And just like that a third of 2016 is in the books.  How are those New Year’s resolutions looking?  After looking back on my Year In Review 2015  post, it looks like I’m on track for some of the goals I set for myself but also fell off the wagon for a few.  I would say the highlight of the first 4 months of the year was training and completing my first half Ironman.  Early morning workouts and brick Saturdays (biking followed by a run) took up most of my time for the first 3 months of the year.

The one thing I really wanted to incorporate in the new year was reading more (one book a month was the goal).  Just like a lot of things in life, I started off strong and finished a few books in the first few months of the year but then started falling into old habits as life got in the way.  It’s no excuse and something I’m constantly mindful of and working on.  I’m happy to report that I went to the library during my lunch break a few weeks ago and picked up a library card and book.  My goal is to finish each book I check out by the due date (no renewals) and check out a new one.  Someone want to help keep me accountable?  Text me and ask me how the book is coming along.  Little reminders like this help me get back on track!

Speaking of getting back on track, April was the first month since starting this blog where I didn’t post a monthly challenge.  With my half Ironman and a bachelor party taking up the first few weeks of the month, I fell off the wagon and only posted once during the month.  It was a good month overall because I was able to check a few things off my to-do list but I also felt a little less disciplined and focused.  With that being said, I wanted to introduce the May challenge.  It’s a physical challenge to get you ready for summer!  I challenge you to 31 days of physical activity.  To make things a little easier, it’s broken down into upper and lower body (or both) challenges.  The 2 most basic body weight exercises are the pushup and squat.  The 3^rd option is a burpee which is a full body workout (cardio + strength).  Your challenge is to progressively add more reps every day as the month progresses.  Here are a few 30 day challenges I was able to find for each that you can modify to your fitness level.

Pushup Challenge

Squat Challenge

Burpee Challenge

In addition to completing the physical part of it, I challenge you to keep a daily log of how it went or if you skipped it.  For example, maybe something like this:

5/3 – 35 pushups – struggled through them but glad I got it completed.

5/8 – 50 squats – can feel my butt/legs getting stronger

5/18 – 40 burpees – finished half in the morning and made me feel lighter throughout the day.

I’m looking forward to seeing how my daily comments evolve over the month and how I feel by the end of it.  Hopefully I’ll feel stronger and more confident knowing that I stuck with something for a full month.  May the challenge be with you.

QOTP: “Running up a hill is a bitch until you adapt to the hill.  Then it’s not.  The hill is the same but you are different and as a result, so is your experience.  Easy or hard is about you, not the hill.  Don’t wait for your hill to change.”  -unknown