so, my run is officially benched.

At first, I entertained the idea of running after the appointment, a valiant attempt at compromise. But then, I checked the weather: gray skies, a steady drizzle, the kind of rain that makes the world look like it’s mourning some cosmic injustice. It’s not a storm—there are no dramatic lightning bolts to justify staying indoors—but it’s just annoying enough to sap the joy out of a run. I could still go, but do I want to? Not really.

The irony of all this is that I never used to care about running. Actually, I despised it. My wife, on the other hand, has always been an outdoors enthusiast, the type who sees a forest trail and thinks, adventure! while I see it and think, mosquitoes. Left to my own devices, I would have happily remained a devoted indoor creature, perfectly content within four walls. But the more time I spent with her, the more I found myself dragged—reluctantly, at first—into nature. Running, however, was an entirely different beast.

I started running for her. After my stroke, she worried about my mobility, my brain function, and my ability to move with ease. She saw running as a way to keep me sharp and strong. And because I saw her as someone worth listening to, I ran. Not because I wanted to, not because I had any burning passion for the sport, but because making her happy was reason enough.

Of course, she saw through that instantly. “What happens if I’m not here?” she once asked, with a look that could cut through steel. “Would you just stop?” She argued that motivation needs to be internal and that relying on external forces makes for a fragile commitment. I nodded along, pretending to agree, but deep down, I wasn’t sure she was wrong.

Then, somewhere along the way, something shifted. It crept up on me, subtle and unexpected. Running became less about obligation and more about, well… me. I started to enjoy it—maybe even need it. And now, here I am, feeling genuinely frustrated about missing a run—not for my wife’s sake, but for my own. Somehow, that motivation she kept talking about had rooted itself deeper than I realized.

Now, I sit here, staring at the window, checking my weather app like it might miraculously change in my favor. It doesn’t. The sky remains gray, the drizzle continues, and my disappointment lingers. But really, what’s the point in sulking? I could try to make up the run tomorrow—though that might throw off my Friday schedule. I’ll decide when the time comes. One thing’s for sure: next time, I’ll fight harder for a non-running day appointment. But if I have to choose between my health and my run, the run will lose. Reluctantly.

Hydration Hacks for Outdoor Activities: A Personal Journey with Kidney Care

Written on June 7th, 2024

Hello Dear Readers,

Yesterday was a successful day in my ongoing battle against the ever-growing grass in my yard. As I pushed the mower back and forth under the sweltering sun, I made it a point to keep myself well-hydrated—a critical practice not just for my general health but particularly vital due to my kidney issues.

Hydration is essential for everyone, healthy or otherwise, but it becomes even more crucial when managing kidney dysfunction. While at a rehabilitation center, healthcare professionals emphasized the importance of drinking at least 2 liters of water daily. The kidneys play a pivotal role in filtering our blood and producing urine. Dehydration can lead to a higher concentration of minerals in your urine, which can crystallize and pose risks to kidney health. Ensuring adequate fluid intake helps the kidneys efficiently remove waste from the body.

Living in Nashville, where summer temperatures often soar above 95°F (35°C), staying active outdoors requires strategic planning, especially given my health condition. Whether running my regular routes or tending to my garden, I pause every 30 minutes to drink water. Although slightly disruptive, hydration breaks are non-negotiable for someone with kidney issues like mine. It takes a moment to muster the energy to continue my task each time, but maintaining optimal hydration levels is a top priority.

Despite the challenges, my kidney dysfunction doesn’t deter me from enjoying and engaging in outdoor activities. It’s all about adapting and finding ways to manage my condition while still living actively. This balance is crucial not only for my physical health but also for my mental well-being. Staying active and outdoors keeps me invigorated and connected to the world around me.

In conclusion, managing kidney health doesn’t mean you have to give up your active lifestyle. With the proper precautions, like regular hydration breaks, anyone can continue enjoying the benefits of outdoor activities. It’s about listening to your body, understanding its needs, and adjusting to support your health. This means venturing too far with a water bottle in hand and always planning for necessary pauses that allow me to stay hydrated and healthy.

A Day of Mowing: Navigating Challenges in Our Hilly Yard

Written 4/5

Hello Dear Readers,

Yesterday brought its fair share of challenges and accomplishments as I tackled mowing our lawn, a chore that this week’s weather rendered more daunting than usual. Early in the week, the onset of rain abruptly interrupted my usual mowing schedule. Although I managed to make some progress before the showers, I was left with a substantial portion of the lawn unfinished. With the weather clearing up, I was optimistic about completing the task on Thursday. However, as it turned out, I had underestimated the amount of work left, setting the stage for an arduous yard work day.

Our home is surrounded by hilly terrain and a decent-sized yard that demands regular maintenance. The contours of the land add a layer of complexity to what might otherwise be a straightforward task. Mowing the slopes is not only time-consuming but also physically demanding. Yesterday, I powered through the work, mowing down most of the grass except for a few stubborn strips that seemed to evade my efforts.

As the day progressed, I pushed our lawn mower across the undulating landscape until both of our batteries succumbed to exhaustion. This left me with a partially completed job and a decision to make: when to finish the remaining patches. Considering the week’s workload and the forecast, setting aside additional time over the weekend seemed like a sensible plan. With its promise of clear skies and free time, Sunday appears to be the ideal day to wrap up.

Despite not completing the entire yard as I had hoped, there was a deep sense of achievement in what I had managed to accomplish. Though moderately sized, our yard poses unique challenges due to its hilly setting. The mower, propelled solely by my effort, becomes an instrument through which I engage deeply with the landscape. Three hours of guiding it up and down the slopes is no small feat. The physical exertion is palpable, and by the end of the session, I find myself exhausted yet invigorated.

On a typical mowing day, I clock in around 13,000 steps, transforming what is essentially a household chore into a vigorous exercise routine. The repetitive motion of pushing the mower, coupled with the resistance offered by the hill, provides a robust workout that rivals any gym session. During these hours, I appreciate the dual benefit of this task: maintaining the aesthetic of our home while simultaneously engaging in a health-promoting activity.

Reflecting on yesterday’s efforts, I am reminded of the importance of adaptability and perseverance in facing unexpected challenges. Whether it’s an unanticipated weather change or the sheer physical demands of the task, each mowing session offers a chance to learn and grow. As I look ahead to finishing the job on Sunday, I am not daunted but rather motivated by the opportunity to once again connect with nature and reinforce my commitment to my home’s beauty and personal health.