There are two versions of morning in Santa Barbara. One is bright and sunny making flower petals glow and grass shimmer. The other kind of morning is gray fog that often sits over the coast until as late as 4 p.m.
When you exercise outside, you can not allow this dichotomy dictate your opinion about the workout. I have spent years looking at the weather before a workout, putting a great deal of energy into how uncomfortable it will be because it’s either too murky or too hot. It’s quite pointless to kvetch about the weather, although it is quite popular to do so. I have decided I really don’t want to expend that emotional energy into something I can’t control. There are better things to focus on when leading into a workout. It’s not that I don’t pay attention: I dress properly, understand consequences, consider cancelling if the conditions are really bad. But I don’t need to go on and on either internally or verbally.
So when I tried my first ocean swim for the year, I was annoyed when DH verbally groused about how gray the day was and how cold the water was going to be. I could hear the waste of energy that I thought should be best used for the actual swim.
Yes, it was cold. 54 degrees is cold. Even with a wetsuit, ear plugs and cap, it still felt like an ice pick was being driven into my ear. My hands were bright red at the end of the 12 minute swim. It wasn’t long, but we had to start somewhere. I’ve since purchased a neoprene swim cap to wear for the next month or so.
It’s cold, it’s hot, it is what it is. Prepare and just do it.
