Last week I posed the question, "What is ONE thing you can do to prepare for summer." I said I wanted to prepare my body for summer by running a 1/2 marathon (which I was already planning on doing) and doing a 12 day cleanse. Looking back on it, I realize this was quite an ambitious challenge that I set for myself. I found the first 2 days on my cleanse very difficult and wondered if I would be able to do it. Then as the week went on, it got a lot easier as my sugar cravings subsided. But then I was concerned I wouldn't have the energy to do my run. Thanks to my great running partner, I made it through the run fairly easily, albeit slowly. Even though I was soaking wet from the constant rain during the run, I felt elated that I actually completed it. I have done many half marathons in the past, but I wasn't sure I was up for it this year, so it felt like a real achievement. After being so good for the past 6 days on my cleanse, I did end up cheating with 2 things at the end of the run. They had a glass of sparking cider for us at the finish line, and I drank mine with glee to celebrate the victory. I didn't feel bad cheating because I though my body needed the sugar. And I also took a couple of bites of the delicious cherry popsicles they handed us after we finished as well. But I got right back on my healthy eating and I feel like overall, this week was a victory.
I hope whatever you chose for your challenge this past week was a victory for you too! Even if you attempted something and it didn't turn out the way you thought it would, congratulate yourself for trying something new.
So after a challenging week and with school holidays on the horizon, I thought this week's challenge could be, "What is ONE Thing you can do to celebrate the start of summer?" That is an easy one. With the long weekend ahead, you could celebrate by going camping or having a barbecue. It could be graduation celebrations or a neighbourhood block party. Or it could be sitting outside with a good book and a refreshing drink.
For myself, I am going to celebrate my son's birthday with the family by having a picnic by the river. Since my son's birthday is at the start of July, it has become a family tradition to have a river party. It's a great way to all be together and start the summer of with some outdoor fun!
Enjoy yourself however you decide to celebrate the start of summer. As always, I would love to hear from you on what you will do this week. Feel free to share in the comments below, on Facebook or in our Weekly ONE Thing Facebook Group!