Something fun we’ve started doing this year are month-long running challenges — in May and July, we came together and set individual goals for our running for the month (in my case, 100 miles) and kept in touch every day in the Chat section of the Substack app, sharing our progress. It was a really fun way for me to stay motivated, and I heard from a number of you that you loved the inspiration and the motivation too — a couple of you even told me the challenges helped kick-start your running after a long break.
That got me thinking: what are some other 30-day challenges we might do? We had a great discussion on strength training earlier this summer, and I thought that might be a perfect 30-day challenge, as I really need a kick in the pants to get started! We could do anything, though: a month without alcohol, eating only real food/avoiding ultra-processed foods, trying speed training — anything.
What is a 30-day challenge you’d like to try? Any and all ideas are welcome 😃 — Terrell
All these are great challenges and I could benefit from any or all of them. I would add stretching to my strength training or maybe I could just get a good massage lol.
Did a couple of 30-day 10000 steps/day challenges that were a part of the Healthy Living website that AT&T had a couple of years ago ... 5 miles walking/jogging/running with available a conversion table for time spent doing yard work, swimming and other forms of exercise ... no, conversions for blogging and reading blogs were not on this table!
I love the flossing challenge because nobody is devoted enough even though we all know we should. But I'm voting for strength training since 1. Runners seem to shirk that and 2. So do I.
Really great comments. It makes such a difference when you hear/see someone else say “I am or have struggled with X (sugar, carbs, weights, etc). I know we all share some similar challenges, but literally just being reminded of it really makes a difference. I could add the 30 day floss LOL. Teeth health is related to cardio health and cardio is related to fitness and training.
Right! The reminder helps a lot. . . Love that we are in this all together and have the same "failings!"
Floss. . .2 Xs per day. . . years ago a dentist told me I had low enamel on my teeth, so I take extra good care of them. . . they're all there even at 76 years old!!
I've got a drive to work/school of about 40 minutes so do it in the AM, while driving, on the way. Has gotten me to floss every work day! Better than I was before...
Way back in the 70s, we knew sugar was not good for the human body. I was into Macrobiotics then. You don't see much on that anymore. Read a book called "Sugar Blues" which may not even exist. I did not quite quit cold turkey, but started reading labels and eliminating sugars in the kitchen. Figured out recipes that could use less and less of the sweet stuff. Granulated sugar is still on the shelf, but I seldom use it--with exception of hummingbird food. I guess I'd truthfully have to say it has been gradual as sweeteners are so prolific that it is hard to avoid them. They are still in my diet, but very minimal. It's like cigarettes or alcohol you just have to quit and then develop an awareness of what your body/mind is doing. After awhile it seems natural and the craving stops. . . .have an apple or carrot instead of that Oreo!
This year I started trying to minimize my sugar intake. I noticed that when I eat a lot of sugar, I feel lethargic and unmotivated. By staying away from sugar for even one day, that motivation and energy starts to come back. Every time I start to feel unmotivated, I realize that I've been going through a time of eating more sugar. And when I stop eating sugar, that motivation comes back. There's a super clear link for me.
O my goodness, I've been procrastinating on strength training for the last two months and really need a kick in the butt! I'd love to adopt that as our next challenge!
to follow-up the strength training, maybe just be active [each can set their own "level"] 6d's/week. Mostly, it seems we're looking for motivation to do so this could allow a wider breath of participants yet still set a realistic goals for all!
Exactly! I think a broad range/spectrum of strength training activities, and it will be that each of us picks the one that works for them. Definitely don't want anyone to overdo it.
No sugar is a great idea, since it only supplies nutrient-deficient energy. Not everyone does well on keto, and it isn't just a temporary 'keto flu' to push through. There are actually some vitamins in starches that people struggle with more when they go zero carb, mainly because non-starchy vegetables are not increased in sufficient quantity and no one believes organ meats are worthwhile food anymore.
It is encouraging to read these posts on the effects of what we eat on our bodies and mind. I know it but find it tough to stick with it. When I don’t I feel like crap!
For many people, there comes a 'crap tipping point' where feeling like crap is worse than saying no to the thing we are avoiding! Sometimes it takes years, though!
I quit sugar cold turkey. It is hard. I’m on month 3 now. It eliminates almost everything we eat, especially off the shelf. I’ve eliminated processed food as well. I’ve lost 20 pounds. Never felt better. But, I’ve allowed myself to cheat once in awhile. I can taste the smallest amount of anything sweet, doesn’t take much. I’ve haven’t lost any joy staying away from sweets. I’ve spent the last 60 years filling my body with processed foods and sugars. Time to take care of this delicate body. 😁
No Sugar! That's tough, but it can be done! Processed Sugar and fructose is in EVERYTHING! I've managed it for quite a while now and don't miss it, but it is Hard!
Strength training! I really enjoy strength training, but recently have gotten out of the habit (life happens) and it has been sporadic at best. Would love to have this be my own kick in the pants!
I’m all for strength training as well! Let’s do it
All these are great challenges and I could benefit from any or all of them. I would add stretching to my strength training or maybe I could just get a good massage lol.
Floss in the car. Great idea. Thank you
Strength training and flossing sound like worthy goals to me
Some kind of strength-training challenge would be great, even just for some accountability.
