Tag: staying active

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Running Through the Chill: A Battle Against Nashville’s Winter

Written February 19, 2025

Hello Dear Readers,

February is nearly in the rearview mirror, but Nashville isn’t ready to let go of winter just yet. The city seems determined to keep us wrapped in layers, clinging to the cold like an overzealous guest who refuses to leave the party. And now, just to keep things interesting, the forecast is throwing snow into the mix. Whether it actually happens or not is anyone’s guess, but I wouldn’t put it past the weather to surprise us.

Now, I don’t mind a crisp winter run—cold air is invigorating, after all—but snow? That’s where I draw the line. My neighborhood is already an obstacle course of hills, one of which looms in front of my house like a miniature Everest. Running on it when it’s dry is a challenge. Running on it when it’s covered in snow? That’s not a workout; that’s an audition for an injury.

I learned this the hard way a few years ago. It was the day before Christmas, and my wife and I had grand plans to deliver small gifts to our neighbors. Simple enough, right? Wrong. The snow had turned the streets into a treacherous, ice-covered battleground. Every step felt like a high-stakes balancing act, and we spent more time trying not to wipe out than actually walking. Since that day, I have made a firm rule: running on snow is a terrible idea. The whole point of running is to stay healthy, not to end up in a cast.

That said, I’m not letting the cold stop me. I still plan to hit my weekly running target, snow or no snow (preferably no snow). Last summer was brutal—I struggled through one of the hottest seasons I can remember, dragging myself through heat so intense it felt like I was melting. But those struggles paid off. In November and December, I pushed hard to hit my year-end distance goal, and in the process, I did something unexpected—I got faster.

Now, every time I run, I shave a little more off my pace. I’m within five seconds per kilometer of my end-of-year target, and that progress fuels me. My wife is impressed whenever I show her my running logs, and honestly, that extra bit of admiration is a great motivator. It’s always nice to have a cheering section, even if it’s just one person.

Of course, I know not every run will be great. Some days will be slow, some will be frustrating, and some will make me question why I do this to myself at all. But I’ve learned that bad days are just that—days. They don’t define the journey. The key is to keep moving, keep improving, and not expect progress to happen overnight.

So, I’ll keep running. I’ll keep chasing my goals. But if the snow does show up tomorrow? Well, I’ll be watching it from inside with a hot drink in hand.

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Winter’s Sneaky Comeback and My Sore-Legged Recovery Day

Written February 9, 2025

Hello Dear Readers,

This morning, I innocently peeked outside, expecting to see the same pleasant scenery from just a few days ago. Instead, I was met with a brutal slap of icy air, sharp enough to make me reconsider all my life choices. The mild temperatures of the past few days had been a cruel deception. The tiny green sprouts that had optimistically popped up earlier in the week? Gone. Buried under the relentless grip of winter’s encore performance.

I swear, nature has a cruel sense of humor. One day, it’s all sunshine and warm breezes, luring you into a false sense of security. The next, it sucker-punches you with a reality check in the form of bone-chilling wind. And today? Today was the kind of cold that makes you rethink your entire relationship with the great outdoors.

Fortunately, I didn’t have to deal with it. Sundays are my designated recovery days, meaning I had no reason to step outside and voluntarily freeze. As long as I stayed inside my warm little fortress, winter could do whatever it wanted. I wasn’t participating.

Now, about my legs. After months of dedicated running, I’ve built up enough endurance that muscle soreness rarely visits me. So, when I woke up and felt that familiar ache, I knew I had done something right. Yesterday’s run must have been extra brutal because my legs were making their displeasure known. Stiff, sore, and just dramatic enough to make me shuffle around like I had aged a few decades overnight.

But soreness is secretly a good thing. It means progress. It means my muscles are rebuilding, hopefully, stronger and faster than before. Maybe—just maybe—this is the kind of soreness that results in a breakthrough. Perhaps next week, I’ll find myself shaving seconds off my pace, gliding through my runs like some sort of gazelle. Or, you know, at least not feeling like I’m dragging bricks for legs.

