Three-Week Challenge: Weeks 1 and 2

Week 1
Wow, what a week! I don't think I've ever worked out this consistently in my life! From Friday to Friday I traveled 8 and a half miles on foot, sweated through 160 sit-ups, 40 push-ups, 15 pull-ups, 10 lunges; and 30 minutes of yoga. That doesn't sound like a lot to you buff bodybuilders and marathon runners out there, but for wimpy me, trust me, it's a lot. I'm on track for my goal with 5 workout days last week, 2 pounds lost, and consistent calorie tracking on My Fitness Pal!

Week 2
This week it was a lot harder to stay motivated. My muscles were sore from a sudden increase in use, and running on the treadmill just seemed tedious. I gained about 3 pounds one day, and then lost about 4 the next. I didn't go to the grocery store, so I was running out of healthy food options. Even with all those challenges, from Saturday to Friday, I still ran/walked about 2 and a half miles, did 1 hour of yoga, 8 push-ups, 80 sit-ups, and 6 pull-ups. Not nearly as impressive as last week, but I am still on track with 5 days of working out, consistent time with my Pal, and 1.5 pounds lost. I'll have to work a little harder this next week to lose 2.5 pounds, but I think I can do it!

Shooting for the Moon: a Three-Week Challenge

So, I realize I haven't posted on this much, but maybe it's because I have been demotivated by lack of interesting things to say. Who wants to hear about working at Starbucks or cooking and cleaning my house or my latest adventure trying to get my car running and registered in the state of Wisconsin? Not me.... and I'm sure, not you.

As things settled down from our Christmas trip to Texas, and the New Year rolled around, I decided to make a few New Year's resolutions. "But," you say, "New Year's resolutions never last and are a waste of time! Besides, isn't that a sign of relying on yourself instead of God?"

Someone once said, "Shoot for the moon, and if you miss, at least you will be far out!" I decided that having a goal is something necessary for my life. I need to be challenged to get off my couch and live life.

My coworker inspired me to make some three-week long goals. Apparently, a habit can be formed or broken in three weeks. So, my New Year's resolution? To accomplish a series of three-week long goals this year. I have a lot of things I could stand to improve in my life, but the first goal I decided to set is three-fold. I want to be more fit and healthy.

Each goal that I make is going to be "S.M.A.R.T.":
S-Simple
M-Measurable
A-Attainable
R-Rewarded
T-on a Timetable

So here is my goal for the first three weeks, ending February 2, 2014.
I want to:
1) Lose 6 pounds by
2) Working out five days a week, and
3)Keeping track of my nutrition on My Fitness Pal. (If you haven't heard of it, it is an awesome app for losing weight and tracking nutrition, calories, and exercise.)

My reward:
If I reach all three goals, Sean and I will go snowboarding--a first for me!
If I reach only 2 out of 3, we will go out for sushi and a movie.
If I only reach one, I will buy a yoga mat or an iPod armband.

"Why is your first goal so self-oriented?" You ask. "Why not do something more spiritual like read through the Bible or give more or be kind to others?" Sean and I spent the first weekend of the New Year with about 40 Junior High and High School kids at an EFCA conference called "Districts." The surprising thing was that the main challenge I got from that was that my body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, and I should treat it like it is. I want to form healthy habits that will increase my energy for the other things in life, and will help form a healthy family in the future. I realize I can't meet these goals by my own effort, but "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

Shooting for the moon, one step at a time.

By blogging about this venture, I not only have you to keep me accountable, but maybe you will be inspired to set your own goals, too. Please comment if you have a goal you would like to share, or anything you want to say. I'm not sure if the comment button is working, so try it out so I know that it works. Thanks for joining me on my journey to the moon!