I was super excited when Ontario Parks got in touch about helping spread the word about their 30×30 challenge this month. Basically, the goal is simple: Every day for the next 30 days, get outside for at least 30 minutes. Bonus points if you’re able to get into nature, but really, anytime just outside breathing fresh air counts. I love this challenge because it’s simple and totally do-able, but also a bit of a stretch for a lot of people! Even the fittest people I know sometimes struggle to get outside every day, between work/family/training demands.
I love this though, because it can be super, super chill. Sure, your 30 minutes outside could balloon to a ridiculous 80-kilometer run/hike in an Ontario provincial park…
But it could also be a much more casual hike with a pup in your local park (we’re lucky that we have 2 provincial parks and tons of other parkland basically in our backyard!
The whole concept got me thinking that summer really is starting to wind down, whether we like it or not. Back to school is kind of just around the corner, and it’s time to really start making sure we make the most of these warm months that we have left. In fact, this time last year, I wrote a very depressing post about how you have less time than you think when it comes to your goals for NEXT year. As in, you have less weekends for those long rides or runs than you might realize. (Read it here, I did the math for you.)
So, now that we’re in August, are there any summer fitness or adventure goals that you want to make sure you hit before the season is over? Make sure you schedule them in, because September is creeping closer and closer! Maybe you’re feeling like your racing is winding down a bit, but you want to make time for some kind of adventure that you previously skipped because it didn’t fit with your training. Rent that SUP or kayak, dig out your hiking gear, plan a backpacking trip or a bikepacking one—get out and have some fun!
And if you need a kickstart, even if you’re not in Ontario, consider giving yourself your own version of the 30×30 challenge!
Want more on how to get outside and lead a healthy adventurous life? Grab our book, Becoming A Consummate Athlete, right here:
