Stomping STEPtember 2024--Step Challenge and Photo Scavenger Hunt

[Baltoscott]

It’s STEPtember, my birthday month! — back to school for the kids, a shift from hot to cooler temperature, and falling leaves and changing colors outside. And just the opposite in the Southern Hemisphere, cooler to warmer weather.  It is a great time to get outside, stomp around, and get your steps. If you’ve not signed up for one of these before, read on and then come join us.

How It Works

The primary purpose of these monthly challenges is to encourage you to set and hit your daily step goals for the month; though many of us track other things as well, like body weight exercises, sleep, trips to the gym, logging food, etc. This is not a competition to see who can do the most of whatever, instead it is a challenge to measure your consistency. So whether you do 1k, 5k, 10k or even 40k steps a day, this is measuring how many days out of the monthly total you can hit your goal.

Some might have a constant goal of 10k steps every single day and others might have a variable goal throughout the week, (and some might even plan days off!) for example.
Monday -> Friday = 10k steps a day
Sat & Sun = “6k steps a day,” or “not tracking”

Regardless of how you structure your daily goals, the only thing that matters for the monthly challenge is whether or not you reach what you set out to do.

Suggested Posting Format    
1) Post either your constant or variable step goal.
2) Keep track of the # of daily goals achieved out of the monthly minimum and or monthly total

Picture Scavenger Hunt — 3 pictures

That's a lot of steps!

The theme this month is STEPS, of course! Laminai, Belize.

Posting

Although you certainly don’t have to post daily, you’ll likely stay closer to what you set out to do by updating the thread several times/week

Injury Notice
If you injure yourself during the month and need to scale back due to the injury, then all you have to do is adjust your goal for that period. If you normally do 10k steps a day but pull a hamstring and decide to do minimal walking (2k steps a day), then all you have to do is change your goal.

[Vidd]

STEPtember Day 16

In bed by 11 every day	16/30
5 flights of stairs each day	16/30
5000 revs on the exercise pedaller daily	16/30
3 Scavenger Hunt pictures	2/3
Get a date for admission to the London hospital	1/1

@NellyG, Oh, I'm sorry to hear that.  But you've had the op, now, if I've read correctly, so at least that's behind you.  Sounds as if it was just as well you had gone on the day your heart rate was so low - that may well have done you a huge favour in the long run.  

I now know what it is to dream of doing 10.000 steps in a day:  I've not got near that since the end of April.

I can share some good news, though.   I contacted the London hospital and they told me I had an appointment - in August..........2025! 😱 I queried this date for an urgent referral, and it turned out that alomg the line between my doctor writing it as Urgent, the right buttons hadn't been clicked and the Urgent disappeared.  I managed to get through to email the neurology department secretary, and she replied this morning to offer me October 1st.  Jackpot!

It will probably mean that I have to go back for a second one, but at least I'm on the bus.  And it also might mean there's more chance of my getting fixed before Mrs Vidd has her knee replacement operation.  That was going to be today, but it got cancelled last Friday - staffing issues.  We think that must have been something like a vital team member getting ill.  That was disappointing, of course, but it might just turn out better this way as a result.

Welcome back, @jantonini!

[Baltoscott]

STEPtember Day 16

17K steps/day for 20 days		12/20
15 floors/day for 20 days		15/20
1 pushups for 25 days		16/25
9 weight-lifting days		1/9
post 3 scavenger pics		3/3
Sleep 6:05 hours + 15 days or more during the month		7/15
1 pull-ups for 25 days		16/25
Unicycle: 15 mins/day for 20 days		14/20
15 dry days		6/15
Beat STEPtember 2023 bike mileage (520 miles) Too much. So 400 miles.		236/400
100 zone minutes 20 days.		13/20

@Hemday - Welcome to the challenge!

@Jotex - Love Peter's picture.

@Vidd - October 1 is just around the corner. That is terrific.

@NellyG -- Wow. Two trips, two operations. I hope your improvement continues this week. Don't do too much!

Our cat Thorn in a relaxed moment, getting in his step for the day.

Thorn

[NellyG]

17 September

@Vidd I did it! 10,000 steps but I feel really stuffed! Hopefully my fitness picks up soon. Congratulations on getting your appointment, and I'm sorry your wife's got cancelled. Hopefully the timing all works out for you both.

@Baltoscott Yes I am glad both items are done and hopefully the pacemaker might help with my overall tiredness this year.

