Sharon's Rules for Exercise - #2

 Rule #2: Do hard things  

Set a goal that seems like something you might want to do if you were in better shape... but not in the shape you are in now. Please don't set an impossible goal - that is just depressing!

Last year I participated in a sprint triathlon. It sounded hard and impressive - I now know anyone can complete a sprint triathlon with a few months of training. Setting this goal in the late fall kept me active all winter long (instead of hibernating as I usually do) and because I made sure to tell lots of people that I was going to do it, there was no backing out! Somedays, just knowing I told so many people was the only thing that made me get out of bed at dark-thirty in the morning to go work out!

Experts say that just writing down your goal makes you 70% more likely to achieve it. So go ahead, write it down and put it where you will see it EVERY day.

Having a partner keeps you accountable. Enlist someone that is similar shape physically to you and that is at least moderately motivated to change. Agree on time and place and then show up EVERY time and do your training! If your partner backslides - drop them like a hot potato. Do whatever it takes to reach your goal.
Some goals to consider:

• Run or walk a half marathon or a 5K or any distance in between.
• Complete a Sprint Triathlon
• Participate in an organized bike ride - aim for at least 30 miles.
• Participate in an Adventure Race
• Plan a hiking or biking vacation trip. THere's nothing like a steep deposit to make you motivated to work out!