4AM, Winter Olympics & Why I’m Training Like I Mean It

The Winter Olympics have me waking up at 4am like I’m part of Team Canada – actually staying in the athlete’s village. There I am — wrapped in a blanket, coffee in hand, emotionally invested in sports I only watch every four years — whisper-cheering so I don’t wake the house. But here’s the thing… watching these athletes stand at the top of a run, or at the start line after years of disciplined training does something to you. Especially when you’re 35, 45, 55 and in a season change. It’s not just impressive — it’s activating.

What’s hitting me most this year isn’t just the medals. It’s the women. The mothers. The athletes in their late 30s and 40s who are still choosing hard things. Choosing early mornings. Choosing strength. They aren’t saying, “Well, I had a good run.” They’re saying, “I’m not done yet.” And if that doesn’t light a little fire under your winter boots, I don’t know what will. Because here’s the truth, we are not in our “wind down” era. We are in our build again era.

Nike says if you have a body, you’re an athlete. So yes — you. The one rebuilding after burnout. The one navigating peri/post menopause and still getting to the gym. The one learning to lift heavier, set boundaries stronger, and train your mind as much as your body. Every time you ride your bike, book the class, prep your meals, go for the walk instead of scrolling — that’s athletic energy. We may not be training for the Olympics, but we are training for vitality, longevity, and showing up powerfully in the second half of our lives.

So here’s your Canadian invitation: pick one thing this week that makes you feel like an athlete again. Plan your workouts. Add one more rep. Visualise yourself strong before you start. Train like your future self is watching — because she/he is. We are not aging out. We are leveling up. Lace up. Show up. Ignite what’s possible.

- Kim