I Think I can Challenge: Day 1 Check-In: Every Step Counts

On Wednesdays I never worry about getting 30 minutes of walking in because David is home and we always have errands to run. We were supposed to take Charlie to lunch or breakfast but his car was in the shop so David and I went on our own which was the beginning of my walking.

Which was the perfect day to begin my first official day of my 7-Day Water & Walking Challenge. I couldn’t wait to sit down this morning and share how everything went. When I started this challenge, I promised myself that I would be honest about the good days, the hard days, and everything in between. My hope is that by sharing my journey, it might encourage someone else who has been wanting to make healthier choices but just didn’t know where to begin.

Before I tell you about my day, here are my Day 1 results at a glance.

Day 1 at a Glance

💧 Water: 80 ounces ✅

👣 Steps: 4,679

⏱️ Active Time: 51 minutes

🔥 Active Calories: 145

🔥 Total Calories Burned: 1,440

📍 Distance: 2.18 miles

🎯 Goal Met? Yes! I reached my 80-ounce water goal and nearly doubled my daily step goal of 2,500 steps.

I’m happy to say that Day 1 was a success.

I reached my goal of drinking 80 ounces of water, and I have to give David some of the credit. When he’s off work, it always seems a little easier to stay on track because our schedule is busier but I know we will be in and out of the house which helps me get my steps in. For me it’s the little things that make all the difference.

According to my phone, I walked 4,679 steps, covered 2.18 miles, and logged 51 minutes of active time. I know I actually walked for a full hour because there were a few times I wasn’t carrying my phone, so it didn’t record every step I took. Even so, I’m thrilled because my daily goal is only 2,500 steps. To nearly double that goal on the very first day gave me a lot of encouragement.

My phone also showed that I burned 145 active calories and 1,440 total calories throughout the day. While numbers can be motivating, what means the most to me is knowing that I kept the promise I made to myself. I got up, I moved, and I kept going.

This morning I started thinking about Day 2, and if I’m honest, I was already wondering how I was going to fit in my 30 minutes of walking. Thursdays are usually my catch-up day after David goes back to work, and I could already feel myself starting to worry about finding the time.

Then the Lord reminded me that He already knows my needs before I do.

As I was planning dinner, I decided to make Hamburger Helper Cheesy Italian Shells which may not be good for my diet but I don’t eat a lot so it should be ok. I realized I only had two boxes and with as much as Gerald, David and Charlie eats I would need two more boxes.

David told me he would come pick me up after work so we could stop at Walmart together. The minute he said that, I smiled because I realized I could simply walk every aisle in the store. Between walking through Walmart, climbing the stairs at home, and moving around the house, I have a feeling I’ll get my walking in without any trouble at all.

Sometimes we spend so much time worrying about how we’re going to accomplish something that we forget God has already gone ahead of us and prepared a way. Today’s walk may not happen on a walking trail or around the neighborhood. It may happen while shopping for groceries, and that’s perfectly fine because every step still counts.

Will I top 4,679 steps today? I honestly don’t know, and that’s okay. Every day is going to be different. My goal isn’t to compete with yesterday. My goal is to keep moving forward. If I walk a little farther, I’ll celebrate that. If I don’t, I’ll still be thankful that I showed up.

If you’re joining me on this journey, I’d love to hear how your first day went. Did you meet your water goal? Did you get a few extra steps in? No matter where you’re starting, I’d love for you to share your progress in the comments so we can encourage one another throughout this challenge.

Remember, no matter how many steps you got in today, tomorrow is another opportunity to begin again. Every step counts. Every glass of water matters. Keep believing in yourself, keep trusting the Lord, and keep saying, “I think I can. I think I can. I think I can.”

As I walked into the restroom this morning my scale was staring me in the face. I know I should weigh myself to see if I actually lose weight this month but that isn’t what this challenge is about. It’s getting up and moving so if I weigh I weigh and if not it’s okay as long as I walk and drink my water everyday.