Eric Braun

Look, I live in Texas, so my idea of winter may be a little different from yours. That said, I grew up in Kansas City, Mo., and have lived in Michigan as well. So, I’m no stranger to snow, sleet and ice. I keep winter gear around because Texas can get cold in the winter for brief stretches and I visit family in Missouri over the holidays. My motivation for workouts is tied to getting out of the house, so conditions have to be dangerous for me to even consider the treadmill.

Most people think the holiday season runs from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day. For me, it kicks off with Oktoberfest, rolls through Halloween and doesn’t stop until Super Bowl Sunday — months of celebration, indulgence and high calorie intake. Really, my holiday season tends to carry the same footprint as the NFL season. Six months isn’t really a holiday “season” — more like a lifestyle choice. Finding balance is what I’m looking for.

In April 2023, as I was about to press “Register” for Ironman Texas 2024, my wife, Amy, signed onto the plan with one caveat: I get a full cardiac checkup. It’s always a good idea when signing up for a major event like an Ironman to get your spouse’s approval. Training for a long-distance event requires a lot of help and time away from the family. It’s a team effort. The checkup wasn’t a random ask.