Mile a Day Challenge: January 2013

This goal needed its own post. 

Anyone following my Instagram needs a "thank you" for their encouragement (and understanding as I flooded their feeds with running shoes). 

One month after my last #mileaday I struggle with the motivation, confidence, and time to throw my shoes on every day and run; however, in January I proved to myself that it’s possible.  In January I became a runner.  That’s a pretty awesome statement to make.

I was inspired to challenge myself by Elise  (she has a very informative section of her blog devoted to running).  My sister, the marathon running extraordinaire, also inspired me, who kicked me in the butt to start running. That’s the key: just start. (Thanks, J).

Thoughts on Mile a Day...

Pros

• I got outdoors with Bauer almost every day - even the cold ones
• I enjoyed (almost) every run
• I ran more than a mile quite regularly because I wanted to
•  I experimented with running on an indoor track/ treadmill/ and snowy sidewalks to keep it interesting and less stale (I bore easily)
• I accomplished my first health and fitness goal of the year
•  I was in a cardio slump so I lost some weight
• Some days my runs energized me 
• I slept well and went to bed earlier (if you know me you understand how significant this bullet is)

Cons

• Scheduling: working 40 + hours a week at my 9-5, meal planning and cleaning at home, and travelling between Kamloops and Vancouver several times made it difficult to fit runs in some days
•  Some days my runs absolutely drained my energy
• It was difficult to fit extra curricular activities (i.e. blogging) in

As you see, the pros outweigh the cons. At times I loved to hate this challenge but in the end I loved it. I plan on incorporating another month or two of “Mile A Day” in 2013’s fitness goals and I’d love you to join me if you’re interested.

Cheers to Jen + Kelsie, my Kamloops pals who also completed Mile a Day in January. (I can’t wait to run outside without the snow).

Do you have any fitness goals/ ambitions/ resolutions that you’re working on, currently? Are you a runner?

January 2013 Goals

I'm back on the blogging train & two months behind on content. Bare with me as I play catch up. 

I decided to change the way I set goals this year to make my goals more measurable and to challenge myself on a continual basis. I will set three goals every month: a fitness goal, a creative goal, and a personal goal. I haven’t made any “rules” around this format, which means goals may re-appear from month to month or change throughout the month. The important part for me is that I remain both inspired and challenged.

January.

My fitness goal was to run a mile a day for the month: completed successfully (more on that, later).

My creative goal was to start and keep up with Project Life: completed & ongoing (definitely more on this, later).

My personal goal was to purge the stuff I/ we no longer need: in progress.

My fitness and creative goals are getting their own posts, so I thought I’d talk a little about January's personal goal.

Since I can remember I’ve been a pack rat hoarder collector. Throughout my life I have amassed a collection of stamps, rocks, books, magazines, clothes, DVD’s…  the list goes on. I have a hard time parting with things. I get it from my dad (who just so happens to have an amazing matchbook collection).

Simply put: I have a lot of stuff.

At this point in our lives, Ben and I live in a five-bedroom home. This means I have a lot of space to store my stuff: a scary reality. I labeled this goal “in progress” as I feel I have a ways to go. We’ve donated several large pieces of furniture; however, my hoody and shoe collections require an overhaul and are next on the chopping block. I'm inspired for a thorough spring-cleaning.

My question for you: do you “collect” stuff or am I alone in my hoarder-like tendencies? Anyone? Bueller?