30 Day Challenges

[Beth]

Good morning everyone! I tried to get up early and workout but that didn't happen.... I am sooo sore.
Sue, glad to see the motivation.... You guys are keeping me going as well.
I am also feeling the benefits of this experience with you guys. At least mentally ( I think I pulled a butt muscle..ouch! LOL). I am now practicing Kens rational recovery called AVRT. It is working for me! Your not suppose to count sober days because once you make your big plan of I WILL NEVER DRINK AGAIN you make that commitment to never so why would you count. It is really freeing for me. My fear is gone and I am now experiencing the clarity you all have been talking about. I know I am very vulnerable still but with this 30 (60) challenge it gives me a different habit to focus on.
We all have the "addictive behavior" so let's get addicted to a healthy addiction!
I will check back after I get my workout in.

[Midwest Sue]

I just did 40 minutes treadmill/weights in the fitness center so I can go home and relax with my tea!

[Millie]

I didn't want to do it. I feel yucky. I have a cold. But...no way could I not so it and have to go back to day one. So, I just did it!!! Day 7...done. Woohooo

[Beth]

Millie, the first time I read your post I thought you said you were going back to day one! Omg, glad I read it wrong! Yah to you and everyone sticking in here. It's day 7, almost a habit
So I washed the dog for 20 minutes and was going to chalk that as my work out but decided I could do more. Back to Jillian tonight. Still a beginner but am going through the whole workout.
Good night all!

[Julie]

Wow, great job everyone!!! I'm proud of all of us!!

Long, long day for me ... I drove 6 hours to New York, walked for 30 minutes (because I, like Millie, didn't want to go back to day 1) while my daughter interviewed in admissions office , then drove 6 hours back home. So day 7 - technically check, but I really was a slug all day except for those 30 min.!

Go team!

[_Erin_]

I'm teetering on the edge of Day 1!!! I didn't stop hitting the snooze this morning, hit it for a damn hour. lol I had to rush this morning not to be late to work, and I am going this afternoon to attend a visitation of a high school friend's mother. Same funeral home my mom's took place, first time I've been there since Mom passed. I know everyone grieves at their own pace, and things like this will bring the memories and feelings back fresh. But it really sucks to think of her with every little thing that happens. Got some real issues to work through there. lol Sorry to ramble.

Anyway, my point is... I screwed up this morning by not getting out of bed. I HOPE to get something in this afternoon, but I know that if I don't get up in the morning and do it, I am playing with fire. It's very hard to squeeze in after work. Keep your fingers crossed for me...

Everyone else, though... you're doing awesome, and I didn't even want to get on here and be honest today. Keep going, even when it pisses you off to do it, it feels so gratifying to know that you DID do it when you're done!

[Millie]

Erin, I know you can do it. Just make yourself. I got it done a couple of times between 11pm and midnight. Don't forget, you can do a tape, crunches, sit ups, weights, etc... You don"t have to go outside or to a gym. I know this will be a tough day for you. I am going to keep you in my thoughts and prayers today.

[Julie]

Morning everyone! Erin, I feel for you this morning. It will be hard to go back to where your mom's visitation was, and I wouldn't call it a "little thing". Our mothers are arguably the most important people in our lives, and it takes a long, long time to process the loss. Some times are harder than others, and there will always be reminders of her presence in your life and that's a good thing, really. Bask in the feeling of your mother's love for you - that will never die. Go a few minutes early and walk around the funeral home, then walk afterwards - maybe it will help you feel better?

I just returned from my second, and likely last, zumba class, so Day 8: check for me. I do feel better, and thinking about having to post helps me get it done.

Millie, is your husband still on board? Hope everyone else is active today ... we can do it!

[_Erin_]

Yay, Sylvane!

Thank you, Millie and Julie, for the support!! I just got back, man did the memories flood back. I got several comfort blankets when Mom passed, so I gave one to my friend. Everyone was so dazed and distracted, I remember how that feels. And then I started crying. lol Just the memories and emotions rushed at me. I apologized and told her it was the first time I'd been back there since my mom's funeral, and she hugged me and said, "I'm so sorry!" I was like, "No, I'm here to comfort YOU!" Anyway, had my tears and life goes on.

Now, no excuses, I must get my 20 minutes in tonight. It is absolutely beautiful outside, so I think it should be easy to squeeze in.

[Midwest Sue]

Erin, tears can be very healing and I hope you're feeling better.

Checking in after another 40 minutes in the fitness center.

[Beth]

Hi all, grief is so hard on the soul but good memories can be healing. I guess exercise too.
Did Jillian again! Now my shins and calves are in pain... Need a break so tomorrow just a little walk with the dog. 25 degrees here but no more pain. It is a good pain. My weigh in is Friday,even if I didn't lose anything at least I know it will muscle that took it's place. I haven't exercised in over four years so this is a great thing. So weird that you all are now my workout buddies....like Millie said, do something for just 20 minutes. It counts!

[Millie]

Erin, did you get your exercise in.... You don't want to have to go back to day one!!!!!

