On the back of a work challenge that took place in November 2020, I decided to set myself a new goal for the new work challenge that took place in March 2021. To give you a bit of history here, the Nov 2020 challenge was for a team of 4-5ppl to complete 400km, and go for the longest distance measured in Km for 30 days. My team accomplished that challenge with vigour. When someone earlier on in the challenge remarked that I could complete 400km on my own, that personal goal was set for me. I did extra hours of walking in order to complete it. I then achieved 401.6km on day 30.
In March 2021, I was asked to co-facilitate the challenge due to my energy and enthusiasm during the 2020 challenge. I seized the opportunity and yet I felt that this was an opportunity to push myself beyond what I felt that I was capable of. If you have ever listened to Anthony Robbins (Author and Motivational speaker), he will tell you that the first few times that you want to excel in something may be a little uncomfortable, because it’s not familiar. The mind and body can freak out at the prospect of pushing oneself beyond limits, but the body can do what you tell it to do (within reason).
My personal challenge to myself would be 600km, now I should tell you that following the November challenge then along came Christmas and the desire to do less as the days got wetter, colder and more muddy. So I took a bit of a hiatus as I had work commitments to complete before Christmas break. Then January came around, life happened and things stopped for a while. By February I knew that I had to pull myself back into gear as I was in danger of becoming too comfortable with staying indoors, when I could be outdoors maintaining my fitness levels and improving mental health.
I also had lots of preparation to do in terms of supporting the company challenge due to take place in March. during February here are some of the steps that I took to try to ensure that I prepped for what lay ahead of me during the following month.
- Tell someone about your goal – WHY?
This is because once I told someone, there was no taking it back. It sounded crazy to say it, so I told more than one person. I became accountable. - Write it down – WHY?
I created a rough oversized calendar and placed it on the wall where I would see it every day. I know that some days were going to be tough, but seeing that there was an end date would keep me focused. - Get the right equipment.
Early in February I had taken advantage of the end-of-year sales and purchased a reputable pair of trainers as supporting the feet during a challenge was the most important thing. If you don’t look after the tyres, that car isn’t going anywhere.
I also purchased a GARMIN fit watch, I had done my research and initially wanted a FITBIT, but felt that the GARMIN watch would suit my needs better. - Get the right foods.
Planning meals was going to be my toughest challenge as I cook mostly from scratch as much as I can. I knew that if I were going to spend time cooking each day I would be taking away time from when I could be working, walking, or resting. I purchased foods in advance where I could; fresh soups, so that I could simply just heat after a long walk. Get all the ingredients for a smoothie at your disposal, which included a few days supply of greens and fruits, frozen fruits and seeds ready as toppers. - Planned ahead for deliveries.
I purchased items that I would need for the month as much in advance as possible so that I wouldn’t waste time waiting indoors for the post or delivery companies. - Prepare each night before.
Set my alarm for early activities. I really don’t like using an alarm to wake up so this was the hardest task of all. I tend to try to wake up as much as possible naturally, as I feel the body tells you when it has had enough rest. However, I knew in advance that I would need to be out walking a minimum of 5 hours every day in March if I was going to be anywhere close to my 600km target. This would be morning 2 hours before work, 1 hour lunch walk, 2 hours evening walk.
You are going to have to watch the next blog to see just how far I got with this challenge. The road ahead… what on earth have I let myself in for…