This past Saturday I ran the Country Music 1/2 Marathon . After the race my sister-in-law asked me why I would do such a thing. I had to pause and think about it a bit. Why do any of us take on a challenge?

I think, for me, there are at least three reasons:

1. When I register for a race it gives my daily routine definition and shape. Don’t get me wrong, my calendar is not lacking for filler. It’s just that as I glance over the days and weeks it all seems to be more of the same. A big race seems to jump off the page and shout to me, “You’d better get ready… I’m coming!” Suddenly I start planning with more urgency. Everything has a place and purpose and a very clear time frame. I plot out my week according to my training schedule and everything else has it’s place. Of course many of my To-Do items are more important than my training runs, but the runs help me get the other items done on time.
2. I need the fitness. My dad died of a sudden coronary when he was 50 years old - I’m determined not to follow in those footsteps! I run races because I’m basically lazy and cheap. If it weren’t for the fact that I’d plopped down a $25-$90 registration fee and calendarized the event, I’d allow any of a number of excuses to interrupt my fitness workouts. Really, anything will do the trick - the weather, sore muscles, busyness, blah-blah-blah. And once I give in to one excuse, the next one is even easier to give in to.
3. The challenge. I suspect I’m not alone here. I enjoy a challenge, in fact I NEED a challenge. There’s good stress and there’s bad stress. We all know about bad stress and the negative effects it can have on our health. Good stress is just the opposite. Good stress is when we are challenged to go a little farther than we’re used to, and in so doing experience the strengthening of body, mind and spirit that can only come from pushing ourselves out of our comfort zone.

Are you being challenged today? Is that challenge good stress or bad? Look for challenges that help you move in the direction you want to go, and then GO FOR IT!

Check out my latest blog at thegrantwritingcoach.com. listen

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Several weeks ago I shared with you that I’m giving Jott.com a try. Well after quite some time I can confirm it is all that they say it is. Currently I use Jott when I’m in the car for hands-free texting and pretty much anytime when I want to text a group. But the most exciting applications of Jott are the ability it provides for me to update my Facebook page by simply speaking into my phone while I’m on the go. To do this I use Twitter.com.

Twitter provides the ability to update several people on what you’re doing at any given moment. Confused? Here’s how it works (after setting up accounts at each of the three services - all free)…

I’m in Barnes & Noble sipping on a cup of coffee and reading a good book. I pick up my cell phone and press the speed dial for Jott…
I’m asked who I want to jott…
I answer, “Twitter.”
Jott confirms I said Twitter and gives me a beep to start talking…
I say, “I’m at Barnes and Noble and I’m reading a wonderful book called, ‘Epicenter.’ I highly recommend it.”
When I’m finished talking Jott says, “Got it,” and I hang up.
Instantly all those on my Twitter list get the message as a text on their cell phone and as an email.

At the same time my Facebook status is updated with the same message.
Presto!
Not only that but I can blog by simply talking into my phone as well - which I will do right now.
Happy Twittering and Jotting!

I’m driving through the mountains of New Hampshire on my way back from a CCCA conference. Its beautiful here and the conference was fantastic. listen

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