Today is January 2nd (for a little while yet, anyway), which means yesterday was January 1st and therefore the 2nd anniversary of this blog. I didn’t have a post about that yesterday because, frankly, I always feel that if I write something on the first of the year it should be profound. And yesterday I wasn’t feeling very profound. So instead I’ll now say the usual things, like I can’t believe it’s been two years. And I‘m grateful to have this space and the people I have encountered through it. Truly – I thank all of you who read and comment and share. My life is undoubtedly richer because of you.
How’s that for a cursory celebration? I do like to acknowledge these things, but right now I’d rather just get on with living life instead of writing about how I write about living life.
The living I’m doing right now relates to my post about taking on a challenge to exercise for 30 days straight. When my friend Melissa first challenged me to tackle that item on my life list I started to regret having put that silly idea on there. But as Christmas crept past and the food kept coming and the couch kept calling I decided it was a good thing someone was willing to push me. So I began to psych myself up for it and figure out what variety of things I wanted to do over the 30 days, both so I could manage it after being less than active for the last while and so I wouldn’t get bored after a week.
And then the day came.
And I started!
I started the 30 days by going for a run yesterday. It was beautiful – I went later in the day than I had intended (entirely due to small people’s needs and not at all because of lack of motivation) but in doing so I caught the sunset. And I looked out over the roofs of the houses in our community and was treated to a gorgeous glimpse of the Rockies, which fill up my soul every day.
I ran alone, with no agenda other than completing 30 minutes. I zigged through our neighbourhood and zagged down trails just to see where they went. I passed people sledding as the sun went down and the lights in the houses behind them came on. I encountered two other solo runners with whom I exchanged The Look. The one that says, “We’re alive and we’re out here and isn’t it beautiful?”
I kept running, knowing I was taking myself father than a 30-minute out-and-back required. I turned onto one street because I hadn’t been down it before and chose another because it had pretty Christmas lights. And when my 30 minutes was up I stopped.
I ended up a little way from home, which was ultimately sort of deliberate because I figured I could use the cool down, but I so enjoyed the alone time. It was cold enough that I could feel every breath deep in my lungs, and early enough in the lateness of the day that the sky glowed.
And that’s why I put this item on my life list in the first place. Because when I get out there it’s good for me and I notice things and I feel happy.
That’s why I wanted to do it, so I’ll keep doing it. For 28 more days. And probably more.
I’m using the hash tag #30daysstraight on Twitter and Instagram if you want to follow along. As well, another friend has joined in starting today, and if you want to try this too I would love to hear about it.
I am so glad you did it.
Yay!
Me too. Nike had the right idea (wink) – Just Do It.
I’m so happy you got out there! I’m struggling to find my motivation, although I have been thinking more and more about starting to run. I think I would enjoy it, once I figured out how to do it for more than 10 seconds in a row! I admit I’m a little intimidated by runners–the gear, their stamina, and so on. And I’m a total scaredy-cat when it comes to going out at sunset by myself. I’m going to keep reading–and I hope you keep blogging about this–to continue to find inspiration. Maybe that’s all I really need to get out there, too. Well, and a decent pair of sneakers!
You should try it! When I first started I could barely do 10 seconds in a row, but I built up over time. I remember getting to 6-minute run intervals and thinking I could never do more than that, but I got there. And now it’s such great time to be alone and think. I really think you’d like it.
I’m still limited in my ability to exercise bc of my spine injury, but I’d like to commit to this, too. I can certainly fit 15 minutes of stretching and core strengthing into my days. Let’s keep each other honest.
I’m glad you’re doing this Susan, even if you just get some in when you can. The goal is to feel good – nothing more.
If this includes yoga, you should come do some with me sometime. I go Mondays, and/or Wednesdays, and/or Saturdays. Any class that isn’t hot!
http://www.amarylliscentre.com/schedule/#Thu
Yes! I want to come with you.
Great idea to add photos!! Going for a brisk walk at lunch. Let’s see what the harbour looks like today
And to Jaime, slap on whatever sneakers you have, go for a walk and try jogging a block. As Robin’s post so beautifully illustrates, there are some truly freeing moments awaiting you when you explore on your own
So glad you inspired me to do this! xx
So proud of you.
Thanks, honey!
Wow good for you. I’m doing a bloggin challenge for January so that’s enough for me! Maybe in February…..it has less days so even better! I always find exercise helps me feel better mentally as well as physically too. Good luck you!
Yeah, February might have been a better month to choose.
But yes, it does make me feel so much better!
Good for you! I took a break from working out over the holidays (BAD move) but am back on track now. I feel so much better when I get up and get moving.
That’s awesome. You’ve been doing so well and I know you feel great because of it.