On Tuesday, the radio-alarm goes off at 5 AM. The BBC news keeps me company as I slip into my clothes and bumble into the dimly lit kitchen. Today is early morning circuit training at the gym, a short 5-minute drive away. My husband and I usually go together, but he's still in Seattle. I eat part of an orange, grab my water bottle and duffel bag and head to the car, carefully shuffling across the icy driveway.

At the gym, or should I say, the Kodiak Athletic Club, I pull my black, fingerless gloves and strap the velcro around ...   more »