How I did it: After I'd been knitting a nearly a year, I decided to take on a sweater. I selected a pattern for a top-down raglan, knit a few swatches to get gauge, and took off. A lot of it was stockinette, so it was easy to get large portions of it done on my train commute each day.I took hiatus from it in November and December to work on gifts, but then resumed after the holidays and finished it up. It definitely helped having some… Read how I did it…
How I did it: I trained with a group to complete the Chicago Triathlon last August (it's been a while since I've been on 43 Things). It was a fantastic experience! My time was 3:50:50, which doesn't set any speed records, but was under my goal of four hours.I trained about 5 or 6 days a week, two of them with my training group. A lot of days for biking, I just biked to work. I did most of my swimming in Lake Michigan, which help… Read how I did it…
How I did it: I ordered flowers online, and made simple centerpieces for my wedding. I put them inside a san peligrino bottles and jelly jars that I'd been saving for a year. They came out quite nicely, if I do say so myself. Read how I did it…
How I did it: My friends and I formed a book club, so that helps me stay motivated and leads me to read new things that I might otherwise not have heard of. I also get ideas from other's Good Reads accounts. I read on my train commute, or lately, I've been listening to audio books. Audio books are great for multitasking. I feel like it makes me feel more well-rounded and relaxed, and it's exciting to learn something new or get i… Read how I did it…
How I did it: Today I finally achieved this goal, about a year and ten months after a year and ten months after starting the Couch to 5K program. My first 5K took 41:11 (Sept 2008). Today my time was 29:35 (May 2010).I’ve run a lot of 5Ks between then and now (plus a few 10Ks and a half marathon), and slowly but surely, my finishing times dropped.Yay! Read how I did it…
How I did it: Like strength training, I just decided to finally make this part of my routine. I'd been focusing a lot just on running, so it is a time for a change. I'm getting into the habit of doing a class once a week, then little bits here and there on my own. It's a nice start. Read how I did it…
How I did it: For months I'd been procrastinating adding this to my routine, but somehow I just decided it was time. I've been going to the rec center and using the machines, plus doing a few dumbbell exercises and . I'd like to learn more about using free weights, but for now its just good to get started. Read how I did it…
How I did it: Today I completed the Detroit Half Marathon, in 2 hours, 36 minutes and 29 seconds. That was just under my goal time by 30 seconds. Hooray!When I started training in June, my longest run had been a 10K. I ran with a group -- long runs on Saturdays, plus hill or speed work-outs on Tuesdays. I also ran an additional 2 or 3 days on my own. Running with a group was a great help, and I highly recommend it. M… Read how I did it…
How I did it: I'd bookmarked a recipe for granola bars online several months ago and finally got around to making my own. Store-bought granola bars had shifted from an occasional treat to a daily staple, so I decided it was time I started making my own.This batch used apricots, coconut, almonds and ginger. I'm looking forward to trying out other varieties. Read how I did it…
How I did it: I'm on the mailing list for a local running shop, and I saw they needed volunteers for a sprint triathlon, so I signed up. It was awesome to see participants of all ages, shapes, sizes and abilities come out and compete.I worked at the aid station during the run portion of the tri, passing out water and gatorade to people participating on a super hot summer day. So for a couple of hours watching an event I've been curious abou… Read how I did it…
How I did it: The first time I attempted, I ended up throwing up, I was so tense and nervous. I wasn't able to finish my donation, which was a bummer. But my work was having a blood drive, and I decided to face my fear and try again. I made a conscious effort to stay relaxed and it went very well. The fear of needles and blood is really quite irrational, but the anxiety was still there, so I am quite glad I faced my fear. Gettin… Read how I did it…
How I did it: I prepared for the race by keeping up with my running, usually about three times a week, and doing additional days of other types of cardio. If I had it to do over, I might have followed a training plan, but it all worked out.I also hadn't run that distance before, so I was worried I might not make it. But I just started the race nice and easy and kept going. Read how I did it…
How I did it: I made a conscious decision to work on some of my habits, including: Recycling Purchasing items with less packaging Turning off lights/appliances Eating less meat Using reusable grocery bags Bicycling to work and for errands Thinking about my purchases from an environmental standpoint Read how I did it…
How I did it: The first step was getting a bicycle. Once I had that taken care of, I started riding -- mostly in side streets in my neighborhood to get used to it since it had been a while. Then I started venturing out onto busier roads and taking longer rides. Riding with other people really helped my confidence.I took a test ride to work and back on a Saturday, and the next Monday I rode to work. Read how I did it…
How I did it: I started by exercising three times a week. I kept that up for about six months, and then decided to add an extra day.I like to do a variety of things, so I don't get bored: running, walking, swimming, cardio kickbox, indoor rock climbing, dancing, etc. Read how I did it…
How I did it: I ran my first 5K today. Hooray! I started preparing for it about 3 months ago, following the Couch to 5K plan, which starts you off alternating jogging and walking in short intervals and ramps you up week by week. When I starting, just jogging for a minute or two was difficult. I definitely wasn't the fasted in the bunch -- I finished in over 40 minutes (41:11), but I am still very proud of myself. Read how I did it…
How I did it: I used to think I would never check this goal off, and in a way I'm not sure if I should because it is always something that will take thought and effort, and I know that I can be down from time to time. But I think I can say I have achieved being happy.For me, it was a conscious decision to think positively and to let go of the negative thoughts and actions that kept me from happiness. Read how I did it…
How I did it: I've always exercised off and on, and I realize that the only way to stick with it regularly is to make it a priority in my life. I've been doing walking, jogging, and lately I've been taking some exercise classes at my gym. I feel good about this being a part of my life and I don't want it not to be. I've been exercising three times or more a week for three months, which I think is enough to call it a habit. Read how I did it…
