I am losing muscle, we all do as we age. Have you heard of sacropenia? “Sarcopenia is defined as the loss of muscle tissue as a natural part of the aging process.” In July, I fell and hurt my right shoulder. I had to cut back on my training. 4 months later, I am still rehabbing. OutdoorFit and running are my super powers. It feeds my confidence and I love feeling strong and fit. When I don’t, I am cranky, whiney and out of sorts. It is gotten to the point that I am sick of myself. Time to make some changes!

I have decided to cold plunge every day for 30 days. I am on Day 5 and I am starting to feel so much better. The tap water is 57 degrees and feels plenty cold. I stay in for 3 minutes or so. It is enough. I am fortunate to live 5 miles from the ocean so I plunge with my friends two to three days a week for 5 minutes or so. I am hoping that the cold water will help heal my shoulder and be a mood changer. I must admit it is never easy.

This morning, I was cold and clammy after OutdoorFit. Going home to sit in a cold tub was the last thing I wanted to do. I drove home from the workout with both the heated seats and the heater on high. I am sorry I don’t have a heated steering wheel. I made myself a cup of hot collagen protein coffee and got into the cold bathtub. I sit in the tub and breathe for three minutes, and try not to yell. I also have accountability partners. My sister Kathleen, and my niece Elizabeth have committed to the 30 days. This is the first try for Elizabeth. Kathleen is a seasoned plungette. She gets up at 5:30 am and sits outside in the dark in her polar tub. My brother Paul is searching for a tub that will be large enough for him He is a big guy.

I do find joy through discipline. In the past, I avoided doing uncomfortable or hard things. Now, I push. It brings me joy to challenge myself. I am nervous and uncomfortable but I do it anyway. It is so good for me. To be honest, the joy comes afterwards.

Would you like to join me? It is not too late.

Love,

Mary