A Little Progress on a Cold January Weekend
Stepping out into the cold at –6°C today felt like a small victory in itself. I eased into the walk and ended up spending about twenty minutes in the easy heart‑rate zone and another fifteen in warm‑up, which is more balance than I expected on a day like this. It reminded me of something I heard recently: you can’t depend on motivation to carry you, because motivation comes and goes. What actually gets you moving is routine. Today was one of those days where the routine did the heavy lifting. Just getting out the door, feeling the cold on my face, and letting the walk unfold was enough to make the day feel decent.
The dog treated the whole outing like a grand rediscovery mission. She sniffed absolutely everything, as if the neighbourhood had transformed in the months she’s been missing proper walks. Between the storms in December, the lack of movement in November, and the back pain that started in October, it’s been nearly three months since we’ve had a walk that felt this normal. Watching her take it all in—ears up, nose working overtime—was a reminder that getting back into these simple routines matters for both of us. Today wasn’t dramatic or heroic, but it was real progress, and that’s worth noting.
Today’s walk came in at 2.93 km—close enough to call it 3—and I covered it in about 35 minutes, holding a steady 12‑minute pace. Not bad at all for the end of a workday. I actually enjoyed the movement, even with the chill biting at my cheeks and legs. There’s something grounding about getting outside after a shift, letting the cold air wake up the senses and shake off the workday fog.
Once I got home, reality set in: the cleaning I’ve been putting off isn’t going to do itself. I had hoped Kim might tackle a bit of it, but she clearly needed the rest—she slept the entire day away. So tonight it’s on me to get things back in order. Laundry to put away, more laundry to start, dishes waiting in the sink, vacuuming, mopping… the usual list that somehow grows when you’re not looking.
I did manage to change the sheets the other day, bit by bit between rotations, but that’s about as far as I’ve gotten this weekend. With Monday creeping closer, it feels like the right time to reset the space and start the week on a cleaner note. It’s not glamorous, but there’s a certain satisfaction in reclaiming your environment one small task at a time.
My VO₂ max has definitely taken a hit since the back pain I dealt with months ago, sitting down in the red at 37 with my training status stuck in recovery. The cold, miserable weather lately hasn’t helped either, but I’m aiming to turn things around this week. Starting Monday, I’m planning a proper run—finally the forecast looks like it’ll cooperate. Before the day is done, I still need to wash the vehicle and wrap up a few lingering chores, but I’m feeling motivated. Thanks to everyone who’s been cheering me on through this blog and through the holiday season. Your support means more than you know as I juggle work, fitness, and keeping life in order.
Great Nigel ! Mom
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