Every winter I go into hibernation mode during the coldest, bleakest weeks. I sleep longer. I eat more and gain a few extra pounds. My workouts, swimming and walking all drop in intensity and pace. Things takes longer to do.
Every winter I try to fight this. This morning, as I was slogging through a long workout with extended rests I thought – why fight it? I’ll just take things slow and easy during the current weeklong polar vortex and dismal weather.
Next week, the sun will come out. It will be a few degrees warmer (I hope). And I’ll feel more energetic.
This morning I reminded myself that I workout for 3-4 hours a day. I swim a mile. I walk about 4 miles. That’s all on a bad day.
So maybe I no longer have the energy to push myself as hard during my workouts and my rest periods are longer. When it is cold, wet and dark I have no desire to squeeze in a third 2 mile walk like I used to a few years ago. I prefer swimming slowly, focusing on my stroke and form vs. pushing myself to “race pace” speeds.
I can live with that.
In fact, there’s not much choice. The choice for me, can I accept that?
I think I can.