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 :)
The idea of Wintering and adapting to the season of life really resonated with me.
I've been trying to tap into my natural rhythms more this year. This article was a good reminder to throttle back a little during this time to rest, recover, and regroup for greater strength later on.
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 :)
The idea of Wintering and adapting to the season of life really resonated with me.
I've been trying to tap into my natural rhythms more this year. This article was a good reminder to throttle back a little during this time to rest, recover, and regroup for greater strength later on.
Thanks for this awesome piece of writing Sam!
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.
Honestly, I haven't been very good at it. I've had some health challenges pop up recently, so that got me in the mindset of wanting to take a break.
A 72 hr fast seems like it's an incredibly cleansing activity and clarity attracting activity. I'd like to try it sometime.
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