FALL PLANNING CHALLENGE II: 'BUCKET' LIST SCALED DOWN TO ONE SEASON

Utah scene from the California Zephyr train window, eastbound from San Francisco CA. Taken by PKSenagore June 28, 2018. All rights reserved.

EARNED RUNS WILL NOT REFER TO THIS AS A BUCKET LIST, BUT RATHER A ‘SEASON’ LIST, CHALLENGE, because the traditional ‘bucket’ name has implications that can be disheartening for some.  
 
Lori Nelson Spielman, the talented wife of Bill, Chairman of the Department of Physiology at Michigan State University when I was hired into that unit, titled her first novel, “The Life List”. Since reading Spielman’s book, it’s been my preference to use this term for the method some use to prioritize “experiences or achievements that a person hopes to have or accomplish during their lifetime” (Oxford Dictionaries definition of a bucket list). 
 
However, the long-term nature of a “life” list can allow a good amount of procrastination, for good reason. Some big-dream goals require considerable planning, saving, and personal investment over time, encompassing an entire life.
 
Thus, the Earned Runs Fall Challenge II: SEASON LIST will shorten the time-frame to a more manageable and finite period from Labor Day to New Year’s Eve 2018. And it will place emphasis on achievements and experiences that will enable winter season training.
 
Each person’s SEASON LIST must be based on individual choices; Earned Runs cannot choose for you. Below is a list of items a beginner runner/walker might find appealing to accomplish, which may inspire creation of one customized to your own fall season, taking into account personal health and physical activity goals. Each is relatively affordable and easily achieved within several months.
 
EARNED RUNS’ FALL CHALLENGE II: ‘SEASON’ LIST example:

• Be fitted for athletic shoes at a specialty store.
• Read a paper version of a fitness magazine (like Runner’s World, Women’s Fitness, Men’s Health, Men’s Fitness, SHAPE, Outside, or Backpacker, etc) cover to cover.
• Experience a sunrise in an inspiring setting at the end of an outdoor workout session.
• Experience a sunset in an inspiring setting at the end of an outdoor workout session.
• Complete at least one weekday workout during a midday break.
• Map a short neighborhood walking or running route/loop that is safe.
• Locate an outdoor or indoor track and perform one workout measured by laps
• Locate a building-ramp hill circuit that will provide protection from weather.
• Join an informal group run/walk for at least one session.
• Trial an exercise activity for 3 consecutive weeks that can serve as cross-training.
• Complete an official training program for a specific event.
• Earn a finisher medal or race t-shirt, consider giving it to someone who’s fighting to meet a tougher challenge.
• Create a January 1- April 1 WINTER SEASON fitness schedule.

 
The Earned Runs FALL CHALLENGE II: ‘SEASON’ LIST is designed to assist with setting up the next season of training such that on New Year’s Day 2019 there won’t be only one, join-a-gym, option to address resolutions aimed at improving health.
 
Maybe you’ll look at this and write it off as merely a fitness “to-do” list. Yes, it is. But it is a focused list that with completion of each item provides a small experience that might be enjoyed, and thus build confidence, and provide motivation to persevere in fitness efforts. 
 
The FALL CHALLENGE II: SEASON LIST example will be posted on the RESOURCES page.
 
RUN & MOVE HAPPY!

Check out "The Life List" to learn how the main character handled her challenge.