#22PushUpChallenge : My number came up!

When the whole ice bucket  challenge for ALS went around about a year ago I managed to keep my head down, not comment on anyone's post and avoid the spotlight of nomination. Thankfully since me and ice water really do not get along.

Fast forward to this year's fundraising phenomena the #22PushUpChallenge.  22 Days of 22 Pushups to raise awareness for the veterans and first responders in North America that suffer from PTSD and other mental health issues derived from their jobs and are not receiving adequate support to help them cope. The number 22 was a study average of the number of Veterans committing suicide in the United States daily. Wounded Warriors Canada has partnered with the 22/22 Challenge to bring awareness to the same issues facing Canadian Veterans and First Responders.

I was nominated on Monday of this week, October 3rd to be exact.  Taking the time to complete the 22 pushups each day is really no challenge.  Recording that and letting others watch as I complete my 22 adapted pushups, that's embarrassing as hell. But no where as difficult as what the individuals I am supporting have gone and are currently going through.
So if you are nominated, like I was, show your support as best you can.  Make a video, make a donation, do your pushups or just say "Thank-you" the next time you are face to face with one of these great people that work to keep us safe.

Here are my first 6 days from the #22Pushupchallenge:

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Welcome to the Nuuniverse

Terrifying how quickly good intentions can become buried in snow and cardboard, how many things can change and you wake up on a Tuesday morning already 5 days into a new year.  On December 1st we made the decision to give notice and move from our tiny downtown apartment to a roomier living arrangement only a few kilometres away but at a slightly higher elevation in less densely populated subdivision (for now).

Unbreakable - at least so far!

So the #BeastStreak and the December Challenge (#DFDC) are but a week old and even though I logged just over 57kms in that time I nearly broke on the second day. The aim of the two challenges is simple, motivation to cull that complacent tendency most of us have which takes over during inclement weather or stressful, busy days. A kick in the pants to give yourself 30 minutes of much needed fresh air and exercise. A chance to clear your head and appreciate a surge of rejuvenating energy whether you are at the beginning or end of your day.

On the second day I sequenced from work to dinner meet-up, to babysit for a friend. The daylight hours long gone my only hope was to now zip my coat up and take the long walk home, over shooting my residence by many blocks and eventually working back in the right direction. I wasn't going down on day two, no way.

So one week is, as they say, in the books. My craft beer advent calendar is lighter too! So cheers & good luck to all the other December streakers out there.