November 23rd – January 1st 2016
Need a little motivation to stick with your running and fitness routine during the busy holiday season?
Join the 2015 Holiday Challenge. It’s a free six-week program and an easy, low stress way to stay fit during the busy holiday season, avoid gaining the Holiday 5, win my favorite Wish-List holiday gifts, and connect with other like-minded runners and walkers.
Set yourself up for success this season with the accountability of a supportive, fun group of people. Once you register for the program, you’ll receive a link to join the private Facebook group to connect with the Challenge Nation (your new active friends). As we make our way through the holidays, you’ll receive inspiring weekly emails in your inbox with healthy recipes, tips for staying active, and weekly mini challenges to keep you motivated all season long.
The program will culminate with a New Year’s Virtual Race to ring in the year together and the celebrate the start of the CHALLENGE 2016 program. Stay connected all year long with the Challenge 2016 program. 12 months, 12 motivating challenges that inspire you to move, learn how how to improve your nutrition, fitness and wellness, and feel the love and accountability of the Challenge Nation.
Here’s how it works…It’s easy –>
- Step 1: Register for the Holiday Challenge here.
- Step 2: Set a realistic weekly mileage goal every week from Monday, November 23rd through January 1st. The goal is to set realistic mileage goals based on how busy your life is so you can achieve them, stay motivated and keep moving. You can also include cross-training into the goal – 10 minutes of cross-training = 1 mile running (yoga, cycling, strength, Cross-Fit…).
- Step 3: Post your weekly goal and mileage workouts in the private Holiday Challenge Facebook Page or in the comments section of this post. Once registered, you’ll be invited to join the Private Challenge Group on Facebook, or you can post your workouts in the comments section of this post. The Challenge officially begins on November 23rd, but you can start at any time during the holiday season. New Year’s Virtual Race! For a little extra motivation, we’ve added a New Year’s Virtual Race. Set a goal to run or walk a race distance of your choice at the New Year. This can be an established race or on your own in your neck of the woods. It’s a carrot to keep you motivated and focused through the holidays and a fun way to celebrate and run with the spirit of the group. Download the CHALLENGE New Year’s Virtual Race bib, strap on your shoes and run or walk into 2016 feeling strong, fit and loved!
- Step 4: Track Your Progress Download the easy to use Holiday Challenge Tracking Sheet and set your weekly goals, track your activity and stay on target. As you run, walk and get in your activity, post your miles in the Facebook group or in the comments section of this blog post.
- Step 5: Sit back, enjoy your hot chocolate and watch your email inbox for weekly posts from me and my elves announcing Wish-List Gift Winners, tips, recipes and much more!
I ran my first 5K in 34 years on Saturday after following your 8 week training plan in Better Homes and Gardens September 2015 issue. Thanks so much.
Is it any on spot walking marathon ? Thank you
Congrats Grace!
Hi Everyone! Maren here…this is my first challenge and looking forward to it! I’ve never been part of a group blog before so this will be an experience 🙂
Goals this week- challenging with my work schedule and shorter hours at the gym!
16 miles- 13 running and 3 sessions strength training
I could read a book about this without finding such real-world apsrhacoep!
This is my first challenge as well and looking forward to the accountability! My goal this week is 31 miles running and 9 miles of cross training – total of 40 miles.
I'm going to try the holiday challenge for the first time. My aim for this week is 15 miles. Does 1 hour of fairly beginners ballroom dancing count for anything? And on Thurs I do 2 hours of stretch/strength/flexibility – does that count? I will be running in between!! 😉
This is my first challenge and I hope to complete 15 miles between running and cross-training.
My goal is to run 30-40 miles a week. So far, I’ve run 34 miles this week. Plus 30 minutes of cross training a week.
Hello everyone!
I ran my first 1/2 marathon today!! So this week is recovery, I’m going to aim for 8.1 miles. With rest being my priority!
Congratulations! Awesome accomplishment!!
After over two months of pretty much total inactivity – shooting for 12 miles this week
God evening everyone, I’m going to try the holiday challenge for the first time also. My goal for this week is 20 miles. I’m training for my first 5K in 6 months. I haven’t ran in a couple of years due to injuries but I’ve been doing a walk/run program for about 3 months. So, I want to take it up a notch. Wish me luck
Good Luck!! You got this!
