I love a health goal. Hike 30 miles in 31 days? Easy peasy! Let’s do this.
That was my initial thought when I signed up for the Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center’s Hike-a-Thon challenge hosted by Woodbury County Parks in celebration of the nature center’s 30th anniversary.
What I wasn’t thinking about were some lingering health limitations and cooler weather, but I pushed on! Here’s how it went.
Disclosure: This blog is reader-supported, which means this post contains affiliate links and advertisements. I earn a small commission if you shop through them, which helps fund this website so I can continue to bring you amazing content. Thank you! ~Angela
How Did My Health Hold Up During the Hike-A-Thon Challenge?
During October, I managed a few weeks of upper respiratory crud, which left me coughing uncontrollably. This led to days without hikes. Darn it!
I was also experiencing extreme cramping and pain from the fibroids. There were days I wanted to get out and about, but I stayed on my cozy heat pad instead. Self-care for the win!
The rest of the month, I felt pretty good, despite the change from warmer to cooler weather. My joint pain and autoimmune issues are pretty well managed at the moment — so I hiked!
I hiked on sidewalks, in parks and on trails.
I hiked with Archie and James.
I hiked in sunshine, rain and wind!
I hiked in my town and other areas of Iowa.
How Did I Get Motivated to Go on Hikes?
Archie. My sweet little rescue puppy simply smiles at me and I know it’s time to grab his leash. When I put his harness on, he goes wild. His happiness is infectious, and it gets me out the door.
And, James and I went on two weekend trips this month. It’s easy to be motivated when you have new ground to explore!
I am also motivated to complete projects. I’m very focused on balancing moments of rest with all of my daily responsibilities, so I was pretty sad when I got to week three and was way behind the average of one mile a day. That pushed me to make the last week productive!
How Did I Do In The Hiking Challenge?
I feel good about my participation in the challenge. I rested when needed and was active on days I felt well enough to get out and about.
So, what were my final numbers?
- I logged hikes on 22 out of 31 days in October.
- Archie and I trekked 31.25 miles together in October. (James was with us on many of the hikes, too!)
- I also made it to water aerobics class during the month, which doesn’t count for this challenge but does go toward my personal health goals. I’m thrilled I stayed on top of that even though I was hiking more often.
The challenge was definitely on my mind and pushed me to get on the trails and sidewalks on days when I would have skipped the outside time because of rain, wind or cooler weather.
This challenge has helped me find appreciation in being outside when the weather isn’t ideal. The rain makes the fall leaves more brilliant. Cooler weather means fewer people visit parks. And, the wind? It’s really refreshing and energetically cleansing. I love it!
Challenges Can Push Us To Do More
Over the years, I’ve participated in many challenges, from counting my daily steps with friends, to dietary changes and so much more. I find that doing these challenges helps kick start (or restart) healthy habits and motivation to do something good for myself.
What would you like to read about next here on the Cupcakes and Yoga Pants blog? Gluten-free living topics? My experiences with the Mesachakuay/Medicine Wheel? Mental health tips? I’m open to ideas! Contact me today!
Until next time,
Choose healthy!
Angela
PS: Wonder what I’m up to this week? Visit me on Facebook at Cupcakes and Yoga Pants!
