Tuesday 31 May 2011

Lisa's Seven Day Challenge

A few days ago I invited you to take part in seven consecutive days of exercise, starting on 1 June, which is National Running Day in the US. It would be great to have the same here - but maybe friendlier in our summer.

As I progress with my '35 days of running', I invite you to share in a little (seven days) of the joy that I'm experiencing by prioritising running every day.

So, this is the deal...

Seven days. If you forgot all about this and don't start 1 June, start on the 2 June.

ONE - Decide to do this. Come on, what you gotta lose?

TWO - Make it public. Put your name down by commenting on this post. Public expression aids commitment. So far I know of my mom and Fred and Tezz who are doing my challenge starting 1 June. Whoop-whoop!

THREE - Set distance/duration. Make each session tangible by setting a minumum distance or duration for each day - like run/walk a minimum of two kilometres or do any exercise for at least 20 minutes. Walking your dog for five minutes doesn't count; walking your dog for 20 minutes does (and you dog will love it too!).

FOUR - Priorise YOU. What I've learned so far is how easy it really is to prioritise yourself when you commit to it. Too often we skip yoga classes, runs and rides for deadlines, this and that... I know I'm guilty of this. Ask yourself, is your reason for not going for a 20-minute run/walk/ride good enough?

FIVE - Any activity counts. It doesn't have to be just one; run every day or mix it up with other disciplines. Just do something every day, for seven days.

SIX - Keep a log. Whether you count kilometres or hours, record what you've done over the seven days. I really enjoy my colourful Google Earth tracks as a rewarding visual tally.

SEVEN - Be proud. It's a mind thing to make your daily dose of exercise a priority. You can do it and you will be very proud on that seventh day.

Added to this, consider doing this challenge from the first to the seventh of every month, to keep your training on track (if it falls off the tracks, which can and does happen) and to refocus your attention every month on you and what is important to you (fitness, health, exercise, de-stress, freedom).

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

Sounds great, Lisa! I am in the US at the moment but don't know anything about National Running Day. However, I'm going to do it.

Elizabeth said...

That first anonymous comment is by Elizabeth Eagar

Unknown said...

Your on! did an hour spinning this morning. Will blog my big adventure!

Fred said...

I'm in. 6km a day minimum for the next 7 days. But next time can we do it in summer?

Tezz said...

Completed my first one successfully...will keep you posted on the rest of the week!

Terrick said...

Into my second day :) started mine earlier. Yes the excitement was killing me. not even the cold is stopping me.

Jon said...

I'm in. Didn't know about it but started a new programme this morning so fits nicely, thanks Lisa, will e-mail for a chat Cheers Jon

swazidarron said...

I started a day early with the Ezulwini 5km time trial... and kept the momentum today with Kei as pace-maker. We did some timed 400m laps at Somhlolo National Stadium. The pace was fast as the national soccer team were practising on the pitch... and we needed to look good in front of the celebs.

adventurelisa said...

Great timing Jon.

Darron, good to have Swazi representation ;)

adventurelisa said...

Elizabeth, how are things going in the US? Enjoying it? You've been there a few months already eh? Saw Allison for her birthday. Will see her soon for mine. She ran a really good Comrades, just missed her sub-9 hour goal. Ran a 9h09.

Terrick said...

Hiya Lisa. my 7 day challenge ended last night with an easy 3km jog with my new found jogging partner :) it has been an awesome week of adventure that has brought about many smiles, insane laughter, new friends and some close tears due to some unmarked 1metre deep construction holes along our running/cycling path. All definitely worth it. Thank You! the adventure has only just begun. T

adventurelisa said...

Terrick - awesome! Really lovely to read your message. Yes, the adventure has only just begun. Keep with it and I hope to see you soon (come to my metrogaine on 21 June).