Sam, great thoughts on wintering. Can't remember where I saw this, but as a response to trying to start new things during the winter -- it doesn't make sense; just as cold weather is a signal for a time for pruning in the garden, so too is it for the mind and body.
That being said, winter doesn't necessarily need to lead to dormancy. I've found the "off-season" -- in life and and in sport -- is a chance to stop focusing on the immediate skills you need "in-season" and instead focus on building your base. For me, that's shifting to strength building now, in anticipation of of a heavier endurance focus in the late winter and spring (XC/alpine skiing leading to hiking and trail running).
Plus, beach season is only 180 days away -- it's time to bulk!
pruning feels like a perfect metaphor. winter does often feel like a time to lean in on simplicity.
the idea of dormancy in fitness isn't directly connected to winter in the sense that winter or the off-season has to lead to dormancy. rather, it's that there may be times in our life when the best thing to do for our long-term health/performance/happiness/etc is to rest and recharge.
and don't worry... this winter i'm craving a season of simplicity and intensity so I'll be ramping up the strength training as well :)
thanks Keith! glad it resonated. throttling back didn't come naturally to me but has become a valuable practice. have you found any good ways to support it as you've explored this year?
one thing i didn't mention above that has helped is doing a seasonal multi-day fast (~72 hrs). It helps me slow down for a few days and connect to the rhythms of whatever is emerging.
Sam, great thoughts on wintering. Can't remember where I saw this, but as a response to trying to start new things during the winter -- it doesn't make sense; just as cold weather is a signal for a time for pruning in the garden, so too is it for the mind and body.
That being said, winter doesn't necessarily need to lead to dormancy. I've found the "off-season" -- in life and and in sport -- is a chance to stop focusing on the immediate skills you need "in-season" and instead focus on building your base. For me, that's shifting to strength building now, in anticipation of of a heavier endurance focus in the late winter and spring (XC/alpine skiing leading to hiking and trail running).
Plus, beach season is only 180 days away -- it's time to bulk!
pruning feels like a perfect metaphor. winter does often feel like a time to lean in on simplicity.
the idea of dormancy in fitness isn't directly connected to winter in the sense that winter or the off-season has to lead to dormancy. rather, it's that there may be times in our life when the best thing to do for our long-term health/performance/happiness/etc is to rest and recharge.
and don't worry... this winter i'm craving a season of simplicity and intensity so I'll be ramping up the strength training as well :)
thanks Keith! glad it resonated. throttling back didn't come naturally to me but has become a valuable practice. have you found any good ways to support it as you've explored this year?
one thing i didn't mention above that has helped is doing a seasonal multi-day fast (~72 hrs). It helps me slow down for a few days and connect to the rhythms of whatever is emerging.
will hit you up next time to see if you want to join. my friend Case (@casbrad on twitter) organizes a seasonal fast. can be fun to do with others