Okay – so the title of this month might be a little misleading… as I only completed 25 workouts in 40 days… but sometimes life gets in the way. Or sometimes loss and grief get in the way. It’s important to pause when important events occur and take a moment to reflect. I’ve always been an advocate to feeling your feelings; if you’re sad, be sad and don’t try to push passed it. But you should also remember to take time for yourself. As someone who works in retail, I spend most of my day making sure other people are happy. As someone who manages a large group of people, I also spend most of my day making sure other people are happy. And I am very good at my job. Customer service is phenomenal and employee turnover is minimal. But when things happen in my personal life, I often forget how to make time for me. I took several days off from this 30 day challenge, but in the end realized the importance of personal health and making time to pursue it.
The month started off strong! Week One included at 7 mile hike around Ramona Falls, several runs totaling 10.87 miles, yoga, and Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred and I burned 1,570 calories!
Week Two was also pretty fun. I took a yoga class at a new studio called Yoga Refuge, hiked 5.29 miles with steep elevation gains at Multnomah Falls, watched a Daily Burn video for MMA, took 2 Crossfit classes with Jade, ran 2 miles, and did some outdoor cross training with my sister. I burned 1,781 calories.
Week 3 consisted of a few less workouts, but still very enjoyable. I went to the gym with my dad and ran 2.8 miles alongside him while he began training to run a half marathon with me next year. That was very inspirational and motivational for me. I played some golf at McMenamins Edgefield, but mainly just drank. And then I took an introductory Crossfit class at a local gym. Only 3 workouts this week, but I’ve been traveling.
Week 4 was a little better. I went to Yoga Refuge twice this week. There was one class where I was the only student and it was completely personalized for me and I loved it! Got to do a lot of shoulder strengthening and hip openers. Bought a new bike and went on a 3.2 mile loop around the waterfront. I ran one mile under 9 minutes, which is my fastest mile yet. I also got to attend Grit Fitness – which is a weekly workout session a friend of mine hosts. He piles up all types of workout gear in his car and unloads on the side of the street under the Steel Bridge. Friends and strangers on the street can do strength training with bands, sledgehammers, ropes, kettle bells, or run up and down stairs, in a fun but seriously demanding environment. It is highly enjoyable but I am definitely the least fit person there.
Week 5 included at 5.2 mile hike around Silver Falls, a 15 mile bike ride, and a 2.45 mile run.
So here are the stats – I traversed 52 miles. I took 4 yoga classes, 3 Crossfit classes, 1 Grit Fitness session, several strength training workouts, and set a new personal record for fastest mile. I got to spend time with my favorite people in the world. I took a moment to reflect at the top of Mount Tabor and at the beautiful waterfalls at Multnomah, Silver, and Ramona Falls. I pushed myself to get out there when I didn’t want to, but also knew when to take a break. Of course I didn’t hit my goal. I almost never do. But I still keep making goals and shooting higher and higher.
thirty days of new 