Take a hike, I said to my non-exercised body

Rosie Dawson-Hewes. Photo/John Borren

On Monday I got up at 6am and walked up the Mount.

This may not seem astonishing, but for anyone who knows me I am both exertion averse and very definitely not a morning person. So the fact I was even awake was pretty amazing, let alone that I was slogging it out climbing our beautiful Mauao.

The reason for this? Well, I was discussing exercise with a friend and while I love my weekly Tauranga Yoga Centre classes, I don't often do anything that really gets my heart rate up.

I prefer easy-going exercise. But my friend pointed out that research shows exercise is really good for our brains, as well as our bodies. So I got all motivated and went up the Mount.

I'm not going to lie, I nearly died on the way up. But, as always, the way down was great and the sense of achievement at the end even better. So now I'm considering doing the City to Surf 12km walk in just over two weeks. I'm always more motivated if I have a goal. I told my husband he should be waiting for me at the finish line, with a Spongedrop cupcake. That's good motivation. And I figure if I tell you all I'm doing it, I might actually show up!

Anyway, all this and my subsequently sore muscles have made me even more impressed by the efforts of our kids competing in the AIMS Games this week.They're not just climbing the Mount once. They've been training for this for months. And they're giving it
their all.

There's a lot to be learned from that-discipline, determination and the sheer nerve to just give it a go. All great traits for the next generation of Bay locals.

So if our AIMS Games kids are making you feel all motivated too, join me at the City to Surf on September 27 (finish line cupcakes optional).

Or you could head to one of the sports club open days this weekend - there's both softball and futsal to choose from. Or,if nothing else, get out in the sun and enjoy our gorgeous landscape. You will feel better for it... Once your muscles stop aching!