Do One Hard Thing This Year
This year, I gave myself a Misogi… a challenge designed to stretch me far beyond my comfort zone. My goal? Ride 50 miles the year I turned 50 in the Smuttynose Seacoast Century Ride.
I’ll be honest: it scared me. I’ve struggled with two past injuries and chronic pain that biking sometimes makes worse. A big part of me worried: What if I can’t do it?
And, spoiler alert: I did do it! You can see the smile on my face, and that is James, who stayed right by my side even though he could have ridden 100 miles. It took me 3 hours and 45 mins. (I stopped for maybe 5-10 mins and ate a protein bar) This is the biggest athletic goal that I have done, and it feels so good! And, I learned that the value wasn’t only in finishing the ride.
James and me at The Seacoast Century Ride, September 13, 2025
Growth, a sense of accomplishment, and confidence came from training, the discipline, savoring the joy of riding along the NH coastline (Hampton to Kittery and back again) and the lessons/process along the way.
Here’s what this Misogi taught me (and what it might teach you, too):
A hard goal pulls you forward. Having something challenging on the calendar made me get to the gym and steadily increase my miles. When your goal stretches you, the journey transforms you.
Accountability is powerful. My daughter and my boyfriend joined me in workouts, and on the days I wanted to quit, their presence got me moving. Who could be your workout buddy—or your life accountability partner?
Tracking progress builds momentum. I used a huge 3'x4' 2025 calendar, checking off each milestone. Every mark was proof that I was moving closer. What could you track to keep yourself motivated?
Pride comes from effort, not perfection. Even on tough days, (when my neck and shoulder hurt so much that I had to stop) I learned I could be proud of myself just for showing up. That pride stays with me, and it has me starting to think of myself as an athlete - a title I’ve never had.
And here’s what excites me most: turning 50 didn’t slow me down…it made me stronger (but still hestitant about the being active). I’m already planning my next Misogi. At 51, I want 51 weeks of consistency—at least 3 workouts every week. I want to stay strong, be able to be active as I age, eat whatever I want and continue to feel the stress-reducing benefits that come from working out.
(Believe me when I say that I’ve NEVER EVER been consistent about working out. And I’ve said it before: I hate working out, I hate sweating, I hate pain, I hate paying for a gym membership, I hate all the time it takes away from other things, and the feeling of working out makes me feel like puking. Sorry, but it’s just plain hard for me. But obviously, the benefits outweigh the hard aspects.)
So here’s the takeaway: you don’t have to bike 50 miles to experience a change. Pick one bold goal that challenges and excites you, commit to showing up, track your progress, and watch your confidence grow. I know that you’re capable of so much more than you think you are! This brings joy and confidence, and when life feels stressful or uncertain, you can remind your anxiety that you can do hard things.
This week, think about 1 big goal that excites and scares you. You don’t have to wait until January - start now! I am. Do it with me and tell me what your Misogi will be!