While there were many awesome things about this summer, I have to say that taking care of my personal health was not a high priority. My exercise levels were low and my eating was poor. I hate hot weather, so I spent way too much time inside, much of it sitting in front of a computer. I swear I experience something like SAD every summer. Being hot just makes me feel out of sorts. Add in a bit of crappy running, a touch of perimenopause, and frustration with the way my clothes are fitting and you have a recipe for someone in need of change. So, as we head into my favorite part of the year, I’m making some changes to jump start feeling more like myself. I’m joining the Friday Five linkup with Mar, Courtney, and Cynthia by sharing 5 things I’m doing to improve my overall health this fall.
1. I’m participating in Laura Pfeifer’s September Reset Challenge.
Laura offered me the chance to participate for free and blog about the experience. Since I was already considering making some changes, this seemed like the perfect opportunity for me. I’m stuck in a food rut and there seem to be so many conflicting pieces of info out there. I’m hoping to get back in the habit of eating fresh, unprocessed food, as well as finding some new recipes to incorporate into our family meal plan. We don’t start until September 8 (Join us!), but already Laura has provided lots of useful information and a facebook group to discuss our progress. While the plan is not specifically a weight loss plan, I’m really hoping it will jumpstart “Project Not Have to Buy New Clothes”.
2. Pure Barre – As I mentioned in my review, I have signed up for a month of unlimited Pure Barre. I went again yesterday with Courtney. I find this class sooo challenging and I’m hoping to come out of it looking more toned and leaner. If nothing else, it works my body in a totally different way than running does, so some really underused muscles should get a work out.
3. Walking more – I sat on my butt way too much this summer. When we weren’t on vacation or sight seeing somewhere, I was sitting. It’s ridiculously expensive to keep our drafty old house really cool in the summer, so I find myself not wanting to move as much as I’m always *just this side* of sweating. Add in not walking to and from school and yeah… So, starting today, I’ll be walking Shoo to school most mornings. I also plan to walk to and from Pure Barre each time I go.
4. Get outside more – I know for most people summer is the time for outdoor activities, but I become a hermit in the summer. I can’t wait to get out and enjoy the fresh fall air, even if I’m doing something as mundane as raking the ridiculous number of leaves that fall on our yard every year.
5. Declutter – OMG, my house is overrun with stuff. I have piles of things I’ve gotten to review or as an ambassador to companies. The playroom was “tossed” by the kids at a party this summer and hasn’t been touched since. There are still school things sitting around from LAST school year. Ugh! And being surrounded by chaos is wearing me down. Project cleanup commences NOW.
Did you notice that I don’t mention sleep or running? I am trying to get in the habit of going to bed earlier, but I have a crazy couple of weeks going on with work that I’m just trying to survive. I did go to bed last night with significant things left undone, just because I needed sleep, so score one for me. As far as running goes, I plan to run when the spirit moves me. As the weather gets cooler, I know I’ll want to run more, so I’m just not forcing it right now. After Ragnar, I only have one race on the books. After that, I have no plans until next May. I know you find that shocking. I’m just hoping my run love comes back before then.
Do you need to reset periodically? Is there a time of year that works best for you?
I need to do something like this, but I haven’t figured out how or what. Work is insane this month. And then there’s that crazy Ragnar thing!
Yeah, I have to be careful because a lot of the time, if I’m really careful what I eat, my running sucks for a few days until I adapt. Sucking during Ragnar would, well, suck.
I have heard so many people talking about this Barre class I have yet to try. I need to find one in my area.
I like it because it is soo different from running. I’ve taken a couple of different companies’ classes and they all seem to be a bit different.
Have begun a journal of food & beverage intake combined with exercise. Using a nice little app named “My Fitness Pal”, and the process is VERY revealing. Starting into a 6 week “Healthier Eating Habits Challenge”, at this point no changes in my diet, just keeping a journal. Will be interesting.
I suck at writing things down. I’ve tried it before and it’s just not my strength. But, even without writing it down, I know my eating is awful LOL.
So glad you can join us! Should be fun. 🙂 I’ve been wanting to try Barre, too. And get to bed earlier- yes!!
I’m trying to sleep this week since I won’t be sleeping during Ragnar…
I’m participating in the 21 day reset too and I’m a bit nervous about it! Are you??
I like being told what to eat, so I’m trying to just enjoy it.
I’ve been working on similar goals myself this September so far. Sleep is high on my list. I did a spring reset with another blogger and found it very helpful. Have fun
Thanks! Hoping to get back to my usual weight while I’m at it.
Same. My mileage is always near negative numbers from April till September.
Yeah, I’m not a fan of hot…
September is always a big “re-set” month for me. And I’m hoping my love of running will return as soon as this soul-sucking humidity leaves for good!
It’s chilly here right now. I’m looking forward to running tomorrow.
i’m really interested in reading about your 21 day reset. hoping to glean some great tips from ya! and while i love summer, i’m pretty much over it. ready for fall!
So far, I’ve given up sugar and milk for one day. We’ll see if I can keep that up… (I’d also like to cut back on cheese, but, baby steps…)
It’s always so much easier to exercise when the weather starts to cool down. Summer is such a drag. Good luck with your 21 day reset.
Thank you and yes! Cooler weather IS better.
Sounds like you have a great plan for refocusing, sometimes I think that I need to do the same as well. I definitely need to make getting to bed earlier a priority.
yeah, I’m ready for summer to be over. I had my fun but now it’s time to get back to normal, devise a routine and get this marathon done! good on you for setting some goals!
I need to declutter too – it’s terrible here!