Not a game of Perfect...

Yesterday was day 52 making it 1/7th of my challenge, strangely this time next week will mark two months and be 1/6th of the challenge which has taught me quite a bit already - bi-products of simply running 10k everyday.

“Not a game of perfect” is one of my favourite phrases, as it helps me keep focused when things haven't gone as planned; it also reminds me when things don't go right that the goal isn't ruined or spoilt, or unachievable only different than you'd preferred.

The purpose of me bringing it up now is that there have been a number of things I'd have liked to do within this challenge but haven't happened. I also feel really guilty with all the invites I've received for runs, socials and events but not been able to attend.

At this point in the challenge I should have maintained my nutritious diet, run 2 of the 10k race per month idea, regularly run with others and achieved about £1k in sponsorship. However, like all the 'best laid plans' I've not achieved these. Meaning I've run mostly on my own, I'm not going to be able to do a 10k race in each month and my diet has faltered leaving me at times tired and cranky. I suspected the sponsorship would be hard through January & February so I know I'm going to need some help to get this back on track; the diet thing I've already adjusted and is pretty straight forward.

I'm not disheartened of the short comings I've honestly listed. They haven't stopped me, the challenge or the goal to support cancer research – they're nice to haves' but its not a game of perfect. I realise there will be plenty of distractions and things I would like to do along this journey but due to practicalities, making time for them to happen is not always possible. There's a fine line when juggling and getting the important areas right such as family and work before making 10k everyday happen.

I've had to learn therefore, how to say “no” to myself and others because the practicalities of some of things I could or would like to get involved in could take me away from ultimately achieving and juggling what I set out to do.

I mentioned before a rediscovery of “ME” time through this challenge but I feel its only as effective as knowing when to say “no” and its not always going to be perfect.

Thank you to all those who have invited me to runs, socials and events – please keep asking and contacting me … I can't make all of them but some will be perfect timing!

Please take the time to share the 10k-everyday idea and encouraging others to get involved - it's as good as donating. If you're on Face Book simply type “10k everyday” in the search bar.

You can find micro blogging of this challenge at:
www.facebook.com/tbridle, www.linkedin.com/in/tbridle & www.twitter.com/timbridle

Send a friend request with 10k-everyday in it and I'll accept. Be well, Tim

miles in new shoes...

They say to understand someone 'walk a mile in their shoes', well not being a runner & having bought two new pairs at the start of my challenge to run 10k everyday – it could be said I've been running in the shoes of the 'new me' & by extension understand him better!

In the distance I've worn these shoes, I've observed and become aware of a phenomena that I believe we usually take for granted - “ME” time.

Yes I'm running 10k everyday for Cancer Research but I'll confess fitting 60mins in everyday to run 10km is not easy; with two kids, a wife and work to satisfy. In 'having' to do it, I've become very aware of how easy it is to lose personal time and also fill time with stuff.

Although I'd be running, like many people I'd soon be in a little bubble & a world of my own as the time & kilometres built up. And whilst out on my regular running I'd come across a few people who were clearly enjoying being in their own bubble; every now and again one of them would be so deep, they'd jump when I passed.

The regularity of this observation, as well as enjoying and finding my self in the bubble lead me to realise with planning to run everyday, I'd come to value these runs as “ME” time. Pondering on this thought when out on a 10k the other day, I found myself wishing I'd planned a little “ME” time more often before – whether it be 20, 30 or 60 minutes to lose yourself however the amount of time I concluded was not as important as the regularity of it. I also came to the conclusion that doing the same thing in the same laborious environment wasn't really “ME” time.

Last Tuesday I ran on the Treadmill, not because I had to but to do something & be somewhere different. I found the run after back on the road very enjoyable, as was the Treadmill run the night before but for different reasons. In addition, I've found the community of 'runners' really welcoming, warm and great to be around – though its nice to meet and run with different groups every now and then, I also like the bubble found in my own company from time to time.

With the above in mind I'd like to change & add to the answer I've given to “Do you feel any different for doing the challenge?” with, I feel physically better for the exercise with the exception of 'odd' days but feel equally healthier for having regular “ME” time and space.

At this point then, I value and recognise the time taken in the task has a byproduct of providing me with some “ME” time – to de-stress, ponder & explore solutions for home & work, but most all to let go and dream. That's it for now and I wish that you find, or make an equal measure of “ME” time.

Please take the time to share the 10k-everyday idea and encouraging others to get involved - it's as good as donating. If you're on Face Book simply type “10k everyday” in the search bar.

You can find micro blogging of this challenge at:
www.facebook.com/tbridle, www.linkedin.com/in/tbridle & www.twitter.com/timbridle

Send a friend request with 10k-everyday in it and I'll accept. Be well, Tim