hiBEARnation

Most people know when the holidays are coming because they look at a calendar. I know the holidays are coming because my half-bear genes kick in and I begin to fight the annual battle of avoiding the slip into near-hibernation.

I think there is something to be said for humans’ often suppressed internal clocks. We do a great job of pretending to be flexible and adaptable, but geez, all of this New England winter darkness is really doing a number on me.  Ever since we turned the clocks back a few weeks ago, I’ve noticed a definite decline in my energy level. My only real desire for any physical activity is the “workout” I get from lifting cookies to my mouth (biceps), chewing said cookies (masseters & buccinators), and climbing upstairs to either use the bathroom or sleep (legs and glutes). Oh, also, raising my arm to point the remote at the TV (triceps?).

Point is, I’ve really fallen off the wagon hard recently in terms of my workouts and my nutrition. I’m lucky if I make it to the gym four times per week lately. When I do make it there, I’ve basically given up my running card/cardio in general in favor of strength workouts, and I’ve noticed a very real decline in my recovery rate and endurance as a result.

I’m also lucky if I can get through a day NOT stuffing my face with cookies, chips, and my recent odd obsession, salami sandwiches (right?!). My diet is all over the place. Where I usually crave protein and greens, I can’t kick this recent pull toward any and all things white and starchy. You should have seen the number I pulled on a pizza last week. It must have been traumatic to watch.

Whether a result of my nutrition or not, I am also tired almost all of the time recently. Even though I’ve been logging 7-8 hours of sleep per night, it’s been almost impossible for me to wake up in the morning My grogginess paired with Sleepy Karl’s persuasiveness is a winning combo that often results in me resetting my alarm and completely blowing off any morning plans I have—like the gym…or showering...

So I’m just all kinds of out of whack. And it’s clearly a vicious cycle. Bad diet? Bad sleep. Bad sleep? Bad workout. Bad workout? Eat a cookie (clearly an appropriate solution). And around we go.

Now, while we all love to play the blame game (and damnit, I’m pointing my finger at Old Man Winter), the fact of the matter is that I need to readjust and keep my head above water as best I can. While I believe in listening to one’s body, sometimes I think that my body is just a persuasive, lazy ass who likes to complain come the wintertime. And with the holidays right around the corner—Thanksgiving is next week, what?!?!—it’s all the more important that I own the coming weeks and push myself out of this rut. While I’d love for chewing and walking from dinner table to couch to be considered a workout, I know I’ll feel better if I can fight back against the winter blues and reestablish a routine.

So this week, the name of the game is preparedness. I’ve got grocery shopping done and Paleo meals prepared—including Paleo cookies, because let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a good cookie? I’ve got backup enlisted to help get Sleepy Karl out of my head on gym mornings. I’ve got the will to beast mode through this week. And if all else fails, I’ve also got some super cute artillery to chase me out of the house.

Hatch and her newly constructed tanker.