At the end of my running streak challenge post, I gave you a little hint about a new challenge that I’d be exploring for the month of August: well, here it is! I’ve joined the #ActiveLivingChallenge with Lorna Jane and Fit Approach.
I decided to join this challenge for a number of reasons:
- find new ways to stay fit
- encourage myself and others
- opportunity to win some really cute workout gear
But, more than that, it’s about discovering exactly what active living means to me. This week, I’ve learned that active living keeps stress at bay. When things got really difficult at work, one of the things that got me through the day was the thought that I’d be able to go home, slip into my running clothes, and hit the pavement. When I run, I don’t think about anything work related. I hum to the songs on my playlist, I look at the sky, I say a prayer, and a I listen to my feet as they hit the ground. It’s relaxing and helps prepare me for the next day.
4 August: Favorite summer workout move
Running. I was never athletic in high school. In fact, I’m probably one of the few people who managed to graduate from high school while attending the bare minimum number of gym classes. But I turned 40 and needed to do something. That something was run a 5K.
5 August: Favorite healthy recipe
Homemade Corn and Potato Chowder with Shrimp and Bacon. I’m not sure if this qualifies as being “healthy” but it’s made with love for my family.
6 August: What active living means to you
Challenging my body to do more and be more. This body has carried five children and given birth to four. This body has beat seizures and cancer. This body has survived car accidents. This body saw me through Basic Training and four years of Army service. This body has praised God and cried out to Him. This body can do anything.
7 August: Favorite place to relax/have quiet time
The Hubs and I like to go down to the Mississippi River and watch the river. Sometimes there are barges and there are canoes. Most of the time the water is calm, but every now and then it’s angry and swirly. No matter what, there’s something so soothing about sitting on the side and just being.
8 August: Snap a #workout sweaty selfie
I’ve been running drills on the hills in my neighborhood. Seriously, you never realize how not flat a place is until you decide to run.
9 August: Moving/working out with your friends
Squeekerz. He’s not a very good running partner because squirrels. And cars. Our dog gets so distracted by everything but he’s still a good friend if you’re not in a hurry.
10 August: Something you’re grateful for
I’m grateful for my partner in life and love. The Hubs supports/encourages/laughs at my crazy and I love him for that.
About the Active Living Challenge
The #ActiveLivingChallenge with Lorna Jane is an Instagram/Twitter challenge hosted by Fit Approach to celebrate #BlogFest. This is an opportunity for participants to share what active living means to them. Participants are encouraged to be creative with their pictures and share them wit friends and family.
Participants are asked to post pictures of themselves that reflect that day’s inspiration. And, at the end of each week, write a reflective post on that week’s challenges.
The contest runs from 4~24 August 2014. The grand prize winner of the challenge will receive $500 to shop at #LornaJane.
You can see other participants’ pictures by checking out the hashtags #ActiveLivingChallenge, #FitApproach, or #LornaJane.
I’m linking up with Move Nourish Believe and Lorna Jane. Feel free to visit Fit Approach on Facebook.
How do you live active?