In the meantime, today is all about stretching. I’ve actually been pretty consistent with it, mostly because I found a way to trick my brain into doing it. The secret? Pairing it with planking. After every plank session, I roll right into some leg stretches. It’s a system that works suspiciously well, and since I usually plank multiple times a day, I end up getting in at least three or more solid stretching sessions without even thinking about a small habit, but a game-changer for keeping my legs in running shape.

So, while the outside world insists on being a frozen wasteland, I’ll be in here, stretching, planking, and basking in the warmth of my personal sanctuary. I’ll let winter do its thing, and I’ll do mine—until tomorrow when I have to lace up my running shoes again and face whatever fresh weather betrayal awaits.

But that’s a problem for future me. Today, I am inside. Today, I recovered. And today, I pretend that winter doesn’t exist.

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How I Stay Motivated to Run and Plank

Written 02/01/2025

Hello Dear Readers,

This morning, I decided to reward myself with an extra 30 minutes in bed. Not out of laziness—no, this was a well-earned bonus round of rest. When I finally stretched awake, my body had plenty to say about yesterday’s workout. My abs, shoulders, and arms all ached in that satisfying, you did something tough kind of way. The culprit? Three solid planking sessions.

Now, if you had asked me a few weeks ago whether I’d voluntarily hold a plank multiple times a day, I would have laughed and changed the subject. But here I am, surprising even myself. I’ve already checked off one session this morning, but I’m gunning for at least two. My ultimate goal is to conquer the elusive three-minute plank, and until I get there, consistency is the name of the game.

Speaking of consistency, let’s talk about the tricky beast that is exercise. Staying committed to a fitness routine isn’t always fun. Some days, I feel unstoppable; other days, my legs protest even the thought of movement. The secret, I’ve found, is to make exercise less of a chore and more of a challenge. Instead of dragging myself through a routine, I turn it into a game.

And this month? The game just got a fresh update. My running app has rolled out new monthly challenges, and I am all in. I used to be a gamer, so this setup feels oddly familiar—like accepting quests in an RPG. But instead of slaying dragons or looting treasure, I’m chasing down miles and racking up achievements.

First up on today’s list: a 10K run. Not only will that check off one of my monthly challenges, but it will also give me a head start on the others. The app typically hands me three major quests each month—a single 10K run, a 50K total distance challenge, and a two-month 150K challenge. It’s like leveling up my real-world endurance, one run at a time. As long as I stick to my own running expectations, I tend to complete them all.

For tracking, I use the ASICS Runkeeper app. The free version has everything I need, though the premium upgrade unlocks extra features. I haven’t felt the urge to splurge on it yet—partly because my wife and I already use the free version to keep tabs on each other’s progress. Having a workout partner, even virtually, makes a big difference. Some days, she’s the one pushing ahead, which inspires me to lace up and hit the pavement. On other days, it’s me leading the charge. Either way, it keeps us both accountable.

So, as I sit here sipping my coffee, psyching myself up for that 10K, I remind myself: fitness isn’t about punishing your body—it’s about challenging it. And the best way to stay motivated? Make it fun, set goals, and turn it into a quest worth pursuing.

Now, it’s time to gear up and earn today’s bragging rights.

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Running, Weather, and the Fine Art of Not Wrecking My Kidneys

Written January 30, 2025

Hello Dear Readers,

Yesterday’s run? Surprisingly pleasant. The weather was in that sweet spot—chilly enough to make standing around feel like a questionable life choice but with just enough sun to turn things comfortable once I got moving. It’s that perfect running paradox: too cold to stand still, too warm to bundle up. And best of all? I managed to beat my target pace for the first 5K again, which means I’m still holding onto my ever-diminishing speed goals. A small but satisfying victory.

Now, let’s talk about my body’s complicated relationship with temperature. Ever since my brain stroke, my autonomic nervous system has been a bit of a diva—it no longer regulates heat or cold properly. If the weather swings too far in either direction, my endurance takes a nosedive. Some runners struggle with pacing, others with motivation. I struggle with the fundamental issue of my body, deciding it simply does not approve of temperature extremes. It’s like a toddler refusing to eat anything but macaroni and cheese.

Because of this, I’ve been forced to become a part runner and part-amateur meteorologist. I check the forecast religiously, sometimes more than I check my emails. My weather app claims it can predict the weather up to 10 days in advance, though let’s be honest—it’s basically fortune-telling after a week. Still, it gives me a decent heads-up on what’s coming. And when you have a body that treats temperature changes like a personal betrayal, planning ahead is crucial.

