My Goals for Staying Healthy in 2010

posted 31st March 2010    Written by: Heather Rae    CATEGORY: Heather Rae, Quarterlife Crisis, Season 2

Back in February, I compiled a list of 20 things I plan to do in 2010.  And then, of course, I got sidetracked by life and sort of forgot about them.

That’s the thing with setting goals.  If you don’t keep them fresh in your mind, you lose track. Heck, if enough time goes by, you’re likely to forget what they were all together.

Hence, I thought I should review my goals to see if I’m making any progress.

Looking at my list, one section in particular jumped out at me:  Be Healthy.

I’ve discovered that being a writer is not the healthiest of professions.  Here’s an example of my typical day:  I get out of bed, make breakfast, turn on the computer and sit down for my first round of writing.  A few hours later I get up and get dressed.  Then I walk back into the living room, turn on my computer and sit down for another round of writing.  It goes on like that all day.

You could say I’m pretty sedentary.

So a focus on being healthy this year is super important. The good thing is, I have my list of goals to guide me in staying healthy.  And they’re pretty specific — goals that are less like “eat healthy food” and more like “take a cooking class that focuses on preparing healthy meals”.

I think goals that are super specific like this are easier to stick to.  Not to mention, a goal of attending a cooking class seems doable.  Eat healthy in general — well, that can feel overwhelming.  And if you slip up, you might decide to give up all together.  I strongly believe in baby steps.

It’s now been almost two months since I set my goals for being healthy in 2010.  As a way of holding myself accountable, I’d like to share my progress with you.

  1. Take an intro lesson at a rock climbing gym:  Nope, not yet.  But Steven and I are thinking of doing this one together.  We even have some rock climbing friends that have offered to take us the next time they head out.  This could be a win very soon.
  2. Take a cooking class that focuses on preparing healthy meals:  The shame.  I haven’t done this either.  I saw a great deal on a cooking class recently, and then I missed it because I forgot to pay in time to get the deal.  Note to self — don’t procrastinate.
  3. Master the Experienced Beginners level of my pole dancing class and move to Intermediate classes:  I’m close.  To graduate from the Experienced Beginners class, I have to master nine spins.  So far, I’ve got seven down.  Only two to go.
  4. Train for and complete a half marathon:  I’ve started the process and picked a training plan.  Now I just to need to decide which half marathon to sign up for.  Any suggestions?

That’s the progress I’ve made so far.  And I’ve decided something — I need a way to keep my goals for 2010 front and center in my mind.  I think I’ll revert back to what my mother did with my 4th grade art projects — I’ll hang my list on the refrigerator.

So tell me, did you set any goals this year that relate to being healthy?  What were they?  Have you kept up with your goals or made progress?  What’s kept you working at them?  Has anything stopped you from working on your goals?

photo credit: Pink Sherbet Photography

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Comments (12)

12 Responses to “My Goals for Staying Healthy in 2010”

  • Katie [blogs] Says:
    March 31st, 2010 at 5:23 pm

    Which training plan did you go for for the marathon, superstar?

    Also, I have the same issue – setting goals and then forgetting. Note to self: This weekend make a list of goals for 2010. I always admire people who have those lists, but then I realize that I, too, could have them, I just have to set my mind to it…and ya know, MAKE A LIST! :)

  • Kim Says:
    March 31st, 2010 at 5:23 pm

    Heather – I'm with you on this. I totally need to be healthier, but it's really hard. I'm SO bad with sticking to things in general, then I love food so much that I can't not eat stuff that's fattening! Frustrating. Now that the weather is getting warmer, hopefully I'll be inspired to get out and walk more and maybe take some hikes, possibly try out biking and canoeing! Will see. I agree that specific, small goals are MUCH easier to stick to. If they are too broad, it's too much to handle. Also, you have to keep it fun and "taking a cooking class" is a lot more appealing than "learn to cook good meals". In terms of a half-marathon, I would recommend the Disney World one – I was actually signed up to do the one in Jan 2010 but was totally lazy and didn't get far in training so couldn't make it. I've heard it's really fun though and one of the less intense tracks. Next one isnt til Jan 2011, but would give you lotsa time to prepare! :)

  • Krystal Lechner Says:
    March 31st, 2010 at 6:35 pm

    What's your why that resonates in you to getting healthy? To set an example? Be there for ppl who matter? Look hotter in someone else's eyes? How bad do you want it? that's when it comes to be a commitment with nothing holding you back. :) keep it up, baby steps are great!

