For most people, the new year begins on January 1st.
If you’re a parent, however, you know that there are two “new years” on the calendar. And the real one is the day in late summer or early fall when school begins.
Back-to-School Day is when I find myself looking forward and backward simultaneously, through a hazy wash of sentimental memories.
At the same time, I’m giddy with anticipation, looking forward to an increase in uninterrupted time for writing, visiting with friends and exercising.
I’m not a resolution setting kind of person, either in January or in September.
But this year, I’m all about setting goals and I’m about to challenge you to set, and share, a goal of your own.
More Endorphins, Please
On July 23rd, I went running for the first time in almost two months.
Admittedly, I didn’t pick the most sensible place to get back on my feet and back on the trail. While a sane person would choose a flat trail, I decided to run to the top of a bluff, specifically Barn Bluff in Red Wing, Minnesota.
Despite the killer combination of steep steps and steep trail, my reward was two-fold: a great view over the Missisippi River into Wisconsin and, more importantly, a ton of blessed endorphins.
For almost four months, I’d been endorphin-challenged, living with limited activity.
So as I started running, I welcomed the return of exercise-induced euphoria with a double dose of mental euphoria. It was as if a light had come on. Suddenly I could remember how I used to feel.
Struggling uphill (and I was struggling), my mind overruled my legs as my body produced a chemical celebration.
Thus, there was nothing rational when I told myself “I’m gonna run 400 miles by the end of the year. Yep! 400 miles. And I’m going to invite everyone I know to join me!”
#LiveBrave, #RunBrave, #BikeBrave, #SwimBrave, #BeBrave
Six weeks later, I’m still all about setting goals, but my current goal is only half of that set on a breezy summer day, high atop a Minnesota bluff.
Instead of running 400 miles by New Year’s Eve (the winter one), I’m going for 200 miles, because the reality is that I don’t want to run all the time. I also want to hike, bike, swim, lift, walk and get in shape for ski season.
But I’m still inviting everyone I know to join me, whether you walk, run, hike, bike, swim, yoga, Pilates, lift or whatever.
It doesn’t matter what you do, so long as you do it.
So please, set a goal and share it in the comments below.
I don’t know if I’ll make my goal and I don’t care if you make yours, but let’s endeavor to reach our goals together.
If you’re up for it, take pictures or provide status updates on the BSM Facebook page and tag them.
As for the specific tags, my friend Troy Hawk of Redtailtimes.com created a tag (and what a tag it is) for me this summer: #LiveBrave.
Infinitely mutable, it can go from #LiveBrave to #RunBrave to #WalkBrave to, of course, #Ski Brave (which is what we’ll all be doing soon enough).
Pick your addiction, set your goal and start tagging!
I’ll be your biggest fan and cheerleader.
#LiveBrave Giveaway from Prismsport
Just to make this even more fun (and provide a bit more incentive), we’ve got a fantastic giveaway from one of my favorite brands, Prismsport.
Leave a comment sharing your exercise/recreation goal for fall and you’re entered to win.
And while only one person will win the big prize from Prismsport, I’m supplying two additional “runners-up” prizes — a canister of Rehydrate electrolyte drink mix from Advocare and a six pack of fruit and grain pouches from Munk Pack (two more favorites).
Fall Workout Clothes from Prismsport
The hashtag for Prismsport is #LiveinPrism and seriously, that’s what I’ve been doing. Whether I’m at the gym, on the trail, or walking the dog, I love the unique prints, fantastic fabrics and up-to-date styling from Prismsport.
Each season, Prismsport introduces new designs and styles. This fall, they’re introducing their Fusion Collection.
I’ve already tried three pieces and they’re fantastic. I’ve got the black leggings with Rio trim (perfect fit, and just the right amount of compression), the charcoal running top (textured fabric and movement friendly design) and the black Peplum vest (a totally stylish insulator or mid-weight layer for a chilly fall morning).
Currently, the Fusion collection has 67 options for indoor and outdoor fun. Plus, shipping is free on orders over $75.
Giveaway: One winner will win their choice of an outfit (one top and one bottom) from Prismsport’s Fusion Collection.
