While not competitive, I love participating and challenging myself to try new things.

Usually, I enter a 10k or 1/2 marathon race or two each year.

Before any event, I will look at the course map and figure out where the water stations and the bathroom locations are.

These are essential to consider when you are out on the course!

But I didn’t do that when I signed up for last weekend’s Spartan Race at Blue Mountain in Collingwood, Ontario.

Sure, I knew there were obstacles. I trained for those.

I had no idea what else to expect, nor did my friend Holly, who joined me on the adventure.

Our goal was not to get hurt, to have fun and finish.

Managing expectations while leaving room for pleasant surprises involves balancing being prepared and remaining open to positive possibilities.

It’s a lot like changing habits.

Keeping curious and seeking new experiences is part of well-being.

As a coach, I help support my clients in shifting to the perspective that life is just one extensive set of experiments with unpredictable outcomes.

It’s okay to have some level of expectation, but also allow room for the magic of life’s surprises.

By maintaining realistic expectations, Holly and I could enjoy the surprise of navigating the mountain, live in the moment (piles of mud on your shoes will help you do that, and so will the beautiful views from the top of the mountain) and be grateful for our bodies to endure the two-hour tour!

The best part? Our finisher medals and the ride home to a hot shower and food while dreaming about where our adventure will be next year.

It may be time you sought new experiences, too!?

Play on!

Coach Jan xox


P.S. Whenever you’re ready, here are three ways I can help you get in the habit of play and good health:

1. Let’s get active…together. Register for RED January – the nationwide campaign coming to Canada to empower everyone to move their way for their social, mental and physical well-being. It’s free to join!
2. Learn how to make simple changes to your exercise, nutrition, sleep and more in the 7 Days of Healthy Habits Course (free)
3. Christmas is just around the corner! Grab a copy of my book, and I will personalize it and ship it to the people you love! Only $30 plus shipping – bulk order pricing is available too!