doing it for the ground

For most of my childhood and teenage life, my exercise regimen was characterized by dance. I took classes and I was also on drill team. I never had to worry about "working out" because I just danced. Then I went to college. There was no dancing in college. (Not that opportunities didn't exist--I just didn't pursue any.) I tried exercising, and I even took a few classes to try to make myself love working out. Let's just say, that's a few hundred bucks I'll never get back.

The thing is, once I get into the gym, I really enjoy it. I just have this motivation problem where before I go, it takes a lot of self-prep-talking to make myself go. I have very little self-discipline when it comes to doing activities that I need to schedule for myself.

So, on Friday, Adrian and I walked from my apartment down to the Museum Campus and as we were walking, I saw many people jogging along the trail. The views of Lake Michigan and of downtown were stunning, and all those healthy-looking people really made me want to get out and jog--obviously for the health reasons, but also because there are just so many beautiful things to see.

What has come of this experience is this: I am challenging myself to a one-month exercise challenge.

I am by NO means in shape, so I am not going to make any unrealistic goals for myself (like--run outside for two hours each day--that just wouldn't happen). What I would like to do, however, is to do 30 minutes of exercise every day for the month of November--either jogging outside, getting on the elliptical, or doing my pilates video. I'll be tracking it on the blog to keep myself accountable.

I am REALLY excited about this. I feel like it will give me more energy and make me drink more water and help me to just give even more glory to God by taking care of the body He gave me.

I'll leave you with this--I found this quote, and I thought it was really cute:

Jogging is very beneficial. It's good for your legs and your feet. It's also very good for the ground. It makes it feel needed.
~Charles Schulz, Peanuts

...and who wouldn't want to show some love to the ground? :)