​2019 CHALLENGE: CONSIDER A “WINTER STREAK” to motivate exercise

EARNED RUNS ANNUALY PROMOTES A NUMBER OF SUMMER CHALLENGES.  One of them is a “Summer Streak”. The challenge at first was to run at least one mile every day, then expanded to a run or walk streak, then morphed to a streak of ANY activity that could safely be performed daily, from Memorial Day to Labor Day, the unofficial start and finish to this season.
 
I inadvertently started a walk streak January 3. The next several days were forecasted to deliver full sun, and possibly clear sunrises and beautiful sunsets. I walked twice a day to enjoy both.  By January 7, I had the beginnings of a streak and decided to continue as long as possible.  On January 10, the idea of a formal Earned Runs streak materialized.  
 
Why spend the cold winter months repeating the same activity day after day? Because the cold dark season doesn’t offer much motivation to accomplish huge fitness goals, especially those involving the performance of outdoor exercise. And the gym is busier than ever at this time of year.  
 
Combining these two observations, I thought the winter would be perfect time to lay down a challenge to adhere, either indoors, outside, or both sites, to an uncomplicated exercise program that doesn’t require a huge mental effort.  Just get up every day and physically ‘do’ that one activity! Walk or run, or spend a set time on a stationary bicycle, elliptical machine rowing machine, or stair stepper. If swimming is your thing, get in the pool daily. Or promise yourself you’ll perform a mobility routine (myrtl’s) each day. If push-ups are intimidating, do a handful (5) each day. Consider a one 1 minute plank session. You get the idea…
 
Start today, or set January 21 as DAY 1 if advance arrangements are required, and end with the equinox, March 20 (the first day of spring in the northern hemisphere and fall in the southern hemisphere).
 
If the rest of life is complicated for you now, consider choosing this simple, no-brainer, streak challenge for what remains of the winter season.  At winter’s end, you’ll have accomplished at least one fitness goal if you stick with it.
 
RUN & MOVE HAPPY!