Aug 31, 2011

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Fresh Start

Every year before I started school I’d make goals for myself.

First, I’d buy new binders, loose leaf paper, pens, pencils and an agenda. Then I’d organize everything. I’d write all important dates and my class schedule in my agenda, breathing it all in. Filling in my agenda was always an awesome time. I loved it.

I think because school always started the day after Labour Day for me, September represents a new beginning. Sure I did the typical New Years Resolutions, but the September resolutions always represented something brand new. New classes, new teachers, new supplies, new clothes.

That feeling has always stuck with me. The feeling that come September, I should make some changes.

So, I am.

And I’m going a bit big.

The first is a challenge for myself. A challenge to break myself out of a bit of a clothing rut.

I’m finding my brain is more fried after starting my new job. I’m not complaining, I’m just not used to having to think all the time. As a result I’ve fallen into a bit of a clothing rut.

Challenge 1

Go the entire 30 days of September without wearing the same outfit twice.

The rules:

  • I can rewear pants and tops; however, the outfit must be different. For example, I cannot wear the same top with two pairs of black pants.
  • Weekend outfits also count. A mere change of a scarf or shoes does not constitute a new outfit.
  • Pyjamas do not count, I can wear the same pair of nasty pj’s for all 30 sleeps if I so choose. I won’t, but I can.
  • Evening lounge clothes won’t count. Work clothes and weekend clothes are where the issue lies, so I’ll allow myself to chill in comfy clothes in the evenings. However, if lounge clothes are worn on one weekend day, they cannot be reworn on another weekend day.
  • Running/yoga wear doesn’t count. I don’t have enough pants/tops to do this, plus, they’re only worn for an hour or two each day.

I do plan on taking a picture of each of my outfits every day. This will require me to actually plan my outfits the night before, but I think that’s an important part of getting ready in for work.

Challenge 2

Exercise 6 days a week.

I’m going to allow myself a leetle bit of leeway with this one because sometimes I’ll have to work late or I’ll be injured and won’t be able to work out.

August basically kicked my butt and I’ve ran only 4 or 5 days. Certainly not enough. I’m even considering pulling out of the half marathon I signed up for on September 11 so that I can focus on training for my main race in Victoria over Thanksgiving.

Here’s my tentative 6 day a week workout plan:

  • Monday: P90x
  • Tuesday: 10k run
  • Wednesday: P90x
  • Thursday: 10k run
  • Friday: P90x
  • Saturday: rest/yoga
  • Sunday: 20k run

I hope to keep up this routine even after I’m done my race (maybe after a week off), but I know I need to get back on the exercise bandwagon. We’ve had two days of rain here and I can already feel it affecting me, and exercise is always the answer. I’m finding I’m exhausted by the time I get home (see about re: thinking) so my goal is to work out in the mornings from 5:30 to 6:30.

There you have it, two big challenges for September.

Do you feel the need to set goals or resolutions come September?

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