  • Nailah Says:
    April 1st, 2010 at 3:38 am

    It sounds like you are taking the right approach to getting more healthy. Choosing specific and fun goals like rock climbing and pole dancing will definitely keep you from getting bored! I have a hard time with the 'get healthy' goals because it usually seems like such a bummer but I think I will take your approach and add in some fun & healthy activities. Good luck with everything and have fun!

    Nailah

  • Molly_Hoyne Says:
    April 1st, 2010 at 6:29 pm

    Yes! Make it! Mine is somehow super useful this year- I'm being a Door Babe for the Burlesque Festival, bought a camera, planned my meditation retreat, am working hard to finish a journal, planning the next tattoo and got the Big Man to agree to go vegetarian with me in June!

    And I'm so with Heather. Type up the list with some cute graphics and post on your Fridge! And in your "office". It totally does remind me and keeps up the accountability.

    Although- my heath goal of doing another triathlon is lingering as I still don't have a bike. Must get on it…

  • Molly_Hoyne Says:
    April 1st, 2010 at 6:30 pm

    I'm with you Nailah! Rock climbing and Pole Dancing do sound super fun- I think Heather did a great job on her healthy goals!

  • Heather Rae Says:
    April 1st, 2010 at 11:54 pm

    Thanks, Katie! I am definitely a list maker. For me, that's half the fun! lol.

    I'm thinking of doing the Disneyland half marathon. I've heard you get to run through Cinderella's castle, which is pretty awesome in my book. :) I'm planning to train to walk this one (rather than run). I've got some lingering knee issues from my last race, so they need some heeling for a while. Here's the plan I'm going to follow: http://www.marathonwalking.com/schedule_ez_half.h…

  • Heather Rae Says:
    April 1st, 2010 at 11:59 pm

    I totally get LOVING food. That's definitely my downfall. I get cravings for all sorts of unhealthy food. Most of that seems to come when I'm tired *and* hungry. That's the worst combination for me.

    I've actually gotten my finace into walking with me, and that helps a ton (having a walking partner). I actually started biking last year, and I love it. Canoeing sounds like so much fun – if you try it, I would love to hear about it!

    Funny you mentioned the Disney World marathon. I'm actually looking at doing the Disneyland one here in southern CA. How can one not have fun running around Disneyland?!?!

  • Heather Rae Says:
    April 2nd, 2010 at 12:01 am

    I think what really resonates with me is that I want to stick around for a long time and be in good health. There are so many things I want to do during my lifetime, so I want to try my hardest to stay fit. Baby steps – that my motto these days. :)

  • Heather Rae Says:
    April 2nd, 2010 at 12:03 am

    Thanks for your support, Nailah! Yes, do stuff you think is fun. It's been the best motivator for me when it comes to sticking with it! :) I will be sure to keep you all updated. :)

  • Lizzie Says:
    April 2nd, 2010 at 3:31 pm

    I'm trying to teach myself to do the splits! Thats my specific goal but it involves a lot of yoga which I love so I hope that it will make me generally more flexible and healthy. I'm also going to start a dance class soon…I'm with you Naliah, fun activities are the way to go. I've tried jogging and going to the Gym but its soooo boring and it just feels like punishment! So I'm giving myself fun goals that will hopefully help me to stick it out :) x

  • Heather Rae Says:
    April 3rd, 2010 at 4:31 am

    So awesome! I'm trying to teach myself to do the splits too. :) I have this hope that I'll be able to do them by the end of the year. But my 32 year old body is protesting. That's not stopping me from trying though! What kind of dance class are you taking?

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