In 2011 I’m going to be 30! It’s not old, but it’s a whole new decade, and I’m excited about it. I’m not having a hard time; I still feel young (most of the time), and the only thing I’m going to miss is hearing how young people think I am. Now, when people ask my age and I respond with “20-anything,” they always say, “Oh, you’re so young.” I think I may hear that a little less.
I was trying to decide what I wanted to do to celebrate being thirty, and I decided I wanted to challenge myself. My goal is to be in the best shape of my life this year. Matt thinks this is going to be a challenge since I was pretty fit in my youth, but I’m going to try. I haven’t worked everything out. For example, I’m not sure what I’m going to base the status of my shape on–weight, BMI, etc.
I would say that I was in the best shape of my life between eighteen and twenty. But at that time I ran six miles a day and more on the weekends. I don’t do that now and don’t want to devote that much time to running at this point in my life. But that means I may not be as slender as I once was. I just don’t do as much cardio (which really helps burn fat) as I used to, but I’m ready to add more.
One thing I know is that I am going to participate in at least four physical challenges during the year. I have a handful of possibilities up my sleeve, but I’m open to suggestions–so suggest away. You should know that I don’t like swimming or bike riding, so it is unlikely that whatever I pick will involve either.
My blog in 2011 will be more about how I’m doing on my personal challenge for thirty.
But here is your challenge for this week:
Send me ideas!
What do you think should be one of my physical challenges over the course of the year?
How do you think I should determine whether I’m in the best shape of my life?
A few recommendations from one who doesn’t follow her own advice on a regular basis and who has regreted it. 🙂
in no particular order:
1)strength training for upper body. As years go by I’ve noticed a difference in upper body strength. that will kill two birds with one stone: besides keeping your strength in arms and shoulders, your arms will keep their shapely definiton and you will avoid the sagging syndrome.
2) try to find 10 minutes daily to be QUIET (this is time when you are NOT thinking about keeping in shape or your TO-DO list – focus on a cute baby picture that makes you smile, a picture of past travels or memories that cause a smile or calmness) just BE in that moment with no agenda.
3. Allow yourself a day or days to do nothing. In our busy world and in this challenge you may feel compelled to always Be Good (whatever that may be for this challenge).
4. Notice when you finally get yourself to bed at night if your body melts into the mattress or if you are still holding yourself “stiff” with the day of go, go, go. If you are still tension-tight, focus on toes or some other innocuous thing like ends of hair – that focus might get you away from the day.
5. I’m working at not saying BREATHE because I read this blog and notice you are anti breathing LOL. So many of us hold our breath on and off during the day. Breathing is sooooooo important to our well-being (after all we need oxygen). It helps keep us alert, focused, calm. Try to be aware of your breath and keep yourself breathing regularly.
I’ll probably add to the list. It’s not often someone asks for advice, and I’m always at the ready to give it. Good luck with your challenge.
By the way, love this picture of you 1 day old. Beautiful!
“My goal is to be in the best shape of my life this year.” I’m assuming your are singling out physical shape. May I add that in your 30’s you may realize a confidence, knowing, and awareness of yourself more than earlier in your life. Finding a BALANCE of mind, body, spirit may be a worthy challenge that is woven within the “work” to stay in healthy physical condition. It’s all good.