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Last year I walked and ran 310 miles as I worked on my 40 by 40 goal. This year I have a goal to complete 365 self-propelled miles, with the encouragement of the 365 Mile Challenge group. Since I don’t plan on running 31 races again (yep, that’s how many I ran in 2016), a little extra accountability in the form of a challenge group is just what I need.
A lot of people involved with the 365 Mile Challenge group have also signed up for the 52 Hike Challenge group. The 52 Hike Challenge is to complete 52 hikes within a 12 month period. It’s not calendar-year based, but I started it at the beginning of the year since that’s when I found out about it. Last year we completed 25 hikes, and with a little more consistency I know we can complete 52 this year.
The groups aren’t run by the same people, but they have similar aims: to encourage us to get out and be active. I like setting goals and I’m pretty good at achieving them or at least getting close, so numbers-oriented goals like the 365 mile and 52 hike challenges are right up my alley.
What else can help us achieve our goals?
Schedule It
To make sure our hikes actually happen, I’ve written them into our weekly schedule. Tuesday morning is Sunshine’s fiddle lesson and Thursday morning is hiking time. I don’t schedule other activities Thursday mornings and as a result we are much more consistent with our hikes.
Unfortunately I can’t say the same thing about my treadmill workouts, which don’t have a consistent spot in our schedule. I’m still figuring out a good time to hit the treadmill, and once I do, I know I’ll be more consistent.
Groups and Gadgets
Both challenge groups have private Facebook groups where people can encourage each other, though I don’t find those particularly helpful for me. Just my personality, but I know other people really get a lot out these groups.
Gadgets such as fitness tracking watches and apps, a lot of which focus on group encouragement can also be helpful. I do have a Garmin that I use to track my outdoor mileage, and I really like it, but it’s several years old and not on the same level as a smart watch. Once it dies, I’ll buy this basic Garmin or this more advanced Garmin– I haven’t decided which yet.
Friends
A friend and I are also getting together to go running. We don’t have a set time yet, but I know it will be helpful for both of us to be more dedicated with our fitness and weight loss efforts. Being accountable to each other will be beneficial for each of us.
What have you found to be helpful in helping you achieve your goals to be more active?