This is a busy week, so I know I won't have much time to run. I plan to get at least 5 miles in this week
I’m shooting for 35 miles of running this week. Possibly some cross training as well!
My goal for week 1 is 12 miles. 3 miles x 4 days plus maybe a cross-train day. thanks
My goal for the week is 16 miles.
This is my first challenge, but I like the idea of doing something that will hold me accountable and keep me active during the holiday season. My goal for this week is 12 miles running and 1 hour of yoga class. On Thursday I am doing my first Turkey Trot with a friend. Good luck everyone–Casey
I am aiming for 12 miles this week!!
My goal for the week is 20 miles! 🙂 Running a 5k this week and training for a 16 mile trail race in december!
I’m aiming for 15 miles this week 🙂
I’m so heavy and out of shape right now, but I think this is the motivation I need to get moving! It’s not a lot, but my goal this week is 5 miles. I am really looking forward to this process. Thank you for this opportunity, Coach Jenny!
My goal is 12 miles!
Hi everyone!
I just got started training for a 10k. My goal for this week is 14k running and I’m playing 2 hours of tennis in the weekend.
Good luck everyone!
My goal for the week is 10 miles. I ran a half marathon last month, and haven't been very active since–need to get back to it!
Here we go….my goal for this week is 15 miles! We are doing a lot of traveling this week (and probably a lot of eating!!), so I may not get a lot of running in– but I’m going to try to at least get some walking in. Good luck everyone!!
Goal = 18 miles. Good luck everyone!
I plan to do 20 miles of swimming, running, hiking and yoga combined. I like that it is not just a running thing. I am grateful this week to be able to do these things mostly injury-free.
Did a 5K (walking….due to nerve probs in feet) yesterday…it was 19 degrees at start time!!! Wanted t ostay in bed…but we did it! 🙂 Goal is 9 miles this week–Turkey Trot Thursday!
I am planning to do 24 miles – a combination of running, yoga, and spin.
Hi guys!! I plan on doing 36 miles this week. Good luck this week and have a wonderful holiday!!!
-WylieCoyote
My goal is 20 miles this week… 4 miles on 3 weekdays and 8 miles on Saturday.
My running miles have decreased over the past few years so I owe a big thanks Jenny because she keeps me moving. I believe I am always happier & healthier when I run, but some days it seems easier to use an excuse & not be active. I plan to participate in the New Year’s Virtual Race & run 13.1 miles to welcome in the year 2016 so that should keep me moving. Thanks again Jenny for encouraging all of us!
1st Week Goal – 25 miles & for a Monday, I’m happy to say I ran 6. (6/25)
1st Week Goal – 15 miles walking/jogging.
Hello all. This is my first holiday challenge. Goal for this week will be ten miles. Have not been running for awhile since I completed Rim to Rim at the Grand Canyon. That was a blast.
Hi All, My first Holiday Challenge. I have run a few 5k's this fall and enjoyed the challenge. I hope to get about 10 miles in this week. I do a lot of interval run walks. I look forward to the weekly goals!
Hello everyone. This is my first holiday challenge. I am running/walking an 8k on Thanksgiving called the Turkey Trot. I ran/walked 2 miles on Sunday. So sign me up to do 10 miles this week. Goal is to be able to run a race without walking. Happy Thanksgiving to all.
40 miles goal
I plan on getting 15 miles in this week.
Foot tat still healing. Low miles this week – likely walking as I am still bare foot. striving for 6, though. Happy Thanksgiving!
Just ran a half marathon this past Saturday so Week 1 Goal is 20 miles. Most of that will not be running, but elliptical, swimming, and yoga. I do have a 5 mile Turkey Trot on Thursday. I’m surprisingly not sore so I’m actually looking forward to it!
1.23/5 miles so far — it’s a start!
My goal for the week is a minimum of at least 25 running miles + various other workout. Today could only squeeze in 2.5 miles on the treadmill but also went to a 1 hour barre class.
This week I am shooting for 22 miles of running. I don’t forsee me getting in any other activity this week. Hopefully after Thanksgiving, I will be doing Piyo with my sister to give her a little motivation.
3/22
My plan is to run 10 miles, cross-train on off days and totally enjoy myself. Running is cheaper than therapy! Gotta Love It!
I forgot the Holiday Challenge started today…good thing I did a couple of miles after work! I’m hoping to fit in at least 15 miles of running and cross training this week. It could be tough because I have a date with a 22 lb. turkey on Thursday morning and a lot of prep work to do! I’m giving it my best shot. 🙂 Good Luck to all!
And biked 30 minutes, eliptical for 20 and did some weight training today
My goal this week is 20 miles! 5/20 down. Ohh Monday’s!
My goal this week is to get 15 miles in. I haven't ran in two weeks but no more excuses. I am going to love getting out for the Turkey Trot.
Okay, my goal for this week is 8 miles, including a Turkey Trax race. Hopefully the foster kid will cooperate so I can do the Thanksgivinng run – she's been a bit animated this week!
Hi Everyone! My goal is 16 miles this week.
Nancy Fink Training for a half in January. This week's goal is 20 miles.
My goal is 25 miles this week + at least two cross-training activities.
Happy Thanksgiving.
My goal this week is to get 6 miles in. I did a 5K this weekend, so I'm halfway there. More would be great, but I'll start small. I ran in May, then I had an injury and was down, and then was just lazy, so this is a great way to start! Thanks Jenny!
It's post race week, so just 15 miles for me- a 5K on Saturday and some boot camp
5 easy miles this a.m.
11/25
Hopefully, I’ll get 6 miles done this week.
My goal is 12 miles this week.
So far I’m at 4/12.
Ran my ran/walk my 5 miles Monday (11/23)
I was happy to run another 5 miles this morning. 16/25
My goal this week is 20 miles. I did 40 min of crossfit MTW for a total of 12/20 so far for the week!
Hi Everyone,
My goal for this week is stay active through the holiday activities. Not having a routine is a regular down fall for me. I will run turkey trot on Thursday, but want to make sure I don’t slack off on Friday through Sunday because I do not have scheduled exercise or a routine. My mileage goal is 30.
Happy Holidays to all,
Julia
Goal for the week is 30 miles. With the Route 66 half marathon on Sunday and a quick 3 mile run/1 mile walk today, I’m at 15/30. Trying to get into a routine.
Happy Thanksgiving! I was able to run 6 miles on the treadmill this morning so I could stay warm & dry. I almost always push my speed on the treadmill & try to keep the incline changing. I warmed up by doing 10 minutes on the ARC & finished with 5 minutes of arm weights. I’m only counting my running miles so I am 22/25 right now. With tomorrow predicted to be icy, I might be taking tomorrow off from running. Time will tell & any moving is good.
Hi Everyone and Happy Thanksgiving!
I thought the challenge started today, so I’m a bit behind:) My goal this week is to do 3 HIIT classes and three days of running (approximately 15 miles). I have gotten in 1 HIIT class and will be running today, tomorrow, and Sunday if I stick to my goals;) Best of luck everyone–this is a great challenge and way to stay motivated during the winter months!
I am 9/12 on miles plus I did 1 hour of yoga on Monday. I am planning on getting in 5 or 6 miles on Sunday–wanted to go tomorrow but it is supposed to rain.
Casey
50 min. elliptical; 10 min. ARC; 1 mile treadmill running & then 10 min. weights
23/25
It is still a slippery Saturday so I was back on the treadmill & did a slow 4 miles. I followed with 10 minutes on the bike.
27/25
goal for the week 6 miles, got in 4 miles.
Did my 22/22 for the week. Even did one session barefoot! Ran 8 today to my inlaws for Thanksgiving dinner.
Completed 16.1 of 16 last week
Goal this week is 18 miles, did a 4 mile run this morning.
Completed 21.51 miles last week. Plan to do 20 miles this week but the cold weather is daunting.
25 miles planned this week. Did three barefoot today to counteract my 8 from yesterday.
Completed 33.4/31 miles last week primarily running with some cross training. This week goal is to do 35 miles total with goal for 32 miles running.
As of 5:30 will complete 20 of 20 miles for this week! Our Turkey Trot was so much fun and I’m so proud of myself for getting up early today to get in yesterday’s missed workout. This coming week’s goal is 21 miles.
My goal for this week is 12 miles.
Goal was 45 miles this wheel. Completed 43.
Meant 45 this week. 🙂
My goal is to run 15 miles per week during the holidays. I ran the Early Bird 5k in my hometown and hit a much needed PR! I ran 13.7 this week.
Goal for week of November 30-10 for week, including running and cross training
Goal for week of 30-Nov = 20 miles. Completed 18/18 miles week of 23-Nov.
My goal was 35 this week. 10 miles of cross training via biking (100 minutes) plus 24 miles of running puts me at 34 miles total. Just one mile off from my goal. I’m shooting for 37 miles this week.
Hi all —
My goal for Week #1 was 3 HIIT classes and 15 miles of running for a total of 33 miles. Well, I fell short: I got in 2 HIIT classes, 0 running, but I did get in three short hikes for a total of 27 miles.
This week’s goal is still 33 miles (3 HIIT classes and 15 miles of running;)
Reached goal #1. This week, striving for 8 miles. Will be glad when I can wear two shoes again – 🙂
Reached my week 1 goal, but seem to have a little foot injury :-\ Week 2 goal is 15 miles.
Yesterday was a day off but I did reach 2 miles over my 1st week’s goal. 27/25
For week #2, my goal is to do another 27 running miles. I want to stay injury free so I don’t want to increase my mileage too much without having a major event upcoming. Hopefully I can work myself up to doing a steady 30 miles most weeks out of the year of 2016.
Today I enjoyed watching it snow & did 8 treadmill miles plus 10 minutes doing some hip strengthening exercises. 8/27
Ran 3 today. Now up to 6/25. Trying to do the holiday running streak. I know it hasn’t been long, but boy it is hard to remind myself to run on my days off.
7 miles + 10 minutes working my arms using weights 15/27
2 today on the TM :(. Got home from work and it was too dark and still raining. By the looks of the weather, it will be another TM session tomorrow too. On the bright side, my holiday running streak continues!! And I’m going rock climbing too! 8/25
6 miles + some stretching & strengthening 21/27
this week is a total stretch goal for me…but after the Thanksgiving fest all weekend long, I think a stretch is due! My goal: 35.
Sunday I had a long run of 10 miles with a friend: 10/35
Monday: 5K before work: 13/35
Tuesday: group run with a new local group here in Plymouth Michigan: 18/35
Wednesday: YOGA!!! 24/35
I love this challenge as it makes me think of how much activity I can get in for the week without having to change my week much. thank you all for the extra motivation and accountability!!
5k this morning on the t-mill before work….27/35
Happy Thursday!
Ran another 2 today. Did it in the dark and rain with my trusty head lamp. 10/25
4 miles running + stretching & some upper body strengthening 25/27
3 today. Shin was feeling sore and calf was tight. I have a previous stress reaction to my tibia which is much improved from the summer. I have a 9 miler scheduled for Saturday and I am nervous to see how I’ll do. Longest run since July when I was originally injured.
Whoops! 13/25
No running today; 30 min. on the bike; 30 min. on the ARC 25/27
Good luck on your long run tomorrow Ashley. Successful recovery will make us all smile 🙂
December 4: 5K before work….30/35 so far for the week!! yay!! Happy Friday everyone!
3 today. 16/25. Tomorrow is my 9 miler. Eager and nervous at the same.
It was a nice Saturday morning for running 8 miles & then time to connect up with some family. 33/27
Did my 9 yesterday. Wasn’t great, but I did it. My time was good, but I felt weak the last 3 miles. Accomplished my 25/25 for the week. This week is only 18. Cut back week. Still want to climb and Piyo with my sister.
I did 25.5 last week I plan to do 25 this week with a Christmas 5k on Saturday !!
Good morning! I fell short of my goal of 33 miles for Week #2; I actually did 28.7 miles. For Week #3, my goal is lofty: 36 miles but I think it is doable since I’m doing a half marathon on Saturday! Good luck this week everyone!
Mary
My goal is 12 miles this week.
Hit my goal last week! This week goal is 38 miles with 34 being runs.
Last week 4/10. Goal for this week is ten miles
For week #3, my goal is to run 30 miles. Today I was lucky to get a long run in outside with some beautiful sunshine. 11/30
2 yesterday and today. Yesterday was barefoot! Today on the TM :(. Oh well.. A mile is a mile. 4/18. Still on my running streak
5 miles running this morning 16/30
2 again today. 6/18. 30 min to decide if I’m going rock climbing tonight
I ran another 5 miles today, but my body (especially one of my knees) is telling me I may have increased my mileage too much, too soon. Does that mean I am aging? I have 21/30 so tomorrow I might add some walking to my running since the nice outside weather keeps calling my name. Happy running to everyone!
8/18. Another 2 today. Did rock climb last night and piyo this AM
2 yesterday and today. Tomorrow is my long run of 6 miles. Hoping this week is a good recovery for the weeks to come. 12/16
Thursday I only walked my “usual” route; Friday I spent the day with my mom shopping & today I ran 9. 30/30
Did my 6 miler today! Felt good. Nice easy pace. 18/18. Went Christmas shopping at my local running store tonight. Overall a good day! 18/18. Next week I will be coming up again. Hoping for 21 running miles plus my extras.
Ran a 10 km race today (6 mi) and it felt okay-no pains.
I ran 6 miles last week (3 miles tuesday and three miles saturday) Goal for this week is 9 miles.
Week #4 has me planning to run 35 miles & I enjoyed 7 miles today. 7/35
I ran another 7 miles this morning, but split the total with 30 min. of biking in the middle. 14/35
I got in 31.1 miles — a bit short of my 36 mile goal. This week’s goal is 36.5 miles (24 in HIIT class and 12.5 in running;)
Good luck everyone!
5 miles treadmill running today with 15 min. on the ARC 19/35
Day 4 of week 4 had me lucky to run another 7 mile day. 26/35
#My2015Memory: For me, 2015 was about learning what is too much. I started the year with shin splints that I didn’t properly rest, which turned into 4 months of no running whatsoever and starting again the fall with a beginner’s program to make sure I didn’t jump back in too quickly. I learned that I love cycling! And that I need to pay more attention to nagging injuries so they don’t become bigger problems. Lesson learned (hopefully 😉 )
Fell way short of last’s week goal of 36.5 miles; got in 23 miles. I have learned that if I miss a workout during the week, I think I can make it up on the weekend and that fails;) So–I’m setting another lofty goal (34 miles) but my goal this week is consistency earlier in the week so I don’t try to cram everything on the weekend. Good luck everyone.
#My2016Goals: to keep building my mileage slowly so that I can consistently return to running without injury. It’s a challenge for me to want to do too much, too fast, especially when I’m feeling good at lower mileage and the run/walk program I’m currently doing. I’m optimistic that 2016 will be a new start with more patience on my part. Luck to all with their 2016 goals!
I had a great week last week! 45.1 miles my goal was 30!! I was feeling good and wanted to take advantage of a good week. This week I’m aiming for 25 miles trying to be realistic with Christmas and travel!
I completed the 4th week of the challenge 2 miles short, but happy that I did log 33 of my 35.
Week #5 started out with me running 7 treadmill miles. After getting home yesterday, I was in the car (due to an emergency) for 20 hours that ended midmorning today. Health related issues of a loved one may keep me from being able to be run much this week, but I will keep my goal at 25 miles. Even if I miss running any additional miles this week, I’m still hoping to run 13.1 on 1/1/16. No matter what happens, my family is #1 & they never complain about me going out for a run. I know a lot of runners that have that kind of support. May everyone doing things that they enjoy be that lucky, too!
I was short again of my goal: I did 17 miles out of 34. Oh well–I will keep plugging along. This week, I’m keeping my goal simple: 20 miles.
Forgot to set a goal last week, but got 6 miles of running in -3 Tuesday, 3 Friday. Goal for this week is 10 miles
Last week I did 39.5!! I was so excited.
This week I’m aiming for 32 since I turn 32 this week!!
I only ran 2 days during Week #5. I was in & out of a hospital & doing things for a family member. I am reminded how lucky most of are to walk, run & do other things we enjoy.
Week #6 will still have me out of my “normal” environment, but I started it today by running 8 miles. I hope to run at least 3 times this week & I am shooting for a goal of 25. Still planning to run (or run/walk) my 13.1 on the first day of 2016.
I ran 6 miles & then did another 3 miles doing the run/walk method. 17/25