Take tomorrow, for example. Warmer weather is on the way, which means hydration is about to become my new best friend. That also means my pace might start to slow because staying hydrated and pushing for speed don’t always go hand in hand. And here’s where things get tricky. I love progress. I love seeing the numbers on my running app improve. But I also love having functioning kidneys, and unfortunately, one comes at the expense of the other.

Dehydration is bad for anyone, but for me, it’s particularly risky. My kidneys already function at less than full capacity, so letting them get parched isn’t just a bad idea—it’s a potentially dangerous one. Pushing my limits is one thing; actively sabotaging my health is another.

So, if I have to choose between breaking a personal record and keeping my body happy, I’ll choose my health every time. Okay, maybe not happily, but let’s call it a mature decision. It’s the kind of choice I’ll have to keep reminding myself of mid-run, especially when the competitive part of my brain whispers, just a little faster, you can still beat it.

But in the end, running is about longevity, not just speed. And if slowing down a little means I get to keep running for years to come? That’s a trade I’m willing to make even if my inner speed demon protests the entire way.

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The Weather’s a Trickster, and So Is My Mind

Written January 20, 2025

Hello Dear Readers,

Today, Nashville has officially decided to test my limits. It’s the coldest day of the season so far, and yesterday, it even had the nerve to snow—just a little. But instead of sticking around like a proper winter scene, the snow pulled a vanishing act. Gone. No trace. Like it had second thoughts about being here, this left me with an internal debate: No snow means the roads are fine, so I should go run. But the air feels like it was imported straight from the Arctic, so maybe I should… not.

Cue the battle of wills. On one side, the rational me: You’ll feel great once you get going! Running in the cold builds character! Think of the endorphins! On the other side, the devil on my shoulder: It’s freezing. Your couch is warm. You could stay inside and drink something hot like a civilized person. The devil makes a compelling argument.

Nashville’s weather, I’ve realized, operates on its own chaotic logic. We don’t get those long, predictable seasons like in Portland, Oregon, where I used to live. Instead, we get extremes—either melting asphalt in summer or air that bites in winter. My body, thanks to an uncooperative autonomic nervous system, doesn’t adjust well. Before my brain stroke, I used to think my wife had the most finicky internal thermostat—too hot, too cold, too humid, too dry, never just right. Now? I am the reigning champion of temperature intolerance. The gold medalist of feeling the weather too much.

So, I compromised. Instead of heading out first thing in the morning like usual, I postponed my run. Maybe if I waited, the temperature would rise a little. Maybe the sun would be kind and throw me a few degrees of mercy. Spoiler: It won’t. Today is one of those days where the high temperature and the low temperature are essentially the same. In other words, cold now, cold later, cold forever.

Eventually, I’ll have to face the inevitable: bundling up like I’m about to summit Everest and forcing myself out the door. The plan is simple—hit my target pace for the first 5K, and I get to stop early. One hour in the cold, no more. If I don’t hit that pace? Well, then I’m stuck running the full 10K as punishment. My version of self-accountability: run fast or run more.

I know, logically, that once I start moving, the cold will be less of an issue. The first five minutes will be miserable, but then my body will adjust, and I’ll find my rhythm. I always do. The real challenge isn’t the temperature—it’s shutting up the part of my brain that keeps whispering excuses.

So, off I go. Because if I give in to the couch today, what’s stopping me from doing it tomorrow? And the next day? That’s how routines fall apart. That’s how discipline slips. And that’s not happening.

Not today, Devil.

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Freezing, Running, and My War on Winter

Written January 15, 2025

Hello Dear Readers,

Ah, procrastination—my old, frosty friend. Today, it’s teaming up with the weather as I wait for the thermometer to nudge just above freezing. Sure, it’ll still be cold, but freezing feels like the universal “nope” line. Good news? I don’t have to wait long. Bad news? My calves are staging a coup from Monday’s run, and my right knee is voicing its displeasure. But let’s be real. Neither is dramatic enough to get me out of today’s self-imposed “fun run.”