12 days over 10,000 steps                    1/12

8 days over 12,000 steps                      1/8             

4 days over 15,000 steps                         -/4           

25 exercise sessions (swim, bike, walk, gym, dance)   1/25

3 Scavenger Hunt pics                                      -/3

[Baltoscott]

STEPtember Day 18

17K steps/day for 20 days		15/20
15 floors/day for 20 days		12/20
1 pushups for 25 days		18/25
9 weight-lifting days		1/9
post 3 scavenger pics		3/3
Sleep 6:05 hours + 15 days or more during the month		8/15
1 pull-ups for 25 days		18/25
Unicycle: 15 mins/day for 20 days		15/20
15 dry days		6/15
Beat STEPtember 2023 bike mileage (520 miles) Too much. So 400 miles.		267/400
120 active minutes 20 days.		15/20

I changed the 100 zone minute goal (based on HR) to 120 active minutes (based on accelerometer) because I've started to pocket my Flex 3 during the day.  

[jantonini]

@Baltoscott Love the cat step pic!

@NellyG You have sure been through it! I hope you are now on an upward swing and same to you @Vidd 

The pic below is the super Harvest Moon shining so bright you can see our steps in the dimly lit backyard.

Stomping  STEPtember Day 18:

10k steps per day (Sundays) -  2/4 days

Over 13k steps per day -  9/14 days

Over 16k steps per day -   5/8 days

Over 20k steps per day - 2/4 days

Weights - 8/15 days 

Yoga/pilates/stretch - 8/14 days

90 oz Water every day -  18/30 days

Mindfulness/Meditation at least 3 minutes-  1/7 

pics 1/3

 

[NellyG]

Thanks @jantonini 

19 September

12 days over 10,000 steps                    2/12

8 days over 12,000 steps                      2/8             

4 days over 15,000 steps                         -/4           

25 exercise sessions (swim, bike, walk, gym, dance)   2/25

3 Scavenger Hunt pics                                      3/3

 

 

 

 

[Vidd]

Stomping STEPtember Day 20

In bed by 11 every day	20/30
5 flights of stairs each day	20/30
5000 revs on the exercise pedaller daily	20/30
3 Scavenger Hunt pictures	2/3
Get a date for admission to the London hospital	1/1

Some great pictures this page, @Baltoscott - your cat surely knows how not to overdo it -  @NellyG - especially that coloured stairway - and @jantoninii - that supermoon on your steps.  @NellyG, well done on your 10,000.  I'll eventually join you on that, and it will hurt a fair bit after so many months of almost no walking.  

I've found out a bit more about my appointment on October 1st.  it's with an experienced neurological doctor, which I'm pleased about.  As we haven't met before, I don't think any tests will be lined up for that day, but I hope he will then book me in for some as soon as possible afterwards.  

[NellyG]

21 September 

12 days over 10,000 steps                    3/12

8 days over 12,000 steps                      2/8             

4 days over 15,000 steps                         -/4           

25 exercise sessions (swim, bike, walk, gym, dance)   3/25

3 Scavenger Hunt pics                                      3/3

[NellyG]

23 September

12 days over 10,000 steps                    4/12

8 days over 12,000 steps                      2/8             

4 days over 15,000 steps                         -/4           

25 exercise sessions (swim, bike, walk, gym, dance)   4/25

3 Scavenger Hunt pics                                      3/3

[Jotex]

Stomping STEPtember Goals and days 15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22

• 5,000 Steps  14/12 days
• 8,000 Steps 3/8 days
• 10,000 Steps  5/8 days
• Sleeping 6 hours  11/10 days
• Sleeping 7 hours  3/10 days 
• Sleeping 8 hours  3/6 days
• Fitness  3/10 day
• Visit museums & galleries  3/3 days
• Scavenger Hunt Pics  2/3

Steps near a playground in the hills outside Luzern. Nearby were some very shy cows who turned and walked away (most Swiss cows are curious and run over to see what you’re doing. (I made a video — nice cow bells — but the file is too large to upload.)

 

 

[Jotex]

Forgot to mention how much I’m enjoying everyone’s photos. I read the posts and see them as I’m drinking coffee to wake up (but not awake enough to post a comment). 
Also following  you, @NellyG and @Vidd , and your ongoing health/medical issues , and sending good wishes to you both. 

P.S. Seems I’ve earned a new badge — bought my first Fitbit 7 years ago, and shortly thereafter joined @Baltoscott‘s monthly challenges here. Thanks Scott!!! 

 

[NellyG]

Thanks @Jotex 

24 September

12 days over 10,000 steps                    5/12

8 days over 12,000 steps                      3/8             

4 days over 15,000 steps                         -/4           

25 exercise sessions (swim, bike, walk, gym, dance)   5/25

3 Scavenger Hunt pics                                      3/3

[Vidd]

Stomping STEPtember Day 25

In bed by 11 every day	25/30
5 flights of stairs each day	25/30
5000 revs on the exercise pedaller daily	25/30
3 Scavenger Hunt pictures	3/3
Get a date for admission to the London hospital	1/1

Thank you, @Jotex. 😊. I like your cows!

Staying true to my remark about having to be creative about my photos this month, given my restricted area, here's a view through our front door of the steps that engage me more than any.

