It has always been frustrating for me when stepping on the scale and watching the resulting number on the dial continue to inch up toward a new plateau. This has happened on far too many occasions over the past 40 plus years of caring about such numbers. In high school, 145 moving to the 150s was just a natural progression. I can blame it on the pizza, but college brought on the 160s followed by marriage and Beth’s cooking taking me to the 170s. Next came a real career and raising a family where I would grab something on the run and often stopped for ice cream, because the kids love it, and I found myself in the 180s. As a career grows, there are more business dinners, skipping breakfast, and airport food, allowing the 190s to show up. Do you know what happened to me in this plateau? My belts shrank, my pants and suits in the closet never come off the hanger, and the the new clothes I buy always seem to be marked wrong because there is no way I can be wearing that size! I’ve also learned to hold my belly in, wear shirts untucked as my new style emerges, and I constantly argue with the scale outside the shower.
I am in no way suggesting that this has happened to you or that if someone weighs a certain number then it is a bad thing. I am just giving my opinion on the only person I should be opinionated about . . . ME! Back in early April as the scale was reading dangerously close to a new century mark . . . I realized this four-decade trend was not leading to a good outcome for me. It was time to do something about it, and I did because that 197 number is now 183, and I am getting reacquainted with some of my favorite belts and pants, tucking my shirt in again, and stepping on the scale every chance I can. I got back to the things I used to be very good at like working with a trainer to create a workout program that was not just going through the motions. I started making better choices on my eating habits and practiced getting better at it every day. I had been enjoying time on the trails and in the woods, yet it became clear to me that solitude was not creating positive results when I stepped on the scale. I realized I had to start walking with a purpose. That is when the pounds started to melt off, and that brings me to the challenge I would like to present to you.
Miles in 30 DaysThe 30 Miles in 30 Days Challenge was created by the incredible team at COME ALIVE OUTSIDE. It aligns so well with their mission of “helping people live healthier lives outside.” It is just what the name implies. You are challenged to walk one mile every day for a month. I have participated over the past couple of years just as a nice thing to do, but then something great happened. Come Alive Outside introduced an app that not only tracked my progress but allowed me to compete and talk trash with friends on a team challenging other teams around the country. Now that is walking with a purpose, and it worked! I missed a few days in those 30, but overall I ended up with 56 miles, and, with the app reminding me of the streak I was on, it was at least hard to skip a day. It made a difference!
I Want You on My TeamStarting June 10, Come Alive Outside is challenging the country to walk 100 miles in 100 days, and I want to have 100 people join me on a team to accept that challenge. JP Horizons will cover the small registration fee, and Linda Coors, who got more miles than I in the 30-mile challenge, will facilitate, making sure everyone gets the app and is ready to go when the challenge starts. I want to name the team the “GO GET ‘EMs” and I am excited about this not only for the health benefits and habits we will all enjoy, but it also gives me a chance to once again interact with 100 of you in the process.
Here is the process to be part of the GO GET ‘EMs team:
Share your thoughts on this question . . . I believe a little positive peer pressure is a good incentive to keep us engaged whether it is achieving a monthly sales goal or walking 100 miles in 100 days. What do you think about the concept of positive peer pressure?
23 Responses
I love it. The more we can do together and share the experience and grow together the better! We are social animals and we need each other for the support.
Only 3 more days until the challenge starts, Jim. I’m excited about all who have accepted and are ready to go. We will support each other!
Hi Jim
I am in if you will have friends from across the pond !
A mile a day will be a major challenge for me as my MS beginnings to take hold but I am determined to out manoeuvre the pain and carry on
If in return I can help myself and others Jen win win. Great idea. William Braid
William, I have verified that the app will work in the UK. We are so happy to have you join us. Thank you!
William, we’re excited to have you join us. The app should work an any country, but if you are told it doesn’t, let me know and we’ll do our best to get it working for you. Thanks!
William, I have sure been thinking of you and excited you are giving us an international and English flair to the 100 miles in 100 days. I have been thinking about your attitude toward MS and if anyone can out maneuver and carry on . . . YOU CAN! I look forward to talking sometime soon ! ! ! ! GO GET EM, JIM
Hi Jim,
WOW !! Love it, 62 and need a new right hip October 15th ish. How about swimming for hour a day for 100 days
Cannot wait for the hip operation.
Will forward to Tracey
Great idea !!!!
Ron, good luck with your hip replacement. Hope Tracey can join us!
RON, , , Get that hip and keep moving forward! Great to hear from you. . . I would think an hour of swimming a day can qualify . . . especially for in my eyes. . . That is quite a goal and commitment.
i have been walking inconsistently for some time, but would enjoy being a part of your quest! Pls sign me up for this!!
Hayden, I sent you instructions to join our team. Please let me know if you have any questions or need further help. Thanks!
I am in , If it is possible to do it from Canada. it is a wonderful idea and something that will be fun and good for many reasons. Covid has changed our world a lot , many people struggle since then.
Being able to do it with others from many different places , age and background is great.
Jim , since I started reading your newsletter and listen to your presentations I learned so much. Your take on life , on struggles , ideas , your enthusiasm and kindness always inspired me.
This challenge is fantastic and at the stage I am in my life after a very difficult and totally unexpected issue i know this challenge will help a lot.
Marie, the app has been working on Apple products and as of today it is working on Android products. I sent you instructions on downloading it. Let me know if you have questions or need any help with anything. Thanks!
Marie, Look forward to having you in the CHALLENGE . . . thanks for being part of it. . . . Thank you also for the kind words on the NEWSLETTER. . . I am missing writing it on a regular basis! Thanks for your support through the years!
THANKS, Jim. Count me in on your latest good idea.
So much for retirement, but this seems to be a GOOD CHOICE, one where you continue to be a BUILDER!
Just now checked out of Solutions, and currently just finished Night One at the farm, after throwing tomahawks. Compelling reading thus far. Sure hope this is not an autobiography!
Best regards,
Dick Ott
Dick, we look forward to having you join us. I sent directions to download the app and join our team. Let me know if you have questions.
Regarding the Depressed Motivational Speaker, here is a podcast Jim did recently that really gives some insight into why and how Jim wrote the book: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NAxDJX4n__A
Thanks!
I want to be on your team.
Zech,
I sent you directions to download the app and join our team. Let me know if you have any questions or need help with anything. Thanks!
Linda I emailed you but I also want to be on your team. I am planning prepping right now for my trip to to Philmont scout ranch in July where our trek is 57 miles plus whatever we do on side hikes in a 12 day trek (10 days on the trail)
Andrea, That’s quite a trek you have planned in July. It sounds fun! Thanks for joining our team on the challenge!
Andrea
That is awesome! What a great challenge and accomplishment. . . GO GET EM ! ! !
Perfect! After the crazy winter/spring start up season I’d love the motivation to make time and get back outside and moving again with purpose. Great to be on the Go Get ‘Ems team! Joy and I are both signed up.
Tom and Joy, we are excited to have you join our team! Thanks.