Speaking of fun, I’ve implemented a new policy: no hitting the target pace, no stopping early. Brilliant, right? Until you realize it means running longer than planned. Outside, the chill has zero festive charm—no snowflakes, no sparkly icicles, just a vast, icy wasteland that feels like nature’s walk-in freezer. I don’t remember it being this cold in the last five years here. Winter’s overachieving, and frankly, it’s rude.

Flashback to yesterday: I returned from my run absolutely frozen. Pro tip: while running does raise your body temperature, it apparently has limits. When the air is so cold that your body says, “You know what? Nope, you’re on your own,” it’s time to reevaluate life choices—or at least your wardrobe. My wife, ever the voice of reason, gently reminded me to wear a hat. Thankfully, I’ve got a winter headgear setup that would make Arctic explorers jealous. So, my ears are safe, even if the rest of me feels like a popsicle.

Now, I’m gearing up for today’s showdown. The plan? Beat my target pace in the first 5k and call it a day. If not, I’ll push to 10k because stubbornness is my superpower. It’s a tactical adjustment to keep me on track with my yearly distance goal while nudging my speed in the right direction. Realistically, most of my gains will come in the more cooperative seasons of spring and fall. But hey, winter’s a worthy nemesis, and I’m not backing down.

Here’s hoping today’s run brings a win—and maybe, just maybe, slightly warmer toes.

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Snow Day Fitness Struggle and Challenges

Written January 10, 2025

Hello Dear Readers,

Snow day vibes are in full swing! The official news of school closures arrived this morning, and honestly, it felt like getting a surprise day off—a winter gift wrapped in frost. Outside, it’s snowing again, so my running shoes are sitting this one out. Our neighborhood, with its steep hills, is basically a snow-covered obstacle course right now, and I’d prefer not to star in my own accidental slapstick comedy. I already skipped Monday’s run, which triggered some minor guilt, but today’s weather is infinitely worse. Oh well—what’s done is done. I’m choosing to focus on the positives, like the promising forecast for next week. By next Saturday, it’s supposed to warm up to a balmy 50°F. Just imagine—no snow, no ice, and (hopefully) no excuses.

Now, let me entertain you with yesterday’s little home gym drama. The trusty planking platform, which has been part of our workout routine for over a year, decided it couldn’t take the pressure anymore and developed a charming crack. My immediate thought? Break out the super glue and duct tape—it’s basically the DIY version of “Hold my protein shake; I’ve got this.” However, my wife, ever the pragmatist, put a firm stop to my repair dreams. Her argument? Something about not wanting to risk a workout injury that could land us in physical therapy. Fair point. So, it looks like we’re shopping for a new planking platform soon. The old one has been semi-retired, and I’ve promised to say my goodbyes with grace.

In the meantime, today’s planking session had to happen the old-fashioned way—right on the floor. Let me tell you, switching to the bare floor brings an entirely different level of focus. It’s just you, the timer on your app, and the creeping realization that the seconds seem to stretch longer than usual when there’s no fancy gadget involved. Staying in the game without the platform was surprisingly tough. Who knew planking could turn into such a mental battle?

On the bright side, improvising my workout at home made me realize I don’t need all the bells and whistles to stay active, even if the process isn’t as smooth. Plus, there’s a certain charm to adapting and pushing through despite the odds—or at least that’s what I’m telling myself to feel better about today’s chaotic workout.

So, as the snow continues to fall, I’m trying to embrace this cozy pause while keeping one eye on the brighter days ahead. Here’s hoping for clear skies, clear roads, and fewer broken fitness gadgets in the near future.

Stay warm, stay active (even if it’s on the floor), and as always, stay fabulous!

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365 Days of Planking: My (Not-So-Secret) Superpower

Written December 29, 2024

Hello Dear Readers,

Guess who’s feeling like an absolute champ this morning? Spoiler alert: It’s me. Why, you ask? Because I’ve just hit a milestone that has me walking a little taller (probably thanks to my newly improved core strength). Drumroll, please… I’ve officially completed 365 consecutive days of planking! That’s an entire year of showing up, holding steady, and giving gravity a run for its money.

