Winter is a magical season here on the farm: we go into winter as superheroes and come out of it mere mortals. Or, put another way, the growing season whips us into shape and the winter season loosens that shape. For us, farming is a very active lifestyle, and while we certainly work hard over the winter, we attempt to recover from the wear and tear of the warmer months.

Liz and I met as cross country runners. We ran every day, lifted weights in the gym twice a week, actively stretched every day and more. Looking back on those days — and to be very clear, these days it would be quite a chore for me to run 5 minutes, let alone 5 miles — I realize just how physically fit that lifestyle made us. However, it’s hard not to think we’re in better shape these days as farmers; certainly a different kind of shape.

The big difference seems to be the impact on our day. As runners, we were in great shape and prepared to run at any time; but mostly we ran for practice and races. As farmers, we have so many different ways that we use our bodies, and we use our bodies all day and every day. Our arms carry full water buckets when the hose doesn’t reach. Our shoulders and back carry 50 pounds of feed out to the back pasture. Our legs walk many miles every day.

Our work feels great sometimes, allowing us revel in our passion and able to accomplish anything. Our work also feels terrible sometimes; aches and sore muscles, jammed fingers and twisted ankles, even Charley horses waking us in the middle of the night. But most often, our work makes us feel tired.

And so winter is a welcome change of pace. We value the chance to recuperate. We still care for our animals and work on projects, but we allow ourselves more wiggle room in our to-do lists. We also have trouble adjusting our eating; we don’t need as many calories since we aren’t working as hard, but we sure do like to eat.

Many of our projects are computer based in the winter. We do our business planning, schedule out our season, and all the myriad tasks that set the stage for an easier year. We sit a lot more in the winter, and we walk less. It’s hard to exercise when you feel like you’re finally recovering.

And, all of a sudden, the days get longer and warmer. As we get our routines cranking again, we always notice that the back pasture is farther away than we remember, that 50 pounds feels heavier, that we take more breaks when we’re carrying water.

So today we find ourselves strong, and a little bit worn down. There is more time between dinner and bedtime, and we’re remembering what hobbies we like to fit into that window. But, as we look ahead to the return of growth in the spring and our transition back into the busy season, we’ll put push-ups on the to-do list — but we’ll make sure to give ourselves some wiggle room.

Nate and Liz Brownlee operate Nightfall Farm in Crothersville. Send comments to awoods@ aimmediaindiana.com.