We generally wake at 5:00am. Three mornings a week, Brandon heads out for his cycle, while I roll out my mat in the lounge and do a YouTube workout. The other three mornings are our swimming mornings at Belvidere. There is nothing more beautiful than watching the sun rise over the lagoon. The colours change within minutes, different hues of orange, red, and pink stretching across the sky. The shadows shimmer in pure beauty as the sun slowly rises behind the hills. Most mornings the lagoon is calm and warm. Occasionally we can feel the current as the tide changes, but it rarely affects our swim.
Lately, though, the air has become a little crisper, and the sunrise arrives slightly later. Here in Knysna, South Africa, in the Southern Hemisphere, the seasons are slowly turning and autumn is on its way. During the day it’s still warm enough for shorts and T-shirts , some days hot enough to keep the fan on, although that is often just to chase away those pesky mosquitoes. But the changing season has begun to affect my swimming choices. Although I love swimming, years of early-morning training have made me a little less enthusiastic about cold water starts. Even though Brandon and Pam come back from their swims saying the water is still wonderful… I’m not entirely convinced.
So what’s the alternative? Stop sharing those absolutely stunning morning sunrises? Not a chance. We have two small dogs who absolutely love going for “walkies.” So instead of swimming, we sometimes walk, and occasionally run, along the trails beside Belvidere’s beautiful waters edge. Being immersed in nature at the moment the sun rises is such a gift, and our furbabies adore the adventure.
My fitness goals remain the same. I’m not training for an event. I simply enjoy being physically active. I enjoy moving freely without hopefully the aches and pains that often come with age. I enjoy feeling healthy. And the added benefit? Experiencing life with a deeper appreciation for each new day.The seasons may change. How I exercise may change. But my love for movement will never change.
“The seasons may change the way we move, but they should never change the joy of moving.”