Giveaway Details
To enter, set a goal and share it below. For a second entry, share a photo on Facebook sometime before September 22 and tag it appropriately.
A grand prize winner, and two runners-up, will be chosen randomly from all valid entries on September 23rd.
Please note the Prismsport giveaway is open only to U.S. residents.
Many thanks to Prismsport for providing prizes for this giveaway. As always, all opinions are my own and are exactly what I would tell my family and friends.
© 2015 – 2019, braveskimom. All rights reserved. Any use or publication of content, including photos, requires express permission.
Erin Ellis says
My goal is to increase my distance, and get rid of the baby weight! Thank you for the wonderful giveaway.
Erin
ErinLoves2Run at gmail dot com
braveskimom says
Fantastic goals Erin! Good luck!#runbrave
Trish Mahre says
My goal is water, water, and water. Must truly practice this….
Sounds like some great apparel!
braveskimom says
Water is so critical…and why is it sometimes so hard to drink? Good luck! #drinkbrave
ecsummers says
My goal is to eat clean! #eatbrave
braveskimom says
Always good! I’ve been doing much better this summer…it’s so easy with fresh fruits and veggies! So I’ll join you in this for fall! #eatbrave
Roxanne says
Hey! I can do 200 miles by December 31! What a good idea. Bike, walk, limp … let’s do this! Limp Brave!
braveskimom says
And #limpbrave it is! Let’s go!
Pam says
My goal is to finish my Whole30 at the end of September and incorporate some of those practices into my every day menus. Continue to ride my bike until the snow flys!!
braveskimom says
Go Pam Go! Cheering you on! #bikebrave #livebrave #eatbrave
skboot says
After suffering a lower back injury last year, being unwell with severe digestive issues, recovering from two surgeries, I set a goal in April to break through the back pain barrier and get strong, build core strength, increase flexibility and increase aerobic fitness. So, I’m doing 4-6 gym classes a week and biking up to 15 miles! I feel sooo much better and the back pain, while not entirely gone, is so much better. I feel great!
braveskimom says
So proud of you Caroline! And what a relief to have less back pain! #bikebrave #gymbrave #recoverbrave You rock!
alyssa says
i start training for my first 55k trail race! Eek! I am terrified!
braveskimom says
I honestly am so impressed. I don’t think I could take on 55k (that’s 34 miles…run at one time, longer than a marathon!). #runbrave my #bravefriend!
sandyhills x says
I would like to say that my goal is to walk twice as far as usual. –
braveskimom says
That’s an awesome goal! Double is good! #walkbrave
sandyhills x says
shared on fb – https://www.facebook.com/trabajardd/posts/718212291616094
braveskimom says
Thanks so much for sharing! Appreciate it! #sharebrave
Sue Chamberlain says
My goal is to continue on my quest to get my “healthy self” back from years of neglect. I am newly retired and having fun renewing friendships and enjoying my time to exercise. #hikebrave #runbrave #pickleballbrave #skibrave 🙂
braveskimom says
This is awesome Sue! Your healthy self will be back in no time!
carol Northrup says
5 runs a week … and Tbilisi Half Marathon 25 October … I am inspired by these other goals — and by you! Great post!
braveskimom says
Thanks Carol! I can neither spell Tbilisi nor run 13.1 miles! But I know you can do both! #runbrave
Heidi says
Yoga fell off my radar this summer, I want to get back at least twice a week, it really helps with all my little aches and pains!
braveskimom says
Yoga is so great! Good luck getting your Om back on! #yogabrave
Dusti says
My goal is to continue to work out, but to ad diversity besides running–more hiking, get a new bike and bike, and get back to lifting weights!
braveskimom says
I think mixing it up is the best! Lots of tags for you: #liftbrave #runbrave #hikebrave #bikebrave and #skibrave, too!
julesolder says
“chemical celebration” Extra nice.
braveskimom says
‘Twas indeed. Thanks.
