September Challenges

Floating around social media the past year or so were a variety of challenges for athletes. For the month of September I have made three challenges for myself to try and do each day.

1. Pushups. I do these each morning. It gets a bit tough if I did a weight workout the day before, but I seem to always be able to do at least 25. My goal by the end of September is 50 pushups without stopping.

2. Plank. Another morning exercise usually. Right now I'm averaging around 30 seconds for holding a front plank. I would like to get that to over a minute and once or twice a week up to two minutes. Planks are another exercise that I can really feel in my abs the day after weight training.

3. Running. In February, which was a brutal weather month in western New York, I made and accomplished the goal of running at least one mile a day. It helped me stay motivated and get back into shape after my December shoulder surgery.

I decided to repeat the "run every day" challenge for September. My goal is to run at least two miles a day, though I would prefer to make three the low end. This should help build up my aerobic capacity a little bit for races in October and November. If the weather cooperates I hope to have many 5-9 mile days. Of course this week we have been averaging 86 degrees and 65+ dew point, which are the worst kinds of conditions for me, and many other people. The mornings aren't much better, with fog, 69 degree average and mid-60's or higher dew point. Plus it's so dark in the morning already, with the sun not up until almost 6:30am. Running on the roads in the dark isn't one of my favorite activities. Our weather isn't supposed to turn to cooler temperatures for at least another week, so the three mile average will continue until then.

Join me in at least one of the challenges or comment on what your personal September challenge is. Even though it's September 3rd it's not too late to start!