Peach State Challenge

Last Sunday I crossed the finish line at the Georgia - South Carolina State Line after walking up the 180 miles of I-85 that spans the state of Georgia.  Okay so it was in a figurative  way but I covered the milage during the past three months none the less.

The Peach State Challenge virtual race offers several options including covering the distance of Georgia's 285, I-85, I-75 or a combination of all.  Last summer I attempted to run the distance and failed when I hit a health snafu.  At the end of the time frame they sent me a medal and shirt for my effort.  Since I had not accomplished it, I threw away the medal and gave the t-shirt to Goodwill.  This year when I received info on the challenge, I knew running it would not happen but I felt like walking the 180 miles in three months was a doable challenge.  Basically it broke down to an average of 2 miles a day during the time period of June 21 to September 21.

Most of the miles were accomplished while circling the Brenau Mile, a mile loop around Brenau University which starts just yards from my house. These miles were gained while I talked on the phone, walked with a friend, listened to music or books and occasionally just practiced the art of being. Some of the miles were gained while circling the preschools playground as I supervised kids during our outside time.  This usually meant an accompaniment of  little people as I did so.  Basically I walked the  miles  just when and wherever I could fit it into my schedule.  Sometimes it felt like a burden yet it helped keep me accountable to keep moving.  My goal after accomplishing the 180 miles is 7 miles a week - one mile a day.  With the habit in place, it seemed so reasonable.  Okay so this week I think I only got in about 2 miles.  Lets just call it a bye week and I'll try again next week. 

I confess I am pretty proud of my accomplishment.  I didn't run it nor was my walking pace fast but I completed the challenge.  Its amazing what laying down $40 and the promise of a shirt and medal will do to keep me motivated.