Did a couple of 30-day 10000 steps/day challenges that were a part of the Healthy Living website that AT&T had a couple of years ago ... 5 miles walking/jogging/running with available a conversion table for time spent doing yard work, swimming and other forms of exercise ... no, conversions for blogging and reading blogs were not on this table!
I love the flossing challenge because nobody is devoted enough even though we all know we should. But I'm voting for strength training since 1. Runners seem to shirk that and 2. So do I.
Really great comments. It makes such a difference when you hear/see someone else say “I am or have struggled with X (sugar, carbs, weights, etc). I know we all share some similar challenges, but literally just being reminded of it really makes a difference. I could add the 30 day floss LOL. Teeth health is related to cardio health and cardio is related to fitness and training.
The anklee bone's connected to the shin bone.... 🦴🤣
Very related! (I've been seeing a dentist and an endodontist this week, so you have no idea how relevant this is to me right now!)
Right! The reminder helps a lot. . . Love that we are in this all together and have the same "failings!"
Floss. . .2 Xs per day. . . years ago a dentist told me I had low enamel on my teeth, so I take extra good care of them. . . they're all there even at 76 years old!!
I've got a drive to work/school of about 40 minutes so do it in the AM, while driving, on the way. Has gotten me to floss every work day! Better than I was before...
I keep floss in my car...
Way back in the 70s, we knew sugar was not good for the human body. I was into Macrobiotics then. You don't see much on that anymore. Read a book called "Sugar Blues" which may not even exist. I did not quite quit cold turkey, but started reading labels and eliminating sugars in the kitchen. Figured out recipes that could use less and less of the sweet stuff. Granulated sugar is still on the shelf, but I seldom use it--with exception of hummingbird food. I guess I'd truthfully have to say it has been gradual as sweeteners are so prolific that it is hard to avoid them. They are still in my diet, but very minimal. It's like cigarettes or alcohol you just have to quit and then develop an awareness of what your body/mind is doing. After awhile it seems natural and the craving stops. . . .have an apple or carrot instead of that Oreo!
This year I started trying to minimize my sugar intake. I noticed that when I eat a lot of sugar, I feel lethargic and unmotivated. By staying away from sugar for even one day, that motivation and energy starts to come back. Every time I start to feel unmotivated, I realize that I've been going through a time of eating more sugar. And when I stop eating sugar, that motivation comes back. There's a super clear link for me.
yes, there is! You're not the only one. It has been well documented by scientific studies!! :)
O my goodness, I've been procrastinating on strength training for the last two months and really need a kick in the butt! I'd love to adopt that as our next challenge!
I think this will be the first one! Now to pick which month...
Not September 🤣❤️
No time like the present...or in this case - September since it begins next week!
to follow-up the strength training, maybe just be active [each can set their own "level"] 6d's/week. Mostly, it seems we're looking for motivation to do so this could allow a wider breath of participants yet still set a realistic goals for all!
Exactly! I think a broad range/spectrum of strength training activities, and it will be that each of us picks the one that works for them. Definitely don't want anyone to overdo it.
Strength training, it’s my least favorite thing to do but probably the best thing for “zero” running injuries!
0 Carbs for a month.
That's crazy talk Matt. 😉
Yep, exactly. 💪🏻
OH wow... that's taking it up a notch!
Or no sugar, it’s a great reset.
No sugar is a great idea, since it only supplies nutrient-deficient energy. Not everyone does well on keto, and it isn't just a temporary 'keto flu' to push through. There are actually some vitamins in starches that people struggle with more when they go zero carb, mainly because non-starchy vegetables are not increased in sufficient quantity and no one believes organ meats are worthwhile food anymore.
It is encouraging to read these posts on the effects of what we eat on our bodies and mind. I know it but find it tough to stick with it. When I don’t I feel like crap!
For many people, there comes a 'crap tipping point' where feeling like crap is worse than saying no to the thing we are avoiding! Sometimes it takes years, though!
I quit sugar cold turkey. It is hard. I’m on month 3 now. It eliminates almost everything we eat, especially off the shelf. I’ve eliminated processed food as well. I’ve lost 20 pounds. Never felt better. But, I’ve allowed myself to cheat once in awhile. I can taste the smallest amount of anything sweet, doesn’t take much. I’ve haven’t lost any joy staying away from sweets. I’ve spent the last 60 years filling my body with processed foods and sugars. Time to take care of this delicate body. 😁
Congratulations!!!
Amazing how much weight one can put on due to lack of exercise and eating processed foods! Good for you. . . keep at it!
No Sugar! That's tough, but it can be done! Processed Sugar and fructose is in EVERYTHING! I've managed it for quite a while now and don't miss it, but it is Hard!
Did you quit cold turkey? Or slowly wean yourself off it?
Strength training! I really enjoy strength training, but recently have gotten out of the habit (life happens) and it has been sporadic at best. Would love to have this be my own kick in the pants!
I'm good on this, do it 3x's/week - could maybe make it a "days done" requirement as each would do their thing individually but could do it 12+ days!
Awesome! I think we will definitely do this one 👍
Strength-training is a terrific idea.