I am still struggling to find that balance that I mentioned in the last update. Jodi from Kol’s Notes told me to stop being so hard on myself for missing a few days here and there because I was still walking more regularly in January than I had been previously. She hit it right on because I had been beating myself up about it. Since I view balance as a long-term pursuit, and finding balance can mean letting go, I am at peace with where I am at right now.
All said, the month has gone pretty well.
I was inspired by all of the people who have joined us in the challenge.
I revisited a fun ap on my phone to help track our progress. I have used aps like MapMyRun before but I found a version called MapMyDogWalk. It’s “brought to you by Subaru” but it is really just another version of the MapMyWalk ap. The name makes it seem new and a lot more fun for the purpose of the challenge though. The timer helps keep me honest about how long we have been out and it’s fun to view the route you walked on a map.
I was also asked to be a contributor to the Spring Naturals Fit with Fido Facebook campaign taking place this month. I provided a fitness tip that will be posted on their Facebook page on January 30th. They have been posting tips daily throughout the month and following them has inspired me and given me extra motivation.
With only one week of the challenge left, I am going to pull it together and finish strong. I am already looking ahead to possibly participating in the Idita-walk next month.
Gizmo (@GizmoGeodog) says
January 25, 2013 at 5:05 AMI think everyone in the challenge is doing the best they can…From what I read the weather in many parts of the country has not made consistency easy.
I’m curious how many of this Challenge participants are planning to do the Idita-Walk…Gizmo is registered already…Anyone else? It might be fun to continue registering our progress together
Dolly the Doxie says
January 25, 2013 at 7:47 AMGood work don’t let those short legged friends defeat you! Thanks for the app tip I got so excited when a friend suggested MapMyWalk and loved it! Except the time it took for the walk because of Dolly’s stops and starts. Guess I need to get MapMyDogWalk now! Amazed at how many calories you burn walking the little buggers.
Love Dolly and Sandra
emma says
January 25, 2013 at 7:49 AMKeep on walking…once you get it into your routine you won’t be able to have a good day without it. When mom goes somewhere without us, she gets crabby if she doesn’t get out and run or walk everyday. It is in her system now.
Roxy the traveling dog says
January 25, 2013 at 7:50 AMI think you are doing awesome, missing one or two days is not that big of a deal. And just think, warmer weather is coming soon. Then it will be easier.
Molly The Wally says
January 25, 2013 at 8:30 AMI always think if you are doing more than you did before you are winning. Have a fabulous Friday.
Best wishes Molly
Garth Riley says
January 25, 2013 at 11:40 AMIt sounds to us like you’re doing great! We’ve been doing a good job with the challenge until this week. Mom has caught what dad had and thinks maybe walking when it’s 30 degrees outside will aggravate her cough, so we’ve missed the past couple of days. But I think that’s a pretty valid excuse, and we’ll make up for it when she’s feeling better.
Have a great weekend!
your pal,
Garth
houndstooth says
January 25, 2013 at 12:09 PMI’m glad you started the challenge! We’ve been taking it seriously and having fun with it! I use the MapMyDogWalk app, too! lol We’re already signed up for IditaWalk and I know you can do it!
Jay from The Depp Effect says
January 25, 2013 at 2:31 PMWe’ve been taking it seriously, too, and doing our very best to complete at least thirty minutes walking each day. Sadly, a combination of the weather and an appointment at a specialist heart hospital for my Other Half ruined our record this week. Because it was so snowy and icy, we had to go down to Papworth the day before, which meant our dogs had to go to their ‘hotel’, and then they wanted him back the next day for more tests, so we missed the best part of four days. We did do the first walk on day one of the four, and the second walk on day four, but we missed a lot.
It can’t be helped. Life gets in the way of the best-laid plans. Like you, I tend to be very hard on myself for not living up to a challenge or something I’d planned, but the fact is that a walking challenge is like dieting. Feasting on chocolate cake isn’t the end of the diet, it’s a hiccup, and you go back to it. Walking is the same. If you don’t make it one day, so what? Go back to trying again the next day! And as long as you’re headed in the right direction, you’re doing well!
AdventureJess says
January 25, 2013 at 2:36 PMGreat perspective Jay! I think your words will be very encouraging for a lot of people. I hope to make health (I am in decent shape but my diet sucks and I have been yo-yo fitnessing 🙂 for years) a life-long change and with that you have to accept there will be setbacks. One day at a time right?
Chris Knowles says
January 26, 2013 at 1:05 AMI like the sounds of this Idita-walk. This would be a great way to continue our progress on to the next month, and pull me and charlie through to our next fit test!
Roberta says
January 26, 2013 at 12:23 PMWhat I’m finding is January, instead of being able to complete the challenge, is setting myself up for the challenge. I went back to work this month which has thrown a wrench into our daily walking (12+ hr night shifts, often 2-3 in a row; no walking those days). Weekends are OK – I’m from MN so the cold here in MO is not a big deal; I do better outside in cold than MO summer heat. Justus doesn’t always agree but he loves, loves his walks. He is my planned daily walker but with newbies here, I’m working them instead of him – Sydney Beagle and Danali Spaniel.
I’m really looking forward to extending this for the rest of the year and getting our mojo back.
AdventureJess says
January 26, 2013 at 12:35 PMThat’s great! The point of this challenge, at least for me, is to do exactly that – use it as inspiration to get into the groove and walk on a more regular basis. My goal is to make it a long-tern habit. As long as it provides the inspiration one needs, it can be started at any time of the year!
Your schedule makes me think you are a Nurse?
Roberta says
January 26, 2013 at 12:55 PMYou are correct – in the Medical ICU where, if something’s going to happen, it happens at 0300 or at shift change :).
AdventureJess says
January 26, 2013 at 1:26 PMGood on you. Nursing can be a very thankless job. I appreciate you and all of the other nurses out there 🙂