I am typing this post while on vacation with my husband and dog.  Every year we l take a week long camping trip to Northern Michigan. Sometimes we pick a new campground and other times we return to our favorites.  It's normally a very relaxing week with plenty of trail running options for me.  Personally, I really look forward to running on new trails and seeing new areas. Due to Covid, our annual trip was delayed by several months.  So, this past Saturday we loaded up the camper and headed North to one of our regular campgrounds.  Mackinaw Mill Creek Campground has the best view of the Mackinac Bridge and Mackinac Island.  The bonus for me is there is a biking/hiking trail across US-23 from the campground the heads TONS of miles South and 2-3 miles North.

I've felt very blah lately.  I cancelled my CrossFit membership and completely sporadic workouts.  I make big plans.  (I know, shocker). But, I'm not following through on anything.  I'm doing just enough to get by.  Honestly though, it's not enough to get by.  It's really just enough to say I'm working out.  I'm not pushing myself.  I'm not testing my limits.  I'm not giving it my best.

So what does feeling blah have to do with an annual camping trip?  Well, it's about resetting.  For me, I feel like I get stuck in doing the same thing day after day.  I get up at the same time.  I eat the same food.  I make the same excuses.  I make the same plans.  Same..same..same…same…SAME!  Doing a reset is a good way to get out of that same day and same rhythm.   

What's a reset?  It's changing up your routine in a big way.  Put it another way, it's like a cleanse for everything in your life.  For me, this week of camping is my reset week  by changing my environ ment.  I started out the reset by planning all my workouts and my menu for the week.  I didn't buy a ton of sweet.  (I did buy cookie dough for skillet cookies…because ya know…camping). I planned hearty and healthy meals.  I did my grocery shopping ahead of time to have all the food that I need so I am not tempted to get takeout.  I even planned our takeout meals instead of waiting until I didn't feel like cooking.  I packed enough workout clothes for the week.  I packed my workout bag with all my clothes and gear, including my folding yoga mat.  I planned most of my runs that they finish with a run to Starbucks (it's exactly 5k away) and then a walk back with my coffee.  I am really taking myself out of my normal routine and the same foods and the same workouts.  I'm shocking my system and hoping it comes out better on the other side. 

I know the way I am doing it is not realistic for most people.  If you fall into that category, take a moment to think about your life.  How can you do a reset in your life, even if you can't take a trip to physically change your environment?  Can you change your morning routine?  Can you meal prep instead of "winging it".   

Let me know how you plan to do a reset in your life.