The 500 Mile Challenge

We've started a new competition, this one is Jason's brainchild and so far I love it! Many of you have already heard about it but it's becoming quite encompassing so I wanted to blog about it as well. The 500 mile challenge is a competition between Jason and I, and we decided that whoever gets there first, either by arc, treadmill, elliptical, laps with a pedometer, or swimming... wins five hundred dollars to spend however the winner wants! I honestly can't think of any cons for this competition. Regardless of who wins, we will both be a lot more fit at the end of this then we are now. The motivation is there and in your face since we're constantly trying to keep up with the other person. And one of my favorite features is that it isn't about weight loss, it's about getting in shape and traveling the distance. We are very fortunate to live about two blocks from the gym so it really could not be easier.

Mentally this has been a really fun challenge as well. Yeah our gym is a "judgment free zone" but there's always someone who's in better shape than you. My technique for blocking this out and continuing to feel good and like I'm conquering something is to go somewhere else in my head, preferably with music. Right now I'm in a little bit of a hip-hop phase at the gym and let me tell you, if you keep up to the beat, you will go a lot faster than maybe you were planning to go. Here's my current play list, designed to not only make me feel like more of a bada** than a short girl, but also makes me feel high on life:

Hey Ya! - OutKast
Lose Yourself - Eminem
Not Afraid - Eminem
In the End - Linkin Park
Pump It - The Black Eyed Peas
Say Hey (I Love You) - Michael Franti & Spearhead

After about three or four times through this list, you'd better not look at me funny on my way out of the gym or I will take my inflated sense of strength and kick you with my little feet. Gersh I'm having fun with it!

I think watching Biggest Loser has had an influence as well. When I feel tired or like I want to slow down, I just say to myself, "Do you want this? DO YOU WANT THIS? Do you want to win!????" sort of like Jillian Michaels says to the contestants... it's highly motivating. And YES I want to win, of course. I've already spent the money in my head, the problem is, so has Jason. So the beat goes on, da da dum da dum da da da da....

Then there's Chariots of Fire, I love the music, always have, and rent the movie from time to time just to get inspired to work out... I think my favorite quote is from the main character Eric Liddell, "I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast. And when I run I feel His pleasure."

Using the strength we have is a good thing. I'm so excited to find something that's helping me make exercise a real habit in my life. I'll keep you posted.. buy your TEAM SHEILA t-shirts TODAY!!!! j/k ... sorry honey I'll try not to be a d-bag. But you know I love a good competition!