Exercise Challenge Update

So, I think I picked about the worst 4/5 weeks to do an exercise challenge, but in hindsight, if I hadn't had this challenge to push me, I might not have exercised at all! And here is my secret, the challenge had nothing to do with exercise.

I live about 700 miles from my nearest sibling, with the rest of them over 2000 miles away, whom I don't see more than once a year if I'm lucky. We don't really talk much, but do keep in contact over Facebook, Skype, email and blogs mostly. And sometimes it is really hard to be so far away. Although I do have many good friends and a wonderful husband to help, it just isn't the same. I miss my family! We all have very busy lives, and it makes it tough to reach out to others. But can I just say that the effort is sooo worth it. I created this challenge to not only kick start my post-pregnancy workouts, but I really wanted to get back in touch with my family.

This challenge helped me in more ways than you can imagine. I have had a relatively difficult past year, and many times when I walk the track, most of that stress finds a way out and I find myself crying. Being strong and positive has always been one of my personal goals, but sometimes it does get to be too much. Exercise has been a release for as I feel better physically, but more importantly, feel better emotionally. But do you know what I loved most about this challenge? Getting texts and emails from my family! Even if we were taunting each other, we were doing something together, and I had support. It was awesome! And now that we have stopped, I miss it even more.

So for the winner of the challenge, I must confess, I stopped recording after the third week, because it didn't matter anymore. I had ulterior motives anyways. So for my two lovely sisters that participated, you will soon each receive a check in the mail that you must use to further your exercise goals. Buy some new socks, a new t-shirt, a new bra, or some new tunes, whatever you need or want. Just keep exercising! And don't forget talking to those of us that are so far away. I promise to reach out as well, because I need you and I miss you.

Perhaps we need another challenge . . . .