Elf For Health recap

In the past few years, I’ve gotten into the habit of doing some sort of online challenge in December. I’ve done mileage challenges, I’ve done healthy eating challenges, and I’ve done HBBC several times. This year I stumbled upon the Elf for Health challenge being organized by Lindsey at the Lean Green Bean and Elle at Nutritionella I really liked the variety of the daily challenges and the idea of having someone to communicate with to keep on track.

Before I talk about how well (or not) I did on the challenges, let me recap my “elf” experience. My elves were ok. We communicated a few times, but we didn’t click in a way that invited extra communication. On their side and mine, things were erratic at best. As it turns out, that was not a big deal for me. In addition to the assigned elves, there was a VERY active facebook group. Given my addiction to FB, that group was a much more important player in my success at the challenges.

So about those challenges…

Go meatless: I rocked this or at least thought I did until I realized I used chicken broth in the soup I made. Oops.

Unsubscribe: I dumped a whole bunch of email subscriptions, listservs, and electronic “noise” from my life.  It.was.awesome!

New workout: I played some of the Wii Fit U games with Shoo.  My abs were sore for days…

Make a phone call: I called my parents, something I do several days a week anyways, so it was kind of cheating.

Track water intake: I rocked at tracking.  I sucked at actually drinking water.

Treat yourself: Umm, I did a crazy amount of shopping for myself.  And registered for a few races…

100 Burpees:  Did it! And who knew they used your inner thigh muscles! Ouch!

Hand Written Note: Complete and total fail.  And I really do have a note I need to write…

Eat the Rainbow: Rocked it!

Makeup Free: This was NOT a problem.  In fact, a bigger challenge would have been to shower before noon, put on non-workout clothes, and wear makeup LOL.

Workout Buddy: I ran with the MRTT ladies.  I’m beginning to love group runs.

Operation Beautiful: I left a note on a stairwell door at the hotel telling the runners at Rehoboth Beach how awesome they are.

Fridge and Pantry Purge: My fridge is not only clean now, but reorganized so beer fits in the upstairs fridge.

Gratitude List:  I wrote my list on the blog.

Circuit workout: I snagged a squat workout from the Elf4Health FB page and did that.

Pay it forward: We were snowed in that day, so I just had some friends over who didn’t have power.  I’ve continued to try to do small things when the opportunity arises.

Healthy Snack: Blew it.  Ran errands with nothing at all with me.  Oops.

“You time”: I ran 5 miles on the treadmill during Beer Geek’s lunch break.  Exactly the “me time” I needed.

Fastest Mile: I managed an 8:22 mile.  Not where I’d like to be, but it is what it is.

Closet Cleanout: I skipped this as I’d done it recently and instead focused on getting the laundry done LOL.

Plan your meals: Fail.  Complete and total failure.

Meditate: I tried.  I’m not very good at it, but I tried.

Wall Sit: 1:30 in my robe, after my shower.

Share your expertise: I wrote about beer over at Pavement and Pixie Dust.

3 Food Groups: Nailed it!  I rock at eating veggies and I love carbs, so it was as simple as adding in some protein.

Self love x 6: This was challenging for me. The negative voice inside my head is way too loud most of the time.

New Fitness Goal: Like I need an excuse to make a fitness goal.  14 half marathons in 2104 in the works!

Make a Donation: We donate time and money in a number of ways, so for the challenge I decided to foster a rescue league cat.  The kids don’t know yet, but she’s staying for good.

I’d say I was about 75-80% successful and most of my fails were due to lack of thinking ahead (story of my life these days).  I really enjoyed it and loved the support I got from the group of elves on Facebook.  Since I am also doing the Runners World run streak, it was nice to have some non-fitness challenges as well.  I’d totally do it again!