June Sidwell Fenniman says
My goal is to “defrost” my frozen shoulder in time for the ski season! I have new skis that are just itching for first tracks!
braveskimom says
I feel your pain. Been working on rehabbing a shoulder since March! It’s just that darn last 5%! Good luck! #rehabbrave
Diane says
My goal is to be in good enough shape to jump on my teles in December and not have my quads scream in pain. That means between now that then…lots of strength training, intervals, and time on my bike. My hashtag…#ready2tele
braveskimom says
Awesome Diane! I know you’ll make that goal! #telebrave #liftbrave #bikebrave #ready2tele
adventuretykes says
My first trail half marathon is coming up. I’ve gotta #bebrave and do it! 🙂
braveskimom says
I’m guessing I know which half you’re doing…The Other Half? Another friend is training for it, too! Good luck! #bebrave #runbrave
Holly Resignolo says
My goal is to strengthen my knees for the ski season. I have done a ton of standup paddle boarding so my arms have gotten a ton of attention. Need to be ski ready by December!!!!!
braveskimom says
Great goal! #strongbrave Go Holly!
Mary Clements says
My goal is to train smart enough to run a half by the end of the year. I work full time and a masters student with two kids and a college football coach husband, it will be tough but I will make it!
braveskimom says
#busybrave should be your tag! You’re doing a ton and I know you’ll accomplish it all! Good luck! And hope your husband’s football season goes well. Cheers!
Heather Gardiner (@hcgardiner) says
I’m from Canada so can’t be part of the prize draw but I think this is a great idea and am joining anyway! My goal is to do a PiYo workout at least three times a week. It’s time to build up muscle and core strength to be ready for ski season!
braveskimom says
Heather, you most certainly can take part – for the two smaller prizes! I so appreciate you commenting and PiYo sounds like a great idea. I really need to do the same. Thanks! #PiYobrave
ShiftMama says
I should learn to read the fine print!
PiYo saved the season for me last year.
braveskimom says
🙂 I am totally intrigued with PiYo! Thanks for sharing.
Melissa Avery (@chasquimom) says
I am training for a half marathon, the Saturday after Thanksgiving!
braveskimom says
So many people training for 13.1 miles! Run fast Melissa! Good luck. #runbrave
Linda says
My goal is to be able to jog up hills that I encounter during my exercise and be able to keep going once I reach the top instead of having to stop to regroup before continuing on. My old goal used to be to be able to jog up the hills instead of walking so I’m already making progress.
braveskimom says
That’s so awesome! Great job Linda! Conquer those hills! #runbrave
Roberto says
Walk/run 5k – at least five days a week. Ski on.
braveskimom says
#walkbrave #runbrave Roberto! Then you can #skibrave. Thinking the CEO of your household would look great in gear from Prismsport! Thanks!
Wendy says
I’m very goal oriented, so this is great for me. I set a goal for biking 1,000 miles this summer, which I passed last week. Now I’m setting a new goal: 1,500 miles by October 1. Pedal on! #bikebrave
braveskimom says
You are amazing! 500 miles this month! #bikebrave Ski Diva! #bikebrave! And let us know when you make it — probably next week! 🙂
McKaelynn Becker says
I am setting a goal to really get into shape for my nuptial’s this June in Playa Del Carmen Mexico! I am looking to loose 50 Lbs. by March. 🙂 #HealthBrave
braveskimom says
That’s an awesome goal and I hope you make it! I know you will! Keep us posted and congrats on your upcoming wedding! #healthbrave #lovebrave
Lil Poling says
My goal is to do yoga at least 3 times per week, every week. Whether it’s my PiLo tapes or my 21 Day fix. Also, I would love to snow shoe at least once per week this winter.
braveskimom says
#yogabrave #snowshoebrave
My goal is to get you on skis! LOL
Cheers!
MJ Moore (@butterflyrouge) says
Surviving homeschooling while working out AT LEAST twice a week.
braveskimom says
That’s a full plate! Good luck! #liftbrave
Martha says
Yoga once a week (can’t wait!), lifting twice a week, ride twice a week. Low low sugar (Dave: pleeeeese no more amazing cookies!) and smaller portions. Control and discipline, baby! And be IN this amazing season of light and color!
braveskimom says
Those are some fantastic goals! #yogabrave #liftbrave #ridebrave #livebrave and Dave, please, no more cookies!