10K Step Challenge Update: Week 1

Greetings everyone! The Unleashed One here, peeking out my head to give an update on the 10K Step Challenge that I posted last week. Here's a reminder of the proceedings.

1. The challenge is for 30 days (starting June 8).

2. On any days where I exceed 10,000 steps, the excess can be applied to a day if I encounter challenges that keep me from meeting my goal. The challenges I may face involve arthritis, potential back spasms, unexpected drop in my testing numbers, and or DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness).

Since I am a bit frugal, I opted for one of the less expensive renditions of a "Fit Bit". The one I'm using I discovered on Amazon. I paid around $30 for it.

The name of the compatible step tracking app is called the VeryFitPro.

For ease, I decided to use an Excel spreadsheet. It automatically calculates the amount of differential, plus it will save time in having to put together screenshots, although I do have those as well.

As you can see, so far, so good, but it wasn't always easy.

Tuesday was a slight challenge for me because I went to the office for part of the day, which cut into my early walk routine. I predict that may be consistent for the days I go into the office.

 

On Friday morning, I was running low on energy and feeling a great deal of muscle soreness. I traded my long walk in the morning for some low impact in-house cardio mixed with dance. I really believed I'd have to dig into my surplus, but a few hours before I took my shower, I made my number.

My Strategy Thus Far

1. I try to get 40-50% of my steps in the morning since it's when I have the most energy. I find this has given me a greater chance of success.

2. On days when I have to get essentials for the house, I spend some extra time walking around in the store. If one goes early enough in the day (or late enough in the evening), there's hardly anyone around to interrupt stride.

3. If there's inclement weather (I tend to do my walks early morning), then I find in-house routines that incorporate cardio and toning.

4. On days where I walk for long periods (outdoor walks > 2 miles RT), I try to remind myself to not work on lower body toning.

5. I alternate between short and long workouts, as well as types, to keep my body guessing and to curb my boredom.

Well, that's all I got for now. I'll be back next week for how I did on week 2. Pray for me y'all.