[NellyG]

25 September

12 days over 10,000 steps                    6/12

8 days over 12,000 steps                      4/8             

4 days over 15,000 steps                         -/4           

25 exercise sessions (swim, bike, walk, gym, dance)   6/25

3 Scavenger Hunt pics                                      3/3

[Baltoscott]

STEPtember Day 25

17K steps/day for 20 days		21/20
15 floors/day for 20 days		12/20
1 pushups for 25 days		23/25
9 weight-lifting days		3/9
post 3 scavenger pics		3/3
Sleep 6:05 hours + 15 days or more during the month		8/15
1 pull-ups for 25 days		23/25
Unicycle: 15 mins/day for 20 days		21/20
15 dry days		11/15
Beat STEPtember 2023 bike mileage (520 miles) Too much. So 400 miles.		368/400
120 active minutes 20 days.		19/20

@Jotex - if your Fitbit birthday was September 23, that was the same day as my real birthday. I'm a bit more than 7 though. Also, that set of steps looks inviting. 

So, as you can see in the kingfisher picture below, I was in Cape May NJ this past weekend. Jane and I went for a Bikes and Beers ride hosted by a brewery there. Later in the day we went on an 'ecotour' and got to see a lot of birds. Many, like the osprey -- on his STEP below, were migrating through. 

Belted KingfisherLaughing Gull and Osprey

[Baltoscott]

STEPtember Day 26

17K steps/day for 20 days		21/20
15 floors/day for 20 days		13/20
1 pushups for 25 days		24/25
9 weight-lifting days		3/9
post 3 scavenger pics		3/3
Sleep 6:05 hours + 15 days or more during the month		8/15
1 pull-ups for 25 days		24/25
Unicycle: 15 mins/day for 20 days		22/20
15 dry days		11/15
Beat STEPtember 2023 bike mileage (520 miles) Too much. So 400 miles.		386/400
120 active minutes 20 days.		20/20

[Baltoscott]

Hey @NellyG @Vidd @Jotex @jantonini @Hemday 

The October-December thread has been posted. I'm hoping that keeping a single thread active for three months will make it more enticing for folks to jump when they notice the thread, as opposed to waiting for the next month to be posted and then forgetting about it. I've set it up so we still post new goals each month, so go on over and post just your October goals for now. 

@Hemday - How are your 10K days coming? No worries if you don't get any scavenger hunt pics up, that's just get us all out of the house. The first step is always the most important in building new habits. Cheers.

[Vidd]

Stomping STEPtember Day 27

In bed by 11 every day	27/30
5 flights of stairs each day	27/30
5000 revs on the exercise pedaller daily	27/30
3 Scavenger Hunt pictures	4/3
Get a date for admission to the London hospital	1/1

Maybe stretching the Scavenger Hunt theme a little bit, but I wanted to share a picture of how I've had to fit out my car in order for my good friend to drive me down to London on Monday for my appointment the next day, and I'm full of hope, of course, that that will be a big step.  I'd considered all the options for travel, and this one seemed the best, that I would lie down in the back of my car, to minimise any walking, and keep pain at bay as much as possible.  We're going for a trial drive tomorrow, so that he can get used to the car, as he drives a manual gear-shift car, and mine, being a hybrid, is an automatic.  I'll let you all know how we get on.

[Jotex]

Stomping STEPtember Goals and days 23, 24, 25, 26, 27

• 5,000 Steps  16/12 days
• 8,000 Steps 5/8 days
• 10,000 Steps  5/8 days
• Sleeping 6 hours  14/10 days
• Sleeping 7 hours  4/10 days 
• Sleeping 8 hours  3/6 days
• Fitness  3/10 day
• Visit museums & galleries  3/3 days
• Scavenger Hunt Pics  2/3

Looks like you guys have a plan @Vidd  and hope all goes well on your test run today and on Monday. Will be thinking of you.  @NellyG how are you doing? @Baltoscott happy belated birthday!!! Hope you could celebrate in style! Yes, that's my 'fitbit-versary' -- thanks for sharing you 'day' with me.

[NellyG]

28 September

@Baltoscott when I visited the US with my husband in the late 90s (he was from Collingswood where we stayed with his mum) we visited Cape May for a few days. It was a beautiful place and I really enjoyed it.

12 days over 10,000 steps                    7/12

8 days over 12,000 steps                      5/8             

4 days over 15,000 steps                         -/4           

25 exercise sessions (swim, bike, walk, gym, dance)   8/25

3 Scavenger Hunt pics                                      3/3

Oh @Vidd I do hope your trip goes OK. How long will it take to get there?

I am getting on well now. A lot of the swelling has gone down so everything feels better. I had half of my tongue removed so my speech is slow and rather slurred but is improving and I can manage food much better so I am off purees and smoothies and can eat soft foods well. I can even eat crackers but very slowly. It is quite painful to get poked with a piece of hard food! I am even going backmtonthe gym and dancing next week (at reduced intensity but it will be nice to start again) but no swimming for a few more weeks.