Running base layer – check, wool tights over baselayer – check, wool skirt over base – check, 2 pairs of socks – check, running shoes – check, gaitors – check, down jacket – check, waist belt with holster and signal pistol – check, weapon for polar bear safety – check, hat – check, neck gaiter – check, goggles – check, Ettra – check. Positive attitude and motivation – check!
And off we go running into the dark dawning our headlamps. That’s right, we are heading outside into the cold and wind to grab that run, elevate our heart rates and get some âpeace of mindâ and happiness from the inside out that a dozens of cups of coffee and chocolate cake canât buy.
Routine that includes âmoving the bodyâ has saved many a weary, forlorn, hopeless souls. We think back to the time of the early explorers from the Arctic, Antarctic and places in between. When you are down, get out! When you are dark – chase the light. Writings from early survival during the polar night points to a clear fact – doing nothing can sink you into depression, cabin fever and mental instability. This can lead to a certain death. Our daily rhythm is vital to our health and survival here.
We make the best of what we have inside the hut and outside. To give you perspective here is what we have to work with. If you have seen photos of where we are – VanKeulen Fjord – you see that there is nothing but open sea, mountains and endless landscapes of Arctic tundra – though now completely covered in white. Itâs dark outside so our vision is limited to the beam of light from our headlamp – it has 4 settings and the throw is 60 -70 metres max. Beyond that, uncertainty creeps in and that’s why we carry weapons and signal flares. We do laps up and down on the flattest parts so we don’t invite surprise encounters â read: polar bears, at the top of a hill or below a highpoint. We carry night vision binoculars when we run. If one of us asks – âwhat is that over there?â We can see if itâs a reindeer or ⊠you get the idea? Eyes are busy, hearts rates are elevated as high as 176, calfs and thighs burning from the deep snow. Duration outside is usually 30 mins.
Back inside, we have light though space is also limited at less than 20 sq meters. Usable floor space is maximised by shoving a table against the couch and rolling out 2 yoga mats. And this is where the real training for synchronised stretching happens after our workout. It must be an Olympic sport we proclaim! as we keep stretching – right legs in sync at 90â.
Our workout includes 2 sets of 9 UnderSun band exercises, push-ups, pull-ups, sit-ups and then stretches. Our synchronised stretches are sure to catch on so we will be making instructional videos soon. Right, left, up down. It must be taught!
Our days usually start around 7-8 am and end at midnight- 1am. We eat well and are both preoccupied with staying strong and fit to handle the physical tasks. Tasks like pulling our boat ashore after launching it for citizen science and phytoplankton/salt water collection – 1-2-3 pullâŠ, or lifting logs – 1,2,3 liftâŠ, chopping wood and holding back Ettra when she spots a reindeer.
We train five days a week and everything we have to use for our workouts is stored either in a crate under the bed or attached to the ceiling or a wall for easy hanging when not in use. For example – we have Olympic rings in the kitchen (no joke!), pull-up bar, slack-line (in the kitchen), foam rollers, rubber bands, balls, yoga blocks, push-up handles and also a jump rope that we cannot quite find space to use. And perhaps as important as all of our equipment is music to train and stretch to.
So, what do you do before breakfast? Tell us what you do to stay sane and fit when the days are getting shorter and darker!
xoxo from Bamsebu
What lies before you and what lies behind you are tiny matters compared to what lies within you – Ralph Waldo Emerson
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I’m an early bird, waking up at 5 am. My day always starts with yoga according to how my body, mind, and soul feel đ
If I have a long day ahead, I will include an inversion in my routine, which gives me a lot of energy until the end of my day. I know that it might be different for everyone, but for me, it works!
I use to run every morning too, but I must admit that my motivation has been off for a few months now…Knowing that you are doing it out there in Bamsebu…well I might as well put on my running shoes and join your energy!
Namaste ladies đ
Well, now that I am retired, mornings are quite casual! A good breakfast while reading the newspaper and a call to my Mom & Dad who live 5 hours away! After breakfast to the gym for 1.5 hours, then afterwards some time outside for a hike, a run, whatever fits the time parameters that day! Lots of interaction with people, always with a smile!! Only animals I am watching for are the wild squirrels or voracious neighbourhood cats!!! ? Love following your day-to-day adventures, much respect to you both!! ???? ??
I was exhausted after reading your âdressing for the weatherâ regime! Amazing strength you gals…youâve taken all of this to heart and surely will pop out the other end of this much much stronger.
I am inspired by you both…and so today…Iâll take our dog Beeton down by the estuary …and instead of walking for 4-5 Kim, Iâll do the whole loop and finish the 6 k. Then Iâll get on my stationary bike and beat my 30 min mark and push it to an hour.
Later in the day Iâll be heading over to my parents to help put up outdoor Christmas decorations…there might be some tree climbing involved but the one thing I wonât have to do is watch for bears of any kind. I suspect my heart rate wonât get anywhere near the 170âs but I can tell you Iâll be thinking of both of you as I do my â little bitâ !
Mush love to you both…you are super heroâs!
Wow that is awesome that you both are doing all of your exercises. I agree it keeps the mind sharp and the body healthy. I workout each morning at the gym doing cardio on the treadmill and then weight training. I go 4-5 times a week and then 1-2 yoga classes at Modo Yoga studios I work at in Ontario. We also do intermittent fasting which is 16 hours no food unless itâs under 50 calories and a liquid and then 8 hours of eating time. Eating macronutrient as well as vegan. Never felt better. Keep up the great work and most importantly the support of one another. Hugs
Wow! Such dedication on that excersize outfit!! Youâve both motivated me to not have any excuses – none!
Mornings are prayer time for me. Incense, low light, reading and meditating on a passage or life that Iâve been studying. The life of King David was the last one and all of the choices he made along his way… đ
Wishing you both and pup a Happy Thanksgiving from the States.
Thank you for your description of your workout. Great job! Keep up the good work and enjoy your time there. May your citizen science work keep you entertained as well.
WOW, WOW!!! U gals rock! I’m very excited for u and ur adventures.
Fortunately my b4 breakfast routine isn’t as demanding.
Stay strong, be safe, keep warm, and carry on xo
You are so creative in your workout and inspiring ??
I am on my second boot camp now which i love. Fast pace with cardio , strength and balance and I am getting good results with a strong body and mind. Go running in the woods 3 times a week with my dog gives me happiness and forfillment. Then ying yoga once or twice a week to have a flexible body and calm mind and keep my self grounded. Itâs getting colder which is good and even had the sun shining for some days. I wish you both happiness and strenght in the beautiful polar nights ??
Hello,
If you want to have a strong wake up, serie 1 of Ashtanga with THE master : Pattabhi Jois : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUgtMaAZzW0
If I practice at home, it’s always with him.
For now, my new practice is to watch my two kittens playing together and I train at the end of the day.
All the best to you.
The minimalist from Montréal