We did 30 days of 30 minutes of walking. It wasn't always easy and I can confirm that there were more than a couple of days where I really didn't want to. But we did! And I'm so very proud of France and I.
So here's a list of things I learned this last month.
1. The words "commitment" and "accountability" go hand in hand. France and I both take commitment very seriously. This helped keep us both accountable. All we would have had to say to each other was "you made a commitment" and we would have ignored the pull to not get out of the house and would have met each other as planned.
2. Some people think it's funny that I'm so happy about 30 minutes of walking for 30 days straight. I get that. Most people don't have to force themselves out of the house and do exercise things. I have to. Exercise isn't something I have ever enjoyed (obviously) and it's easy for me to make an excuse to not go. So going 30 days in a row and exercising is a huge accomplishment for me. One I'm proud of. And I intend to continue to do this in April.
3. It's amazing how good I feel. I know 30 minutes a day seems like a small amount to you all, but that small 30 minutes has really given me back my energy. I find I'm not as lazy as I used to be. And that, my friends, is a good thing.
4. There's a difference between routine and habit. When I think of a habit I think of things we do with muscle memory. Things like brushing your teeth, going to the same coffee shop every day. Things like that. When I think about routine, the project manager in me comes out and a routine is like a mini schedule. It's what you do to get things done. For example, my routine is to do my grocery shopping every Saturday morning. It's routine. It's on the schedule and so I do it.
This gym thing is now routine. Whether it becomes a habit is yet to be decided, but the routine is down flat. France and I go every day at my lunch time (around 11). It gets it over with and then we have the rest of the day to muck around and do things like, take naps or scrapbook, or cook.
5. The biggest lie I tell myself is I'll walk at home. I won't. I will want to. I will change my clothes to, but it's really common that I don't. Outside is usually wet and cold this time of year, so there's another excuse. BUT, now I bought myself a walking pad that is in my house. Now I have zero excuses. France has one and talked me into buying it. Probably the best thing I did.
So now we're in April. And France and I both plan on going every day that we can. I start my week by reviewing my work schedule and sending France my plan for the week. Then each day we confirm the next day.
The best part of the gym now is when we leave I say, "See you tomorrow." and I know I will.