Today was another day where it was hard as heck to get it done.
I have had trouble getting it done in the morning, but have enjoyed going out and walking at night, so it has been ok. I forgot that my husband was going to be out of town tonight, so that option was out. I ended up doing twenty minutes of a combination of running in place, jumping rope, crunches, bicycles, stretches, push ups, etc.. My daughter joined me for part of it and it was fun.. A good reminder that there are many many ways to get your twenty minutes in.

My hubby is still doing it with me, but I just talked to him and he hasn't gotten it done yet today, and there is only one hour left in the day. He said he will get it done, but we shall see.

[Millie]

Erin, don't you dare disappear on me...


Ahhhhhhhhhh, so nice to get it out of the way in the morning. I even went to the gym and cranked up the effort. Day 9- check!!!

[Julie]

Wow, Sylvane, that sounds like an impressive pet. I wouldn't mess with a possessive Mastif - you were brave. Great that you got a walk in - he wouldn't walk with you? I like to take my dog out because he keeps me going and seems so happy - I have no choice but to smile at his antics and be happy myself! And I am totally jealous of your 80 degree "winter" weather. I'll bet the roses are blooming there - we just have dead leaves.

Good job again Millie!! Thanks for reminding us that it's not tough to make up some exercises for 20 minutes. Erin - how are you doing? and Beth, terrific that you're starting up after 4 years of no exercise - it does take time to get your body reacquainted with movement, but then you're addicted (yes, that's a good addiction!). Did I miss a discussion of where you're weighing in? I've started Weight Watchers - we'll see how that goes. Sue - you're a biker, right? I took a spinning class today (so day 9: check) and couldn't wait to get off that bike - wow, it hurt. Does one get used to the discomfort of sitting on that hard seat? I think all I'm really cut out for are my walks in the woods, alas, but I'm going to keep trying!

Keep it up everyone - aren't we doing great!!?

[Beth]

Keep walking Sylvane , so good for you. Especially the fresh air!
Just got back from my walk... 20 minutes(not a minute more). Today was for fresh air only.
Julie, my weigh in is with a guy at work. We are both 44 and need to lose about the same percentage of weight. So we have a three month challenge. He has me counting calories. We are on this website called Sparkpeople. I never eat enough calories (post alcohol problem). We started a couple weeks ago and it goes through April. The winner has to detail the other persons car...we both have young kids so this is a great reward for the winner!
Good luck to everyone..... Morgan, Molly, and any one who hasn't stayed with it or just started, we are going to stay on this forum for at least 60 days. So since it's called 30 day challenge, start when you can... We are here to keep EVERYONE motivated!

[Millie]

Erin, where are you???? If you missed a day just start again ... No worries.

[_Erin_]

I'm around! I'm sorry! Technically, I got 20 minutes in yesterday and the day before... the effort just isn't there right now, though! I keep thinking of Al-Anon when they said, "fake it 'til you make it" because I am definitely faking it right now. LOL! I don't even know for sure what day I'm on. I want to say 9, but I'm strongly considering resetting to Day 1 soon just because I know I can do this better. I have a hard time posting on here that I finished a day, when I feel like I half-assed it.

Thank you for checking on me, Millie and Julie! I haven't disappeared, and I am OK, just distracted right now. Gotta get that focus back! It's irritating - I KNOW what it takes and am having such a hard time making it happen!

Sylvane, I have a dog like that... except he's a pitbull (Bucky). Still big and powerful... but it's me that he's possessive over, which is good for me, I'd hate to be on the receiving end of him when he's protecting! And the same thing - if my man is home, Bucky is his best friend, but if I'm there, he's my shadow. How old was your Mastiff when he got him? My dog was 4 weeks old, I've been told the younger you get them, the stronger the bond. Seems to be true in my case, anyway!

Everyone, have a great day! Stella's trying to get her groove back. LOL!

[Julie]

Going to be a really busy day, and I didn't get up early to exercise (my bad) so came here for inspiration .... I will find a way to get it done today!
Erin - great to hear from you. It doesn't matter what day you're on really (impo) - just the idea that you should be doing 20 minutes each day and making a good faith effort to get it in whether you want to or not. That fake it 'till you make it saying is good for a lot of things, including exercise!!
Sylvane - good job with the weight ... will check in later with you ....
Millie - keep it up!

Beth - thanks for the lead on Sparkpeople .. .looks interesting and I'm going to read further when I have time after my exercise (note how I put that in?). And, geez, having to detail that car is certainly inspiration for you!

off to work ...

[Millie]

Erin, don't reset the clock. Technically getting it done, is getting it done. I think we all know we could be upping the effort...ok, at least I know I could be upping the effort most days, but I think getting into the habit of doing it every day, no excuses, is very important to- well- get into the habit. We can work on upping the effort as we go along. We started on feb. 1, so today will be day ten when we get it done. Alas, I did not get it done this morning as hoped, so will have to fit it in later. Also, I think most are committed to sticking it out for at least one more challenge immediately after this one. So, we've got plenty of time to mold ourselves into exercise goddesses (or Gods---where are you John)!,,

[Julie]

followed in your footsteps Sylvane.... forced myself out for a walk in the moonlight tonight. I'm home alone and the voice that tells me it's ok to drink is working overtime tonight, but that's a topic for another thread I suppose. I'm self medicating with green tea and dark choc so that I can exercise tomorrow.... check for day 10.