Now, let’s set some realistic expectations here. I’m not exactly a Guinness World Record holder or prepping for a plank-off with The Rock (yet). But I’m pretty proud of my progress. Right now, I’m inching closer to holding a solid 3-minute plank in one go. And let me tell you, it feels pretty amazing, considering where I started.

When I first embarked on this journey, my initial plank attempts barely scraped the one-minute mark. I’d start strong, shaking within 30 seconds, and collapse in a heap by 60. It wasn’t exactly graceful, but it was a start. Every habit begins somewhere, right? Fast-forward to today, and I can confidently say those early struggles have paid off. Three minutes may not seem too impressive, but for me, it’s a pretty big deal—and it’s proof that consistency works wonders.

The app I use has been my trusty sidekick throughout this journey. It keeps me on track, celebrates my streaks with little virtual confetti bursts (because who doesn’t love confetti?), and has been a surprisingly effective motivator. Seeing that little streak number climb higher and higher kept me committed, even on those days when the idea of planking sounded about as fun as a root canal.

This habit has become such a natural part of my routine that I can’t imagine starting my day without it. It’s like my morning coffee but with fewer jitters and more abs. And while I’m thrilled with my progress, I know there’s always room for improvement. My next goal is to see how far I can push my limits—not just in time but also in form and focus. Because, let’s face it, a 5-minute plank sounds impressive, but not if I’m doing it with my hips in the air like a triangle.

Of course, there’s always the possibility I’ll hit a practical limit at some point. Maybe my body will say, “Okay, this is as far as we’re going,” or my brain will decide to switch things up. And that’s fine, too. Goals evolve, habits shift, and new challenges emerge. I’ll reevaluate, adjust, and keep moving forward when that happens.

For now, though, I’m basking in the glow of this achievement. Here’s to staying consistent, celebrating progress, and tackling new goals with the same determination. Who knows? Maybe in another year, I’ll be writing about my 730-day streak—or teaching a masterclass in planking. Until then, I’m sticking to my plan, one plank at a time.

Stay strong, and as always, plan on!

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Rest, Recovery, and Rediscovering My Run

Written December 26, 2024

Hello Dear Readers,

I skipped my Wednesday run, which felt like breaking an unspoken rule in my routine. Why? Because my knee decided it was time to be the squeaky wheel—or, in this case, the squeaky joint. That makes three full days off from running, and honestly, I’m okay with it. Here’s why: I’ve seen what happens when you don’t give your body time to heal. My wife once pushed through an injury, thinking she was invincible, and let’s just say her recovery became a long-term project. I’d rather learn from her experience than repeat it. 

When your knee is unhappy, you suddenly realize how much you depend on it. For instance, going down the stairs earlier this week was like walking a tightrope while juggling knives—not exactly graceful. It was a sharp reminder to pay attention to the signals my body was sending. On Tuesday and Wednesday, every descent was a little “ouch” here and a little “yikes” there. But today? The stairs and I are back to being friends. My knee no longer complains, which I’m taking as a good sign.

This forced break has been an interesting shift. As a runner, rest days feel like a guilty pleasure, like sneaking a second slice of cake when no one’s watching. But sometimes, your body needs that slice of metaphorical cake—or, in this case, a few days to repair itself. Skipping runs isn’t easy for me; I love the rhythm of hitting the pavement and the mental clarity it brings. But I’d rather take three days off now than risk being sidelined for weeks later.

Rest has its perks, though. I’ve caught up on some reading, spent more time planning my next running goals, and even got an extra hour of sleep here and there. (Who knew recovery could feel this luxurious?) More importantly, I can feel the difference in my knee. It no longer twinges when I walk downstairs, and it’s not screaming for attention every time I move. That’s progress I can celebrate.

I’ll lace up my running shoes again tomorrow, and I’m hopeful it’ll be a smooth, pain-free return. With three days of rest under my belt, I feel like a sprinter at the starting block, ready to channel all my pent-up energy into a fast, satisfying run. There are no guarantees I’ll break any records, but hey, after days of forced patience, even a moderate jog will feel like a victory lap.

If there’s one takeaway from this experience, it’s this: listen to your body. Rest isn’t the enemy—it’s the secret weapon for coming back stronger. Whether it’s your knee, your back, or just a sense of exhaustion creeping in, sometimes stepping back is the best way to keep moving forward.