Tag: winter fitness

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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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Brrr! Running Through Nashville’s Cold Snap

Written January 8, 2025

Hello Dear Readers,

Nashville has been freezing lately—like, “Did I accidentally teleport to Canada?” kind of cold. This winter feels like nature’s weird experiment with snowflakes and icy air. Honestly, the weather here has been so temperamental it could have its own reality show. And running in this cold? Let’s just say it’s not the exhilarating outdoor adventure Instagram makes it look like.

My body and cold weather have a complicated relationship, thanks in part to a brain stroke I had over a decade ago. Temperature regulation isn’t exactly my strong suit, so the chill seems to hit me harder. Even when I’m bundled up, I feel like the cold air finds its way in, leaving me shivering while my clothes scream, “We’re doing our best here!”

But hey, a goal’s a goal. I set out to stick to my running plan this year and wasn’t about to let a little subzero situation stop me. Monday’s frigid temperatures had already robbed me of a decent run, and I wasn’t letting the same thing happen again. So, out I went, braving what felt like Mother Nature’s ice bucket challenge.

Last year, my wife—bless her Canadian soul—got me this fantastic hood to keep my ears and neck warm. It’s been a game-changer in keeping frostbite at bay, but unfortunately, it’s not a full-body solution. My thermal pants, the ones that used to make me feel invincible in the cold, have seen better days. I’ve downgraded to lighter gear, which works most days in Nashville’s relatively mild winters. After all, it’s nothing compared to the frozen tundra my wife grew up in Canada. (Seriously, how do Canadians survive that?)

I started with a lofty idea: make up for lost mileage by running a 10k. Ambitious, right? But after about an hour of running in below-freezing temperatures, my toes started staging a rebellion, and my resolve melted faster than an ice cube in hot cocoa. I settled for 5 kilometers, which, let’s be honest, still felt like a victory in those conditions.

Now, I’m pinning my hopes on Friday. The forecast promises slightly warmer temperatures, but of course, there’s a catch—snow might make an appearance. So, my dreams of a longer run might have to wait. If it’s another day like today, I’ll probably clock another 5k and call it a win. After all, progress is progress, even if it’s wrapped in a few layers of thermal gear and powered by sheer stubbornness.

In the end, I’m just trying to stay moving and keep my goals alive, one frosty step at a time. Because, let’s face it, nothing feels quite as satisfying as a hot cup of coffee after a run in the cold—and that’s a reward worth running for.