On April 1, only a fool would claim to know that Washington County is done with winter weather. In fact, there’s a freezing rain advisory tonight, so don’t be surprised if tomorrow’s news is filled with highway accidents and power outages. A month into the semantics fantasy of “meteorological spring,” we are just as likely to have a day in the 30s as one in the 60s.
Weather in the first quarter of 2026 had its ups and down; it wasn’t a complete disaster. I took the road bike outside more frequently than expected. Nonetheless, it’s disappointing to come out of this winter with the same significant weight gain that characterizes all of my winters. I begin the second quarter of 2026 heavier than I was at any point in 2025. Some of that weight gain was intentional: I have improved my bone density and added about 5 pounds of muscle by following a new strength training program. But I have added too much fat at the same time. Just like last year–just like every year–I will rely on long bike rides to burn off the belly.
I freely admit that I didn’t do everything I could have done for my health and fitness during the first quarter. Commitment to a good indoor cycling program might have made a big difference. I’m satisfied with the other activities I tracked, but yeah, I could have done more. Here’s the breakdown:
