I believe in embracing the holidays. I believe in indulging myself during the holidays. You won’t see tips here about how not to overeat at a party or how to avoid holiday weight gain. Nope. Don’t get me wrong – I don’t change my generally healthy eating habits and I don’t treat every event as a party (and we keep our events to a reasonable number at the holidays.) I just allow myself to enjoy the tasty treats and drinks at those parties we do choose to go to.
Instead of policing my eating at events, I maintain my water intake, eat extra veggies when I’m at home, and try to move more. To that end, I am participating in a number of fitness challenges this holiday season.
First, I am joining Another Mother Runner’s Stride Through the Holidays Challenge.
It’s $25 for the challenge, but all of the entry fee goes to Heart Strides, a non-profit that provides new running shoes for moms caring for children that are critically ill or have a special need. You all know my story of using running to survive postpartum depression. I’m a huge believer of running as a coping mechanism. And the one thing you absolutely must have to run is a good pair of shoes.
Start: November 8
Ends: December 13
Cost: $25
Join via Another Mother Runner
Participate via Strava and a private Facebook group
Second, I am joining the Holiday Sweat Challenge with Amanda at Run to the Finish and Sweat Pink.
This challenge has been around for a while. It used to be known as the Holiday Bootie Buster Challenge and I’ve done it most years for the last 7 or so years that it existed. I love that it acts as a daily reminder to get off my butt and move. And heck, it was always nice to win the occasional prize! So, run on over and signup and then make sure to post your healthy activities on social media using the hashtag #Holiday Sweat.
Starts: November 9
Ends: January 2
Cost: Free
Join via Sweat Pink/Fit Approach
Participate via logging minutes and social media #holidaysweat
I’m also doing a tabata challenge with the lovely ladies of my local MRTT. I’ve been slacking on anything that even vaguely resembles cross training for the last year and it’s time to bring that to an end. I need to build some muscle and let my hip heal and foam roll like it’s my job. I have big plans for 2016 and I need to be strong and ready to take them on!
Looking for some other challenges? Here are a few I may or may not join…
- Runner’s World #rwrunstreak – usually runs from Thanksgiving through New Years.
- Turkey Trot Challenge
- Thankful for Health Challenge
- Coach Jenny’s Holiday Challenge
- Thankful 30 Day Photo Challenge
- #Give Planks Challenge for November
- Fresh Fit ‘n’ Healthy Diet Bet
My child asked yesterday about signing up for the turkey trot again.
#thisWALKERSworkisdone
#soexcited
CARLA recently posted…Why do we avoid feeling fear?
Wow, you are keeping yourself very active with challenges! That’s awesome. My new coach is keeping me pretty busy. I went from feeling like I had been tapering the first week to feeling like a normal training load and he’s just going to be progressing me from here. My challenge will be keeping the food intake down cause I’ll be hungry and I always crave comfort foods this time of year. The hydration comment is a good one.
Kelli recently posted…Weekly Wrap: Back to the Track
You’re going to be one busy girl! I love this idea of these challenges yet I always fear I’ll be to busy to log everything, etc. I totally agree with you on your party strategy. I keep healthy habits in place but don’t deprive myself at parties either.
Marcia recently posted…Whip, Nae Nae and the Haunted Hip
I’m not sure if I”m going to participate in these challenges. I’m feeling a little burnt out at this point, and I kind of want to just run. Is that wrong?
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted…Full moon fever….and #fasterthanBOO10k
If I wasn’t going to be in marathon training mode I’d love to join in on a holiday challenge! I’m doing Oiselle’s #chasethebird challenge for November as you only need to do 15 minutes of something active each day, which I can do!! 🙂
bri recently posted…Forget focusing on goals: To get healthy and fit, focus on this instead
What a fun holiday challenge!
Carmy recently posted…Running Etiquette – Passing At The Finish Line: Fair Game?
I do love a good holiday challenge! Some of those are new to me so I am going to check them out thanks for the ideas!
Deborah Brooks @ Confessions of a Mother Runner recently posted…Cranberry & Rice Stuffed Acorn Squash
I am of the same mindset as you. The holidays are great and I intend to enjoy them. I do train through the holidays, and that usually helps offset any “damage.”
Jenn recently posted…week in review: 10.25 â 10.31
Challenges are a great way to stay fit over the holidays! I’m with you – I don’t change my holiday eating habits, I just find other ways to accommodate through fitness! I’m doing the Move More Fitness challenge this month, #DoMoreForYourCore! Have fun!
Amanda @ Adventures with FitNyx recently posted…Marching to a different beat.
You are a high achiever! I don’t think I could handle that many challenges in a year much less three months. Go you!!!
Margo recently posted…Brooklyn Fit Chick: News & Notes #Ryka #UnderArmour #TomTomSpark #Hello Fresh #Brooks #BelleFit
How awesome! You are going to be one fit mama for the holidays!
Nicole @ Fitful Focus recently posted…Fudgy Chocolate Chunk Brownies {vegan, gluten free, soy free}
Okay, I must have made a mistake… I thought the #holidaysweat challenge starts on November 8th not the 20th… I better go check!
Elle recently posted…Holiday Sweat Challenge 2015
You are right! Thanks for catching my typo!
I love your attitude about allowing yourself to enjoy the holiday parties! I think I’m also going to do the #holidaysweat challenge …
Amy @ Will Run For Ice Cream recently posted…Still Workin’ On My Night Moves
Good luck to you with your challenges! The only challenge I ever did was the RW run streak between thanksgiving and New years. I did well with running every day but was lousy on reporting it!
These are great ideas for the holidays! Perfect way to stay focused.
Markita@Sweshfit recently posted…Did diet play a role in Jared the Subway Guy’s scandal?
I’ll be doing a Planksgiving challenge and the SweatPink holiday challenge, so I’m looking forward to it! I don’t think I’ll do the #runstreak this year…but I may change my mind!
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets recently posted…Weekly Meal Plan for 11/1/15
Challenges have gotten me through many many holiday seasons!
jill conyers recently posted…Books That Inspire
The holiday sweat challenge sounds like fun!! I can’t believe it’s time for the holidays already!!
I suck at challenges. I’m supposed to be doing the tabata challenge too, but i’ve already skipped today :/
Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes recently posted…Chocolate Almond Butter Protein Cookies and a Fit Body Bakery Giveaway
I definitely need to join in on a holiday challenge to keep myself active! I am also working on continuing to run at least 4 days a week…lets see if I can do it once it gets colder!
Patty @ Reach Your Peak recently posted…Post-Marathon Blues – Where Do I Go From Here?
What awesome challenges you are partipating in. I wish I could pass on the weight loss challenges thoughout the holidays but if I did I would inadvertently take part in the weight GAIN challenge and that’s NOT cool. Lol
Safari @ Tri-ing To Run Boston recently posted…Lose Weight AND enjoy Thanksgiving – Holiday Weight Loss Challenge