#511: I Accepted Her Challenge

No man succeeds without a good woman behind him. Wife or mother, if it is both, he is twice blessed indeed.” -- Harold MacMillan

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Two weeks ago my Kendra (JUSTDUCKY1405) issued a 14-day workout challenge on Facebook and invited me to take part. I readily admit my hesitation. You see, I have severe back and leg nerve damage that makes my right thigh go numb and my legs feel like they are dead. As a result I wasn't sure I could complete the challenge in a meaningful way but committed to do my best. I am happy I did and grateful for her encouragement.

Some days the activity was mowing the grass or 60-90 minute bowling practice sessions and league but the toughest days were those when I planned to walk on the treadmill. Kendra only asked for 15 minutes of exercise a day but I set a personal goal of 30 minutes on the treadmill .

Several days my spirit was weak. I plain did not want to do it. When I thought, though, about not being on her list telling what I did that day, I knew I could not let herself or my commitment down.

On those days I reminded myself of what I put on my profile page, that mental strength is necessary for physical strength and began to walk. It was often tough as the legs began to hurt and become numb. It became a matter of one step, one minute at a time.

In the end, the 30 minute goal was met every day, filling me with pride for doing what I had committed to do.

When you don't want to exercise, when your spirit is weak and your body tired, what do you do? It is easy to say we'll workout when we feel better, isn't it?

If we are honest with ourselves, however, we will recognize that as a copout.

So, whatever your exercise consists of, don't wait for a challenge. As Nike says, just do it, one weightroom repetition after another, one walking step after another.

As for the beginning quote, I would not have succeeded in getting back into a workout grove without Kendra's invitation and encouragement. That's all it took -- someone asking.

Now that I am back on track, it will be easier to continue the workouts, one step, one minute at a time. My mood and physical health is better for and will be better for her simply asking me to take part of her challenge.

Kendra.