A Challenge and a Lesson

Lately I've been feeling a little, um, unmotivated to exercise.  While I know in my head that exercise needs to be a priority and there are a gazillion reasons why I should (here are 100), I couldn't quite translate that into lacing up my sneakers and moving my body enough to break a sweat.  I needed a little nudge, oomph, kick in the pants... whatever you call it.

A friend introduced me to the world of tracking workouts online.  Some sites also include social networking, so your friends can encourage/applaud your efforts.  There are a ton of sites out there; surely there is a format for everyone.  Here are a few options:

• www.dailymile.com
• www.athlinks.com
• www.usatf.com
• www.runstoppable.com
• www.mapmyrun.com
• www.livestrong.com
• www.buckeyeoutdoors.com
• www.activetrainer.com
• www.fitsync.com
• www.activelog.com
• www.fitnessjournal.com
• www.dailyburn.com
• www.shapelink.com

Poking around the site he showed me, I found a few acquaintances who were already members.  Their entries seemed so non-Superman-ish, that I felt comfortable enough to join.  As I further explored, I saw a section of challenges submitted by members far and wide (like all over the USA and internationally, as well).

One of the submissions was entitled, 5K A Day for One Month.  5K?  I've completed marathons, I can do a 5K.  I've done tons of them.  But a 5K every day?

The challenge had a couple of days until it started, so I decided to take the idea for a test ride.  I did a 5K two days in a row and didn't die.  I went to my computer to sign up, but the challenge submission had mysteriously disappeared.

It's weird, but I felt deflated.  I was pumped up to do this thing, in part because if completed, I would have earned some digital bling to proudly display on my home page.  Now, no bling for the thing!  (Surely this says something shallow about my character.)  As I thought it over, however, I decided to quietly begin the challenge on my own.  My family members were the only ones who knew I was taking it on, though I'd not committed for the month.

Today was day 13 for me.  But I almost dropped out at day 5 and 9.  Day 5 was a wet, blustery day, and a hyper-busy one at that.  I had decided that the 5K simply was not a priority for me, so I abandoned the whole idea.  One of my sons asked me late in the afternoon if I'd done it yet that day.  "Nah, just too busy."  His response was one of disappointment, I could tell.  Then, right before my eyes, this lanky, teenage cross-country runner son became my hero.  "Oh, you've gotta do it, Mom.  I'll come with you."  And out into the storm we headed.  I was grateful to him for getting me out when I otherwise wouldn't have gone.  Beside that, we had wonderful conversation during the run.  The run provided the platform for one-on-one time with him.

Day 9 came and went - another busy day - and night had fallen.  This time it was my other son who asked if I'd done the 5K.  "Nah..." I again replied.  But this time, no one tried to talk me in to it or offered to do it with me.  As I thought about it, I realized I at least wanted to make it to double digits.  And so, even though it was dark and drizzly out, I put my running clothes on, grabbed a headlamp and headed into the night, alone.  There are many bears in the area where we live, and it is not uncommon to see them when we're out and about.  Jogging in the dark out here (no city lights, not much traffic) scares me.  But I overcame my fear and went on the run.  I sang REALLY loud.  When I got home, I was glowing from the inside out.  I had conquered something and I knew it.

Today was another blustery, wet day (a theme here in southeast Alaska, especially in the fall).  I was determined to make the 5K happen (strengthened by Days 5 and 9, I'm sure).  I had my husband drop me off on his way in to work.  I either had to run home or hitchhike.  I chose to run.  Dressed for the weather, I actually had a fun run.  The digital bling of which I earlier spoke holds less appeal to me now, as I'm finding that the run IS the reward.

Maybe, just maybe, I'm learning a principle here.

“Being faithful in the smallest things is the way to gain, maintain, and demonstrate the strength needed to accomplish something great.”
― Alex Harris

I am training myself physically, but I have the feeling there is something deeper going on as I tackle the 5K A Day challenge.