Setting Challenges

Over the years I have set different challenges to keep me motivated. Once I set a goal, say walking 2000 miles a year, I break it down to a managable daily amount, and in this case its a shade less than 5.5 miles a day. Two thousand miles is a dang huge distance, enough to say 'not a chance' before ever getting started!

This was my goal over 15 years ago and the 5-6 miles average each day was quite managable. You know each person would do this differently, all at one shot or break it further down in smaller portions - it worked best for me to do a mile or so whenever I could find a spare 15-20 min. I spent the first 30 to 40 min. of my hour long lunch break putting in a couple of miles, and on days when only 30 min was availed for lunch, it would go entirely for the walk (could always sneak a bite at my desk). Very soon it become a habit and found that I could not do without my lunchtime workout (now I know it was the endorphins). My co-workers thought I was off my rocker as cold and rainy days seldom kept me from getting my feet wet. Little did they know what spurred me on.

I used to work near the beach and quite close to a beautiful walkway that follows the beach/coastline for 2-3 miles. This was my destination after work for many years spending an hour or more along the walkway taking in the beautiful views and numerous sunsets while letting those wanting to rush home fight the commute traffic -
see there is a solution to everything, and most of the time, better. So by the time I got home, usually by 6:30 or 7, I had just completed a relaxing hour plus walk and easily put in 5-6 miles so far. During this time I always put in a mile or so just before going to bed - I was so dedicated that I remember one evening after getting under the covers, I had somehow forgotten to do my walk so I promply threw off the covers, put on my walking shoes and did my walk! (those endorphins will get you everytime).

So you see walking 6 miles a day (or 2000 miles a year), for those who are dedicated, need not be an unsurmountable challenge.