I started off November by setting a new fitness goal.  I wanted a goal that was attainable, not too scary, but was still going to be a challenge for me.  My goal is to fit in at least 20 minutes of exercise EVERY day in November.  Additionally, I said I would do 30 minutes or more at least twice a week and Thanksgiving was not a day of rest. 

 

So let’s get real for just a minute.  20 minutes of exercise does not only take 20 minutes.  You have to get dressed, grab water, get where you are going to exercise, exercise, get cleaned up, etc.  When you look at it like that, 20 minutes is a little more daunting…isn’t it?  It is easily 30 minutes if you exercise at home and don’t take a shower.  If you go to the gym and have to get ready, that 20 minutes can become 90 minutes in no time flat!  That is 90 minutes away from kids, work, household chores, your spouse, sleep…get my drift.  I just wanted to add that in in case someone was reading this and saying “just 20 minutes…what are you thinking girl, do more!”

 

I am on day 11 and I have, to this point, been successful!  The first day I spent 20 minutes on my new elliptical – I thought I was going to die!  I was tired, I was hot and I was BORED!!  The next day my husband was at the office desk talking to me so my time went by a little faster.  The third day I turned on the TV and Real Housewives of Atlanta was on…my goodness was that ever entertaining.  I got in 30 minutes before I knew it and learned that I don’t want to be an Atlanta housewife!  My longest work out  was the Saturday morning that my husband showed me how to watch a movie on the office TV and by 7a I had completed 50 minutes.  I finished the movie while doing my work out on Sunday and Monday morning.

 

This morning I did learn that the best made plans don’t always work.  I got up at 4:50 to leave for the gym and heard my youngest crying.  When I went into her room, it was clear that all she wanted was her mommy.  She had had a bad dream and was scared.  I immediately took off my running shoes and cuddled up beside her.  We woke up at 6:10…I knew that meant I was going to have to exercise tonight, but it didn’t matter.  I can get my 20 minutes in at anytime today…I can’t always cuddle with my baby!  I want to find me time and exercise is important, but nothing is more important then being an attentive mommy!

 

So there you have it, my November goal and my progress.  I will keep you updated on my success.  I would also like to hear about your success!  Are you setting goals for yourself and are you taking steps to reach your goals?  How are you doing?  BTW – I just realized I am 1/3 of the way to my goal…that feels really good!