On being winded . . .

Aside from my pounding heart and occasional tiredness and swollen feet, the only other symptom of any significance that I experience is becoming winded upon exertion. But I’ve yet to fully understand when this might occur. Steep inclines are usually a sure bet, however.

My vineyard is on a hillside below my home. The gradient ranges from about 20% to about 30%. My first climb up from the tent in the morning involves ascending seventeen rows of vines. Despite the fact that I’m well rested at that point, it always gets me very winded and I typically have to stop to catch my breath two or three times during the ascent. This morning was no exception.

After discovering the bird caught in the net this morning, I walked back up to the house to get the scissors. That involved a climb of four rows . Didn’t have to stop, but I was out of breath when I reached the house.

And after spending the next hour crouching, kneeling, and standing up every couple of feet to weed two rows, I ascended fifteen rows of vines. I didn’t even notice the climb. Wasn’t out of breath in the slightest. In fact, it wasn’t until I reached the house that I realized that I should be panting, but wasn’t.

Like I said, I’m having a hard time understanding this. On the other hand, maybe I’m onto something . . .