Well, today is Day 30 of my fitness challenge.  I am ashamed to admit that only the first 14 days of fitness were completed.  The last 16 I have spent tending to my broken toe, which is much better, by the way.  I have, however, had a feeling of anxiousness and grief these last two weeks over my fitness failure.  I really was enjoying the challenge, no kidding.  Sure I didn’t always want to exercise but the physical benefits I gained from each activity were immeasurable and I feel the difference without it.   I do plan to continue or re-start my fitness challenge as soon as my toe allows me to run again, but maybe with a little less intensity and obligation.  After all, the goal was to introduce more fitness into my life.  And the last thing that I want is to undo the careful consideration I’ve taken these last two weeks, in regards to my toe, that is.

Now that I’ve admitted my humbling failure, time to look at the positives and move forward, right?  So, what were my successes in the first month of 2010.  First of all, I took the initiative to embark on a challenge.  I didn’t know if I would be able to physically manage a jogging regime, which I am happy to report I was doing well with.  I paid attention to my dietary needs, which is an important life-long habit to which I’m addicted.  I also took the opportunity to examine myself both mentally and emotionally and have continued to grow as a woman and a health care professional.

That being said, it would seem that my challenge wasn’t a failure after all.  Sure I didn’t exercise for 16 out of the 30 days.  But I continued to challenge myself to be a happy, healthier, well-rounded individual, one who learns from her experiences and uses them to strive forward. And really that was the true point.  And maybe I wanted to prove, a little, to myself that I could be some work-out wonder whose physical abilities were only surpassed by her charm and beauty. I’m kidding.  But truthfully, I was using it to feel good about myself.  Having just turned 30 and feeling the need to experience the saga of aging with a spectacular achievement that would validate my youth, I decided to run.  Was I running away?  Hardly, I like to look at it as running forward.  So in truth, I feel good about what I accomplished. I hope you find the same satisfaction from all of your challenges. We prosper from that which makes us stronger.

The true goal is always growth!

I don’t know anyone who loves to get up in the morning, especially in the wintertime.  Hitting the snooze button for another 9 minutes of pleasant slumber seems so much better than braving my warm body for the cold a.m air.  I’m, however, finding that although I am notorious for this snoozy act, once up, I’m quite the morning person.  In fact, it may be my favorite time of day.  It’s still quiet from the night before, my mind is fresh and clear for writing.  On this particular peep of day, I was happy to find it was already light at 6:30am, and, with the winter soltice being in 5 days, we can expect earlier sunrises till at least the spring.  All this aside, I still dred that alarm.  How can I resist so earnestly what I hold so dear?

Driving past the neighborhood high school this morning and seeing all the young teenagers crossing the street for school, reminded me of my own high school days.  Homeroom started at 7:25 am and (most of the time) I was there, even after my 3 am bedtime.  Now, however, even though I am officially a morning person, the idea of a 6 am alarm makes my skin quiver.  What’s the deal?  If my lackadaisical teenage counterpart could do it, surely the adult me can do so too, especially after 8 hours sleep.  And knowing the I’ll be bright eyed and bushy tailed once I’m off my pillow should help too, right?  You’d think.

Part of my turning 30 celebration (ACK! I’m turning 30 in 19 days and yes I’m going to celebrate!) is a 30 day fitness challenge.  I’m planning to wake up at 6 am every morning and go for a jog and/or practice my yoga.  The idea frightens me but it’s also exciting.  Of course part of the challenge will be the waking up part.  But I feel that since I will soon officially be an adult, (30 does mean I’ll be an adult, won’t it?), that it’s high time I start thinking like one, or at least acting like one, I don’t think I’ll ever not think like a 15 year old.

So here’s to the morning and all the more hours I’ll be enjoying each day.  I hope I can do it.  I think I can!

On Tuesday, I found out that I was to have yesterday off from work.  I immediately texted The All-Star.  We both knew exactly what we’d do.  We’re in Southern California, it’s almost winter, and a weekday…we’re going snowboarding!

Bright and early, with a friend along for the ride, we drove up to Mountain High Ski Resort for a full day of winter sporting.  What a great time!  I’m not gonna lie, it was cold on the lift, and the clouds were low so it was sometimes hard to see.  But we were greeted by sun and higher temperatures each time we reached the bottom and warmed up enough to jump right back on the lift and do it again.  I’d say we got in a good 20+ runs!

This is probably my sixth season on the slopes.  That does not, however, mean that I am an expert snowboarding.  Quite the contrary.  Three trips each winter meant it was a good year.  Many were not good years.  But since living in So. Cal, with a longer season and less lines at the lifts, I’ve been able to fine tune my boarding skills and each time I get a little better.  Last season I had a few discouraging moments, mostly driven by fear.  Some nasty falls made me wonder why I ever took up the sport.  But I tarried on and I was now ready to advance.  I put my fears in my back pocket with my SPF lip balm and took on the jumps! (the beginner ones of course).  It was so much fun.  I landed maybe half of them, but got some good air and found a new side of snowboarding that I can’t wait to exercise this winter season!

Yesterday, I overcame a hurdle that was daunting me.  I often felt frustrated on the mountain, watching The All-Star take courageous leaps off snow banks while I sat in the snow nearby taking pictures.  This time I was the one with the guts and he stood by with the camera.  It felt good.  Real good.  I challenged myself and overcame the doubt that I could actually do it.  Sure I fell a few times, but it didn’t hurt too much, and I got right back up and tried the next jump.  I’m proud of myself and I’m ready to take on more challenges next time.

Today I’m sore, so is the All-Star.  The first time out is always the hardest to recover from.  Some of those muscles are just not used to getting worked in that way.  But I can’t complain.  I got a great workout, learned a new skill, and gained confidence in myself that I can succeed if I just give it a try.  Not something we’ve never heard before, right?  But it’s always nice to experience it firsthand.  Being in the business of helping others, I’ve always got a good cliche up my sleeve.  Having a story behind the lesson is helpful, especially for the one telling it.

What life lessons are you living out today??