NST Muddy March Marathon

crazy_cat_lady

Thanks for running March mothernerd. I'm in please.

Eager_Elephant

Looks amazing mothernerd - looking forward to this (although when I read the title I was worried we might have to run a marathon:eek::rotfl:)

Count me in.

ChasingSunshine

Great challenge mothernerd, thank you!! Can I join too please? Still slowly finding my feet but last month helped loads

Have to disagree on chocolate, sometimes it is just essential :rotfl::rotfl::rotfl: but suppose with lent coming I should just keep to the rules!!!

mothernerd

Whilst Captain abundant is on shore leave, I thought I would share some thoughts (originally BHF mag) on Setting Goals, Measuring Them and How To Keep on Track.

SETTING GOALS

1 Base your goals on evidence. Eating more fruit and veg and walking are proven to help your health and well being.

2 Use comparisons constructively. Stop comparing yourself unfavourably with others (think they meant articles about 'celebrity' mums losing their baby bump within 2 weeks etc, but I find comparing myself now to how I used to be was my worst fault). BHF suggests looking at the favourable image and asking 'What do they have that I want?'. How could you reprioritise and set goals to have more of that yourself. (Also give thanks that you are not married to a spud faced footballer).

A point not mentioned in the BHF article was framing your goals positively. Focus on what you are trying to achieve not what you are trying to eliminate.

3 Focus on what you want. Choose goals that relate to your priorities eg losing weight to improve your health. You are more likely to achieve your aims if they really matter to you.

4 Look for multiple benefits. Pick behaviours that satisfy multiple things that are important to you eg a walking group could help you control your weight, improve your mood and get you outside and socialising.

MEASURING GOALS

5 The SMART Goal
Specific
Measurable
Achievable
Relevant
Time Related

6 Break It Down
Once you have your smart goal, break it down into steps with markers for each successful step. If the goal is to walk 10 miles the markers could be half a mile, a mile, two miles etc. The first step must be achievable.

STAYING ON TRACK
You have decided what you want to achieve and set your SMART goals, broken down into small steps. What next? How to keep on track, especially as life gets in the way.

7 Rehearse Potential Barriers
Work out how to deal with the tough times when life gets in the way of your goals.

8 Look back at your achievements.
Write down what you HAVE achieved and read it regularly to remind yourself what you are capable of.

9 Remind Yourself When times get hard, remind yourself what you want to achieve, to cue your brain to resist temptation. Stick a post it note where you will see it when you need a boost.

10 Be Kind To Yourself If you're struggling, be compassionate with yourself and investigate to see what the problem is. What can you do? A lapse is not a complete failure, look back and see how far you have come.

bizzie

May I join in please.
Looking forward to making more progress as I get to grips with our finances.

mothernerd

Everyone up to here has been allocated a number, if you want to add it to your signature.

Welcome bizzie. If you are superstitious about no 13, I will change it for you.

Lauralozzle

Count me in!

abundant1972

Hi Mothernerd,

Please don't despair... your challenge for March looks awesome. I think it's going to push me out my comfort zone which is a good thing. I'll skip on the lycra haha, but I'm definitely signing up for our marathon.

thriftylass

Fabulous, count me in please!

Calling14

If bizzle doesn't want 13 I will have it ;-)

Count me in, just reading up properly now.