Fitness Challenge Final Wrap Up!

Wow!  Looking back, January went by really fast, though I know there were lots of times it seemed to crawl and I'd never reach the 100 mile goal.  But I did it.  I'm done, and I haven't run or walked a single miles since. Arg.

To Remind you I really did it all:

Days 1-2 Recap

Days 3-9 Recap

Days  10-16 Recap

Days 17-23 Recap

Days 24-30 Recap

...And to finish it off, here is the very last day recap.  Last Monday, January 31st,  for day 31 I ran the exact amount needed to finish this goal up. 3.25 miles at the work gym on the treadmill. Boom. 100 miles done.

So, now to you!  I know some of you finished the challenge!  And I know a lot of you tried, and maybe at least did more than you would have, which is the main goal!  So to you all - GOOD JOB! Thank you so much for participating, because it kept me honest, and doing it!


Please let me know if you finished the 100 mile challenge and are not on this list!  I will be doing a little giveaway {something small, TBD}to those that completed!

Maggie K.

Dena

Ashley R.

Breanna

Peggy

Rebecca

...Anyone else??

For now I'm going to mix up my workouts: keep some running in there to get ready for spring outside running, yoga, elliptical, I want to get back into Zumba & try other random classes.  But I'll be thinking of another Fitness Challenge for down the line, maybe closer to summer!  If you have any ideas, please share!  Thank you again for participating, cheering along, and/or reading the progress, etc! 

Fitness Challenge Progress: Days 24-30

I can't believe we're here at the end - only one more day to go in this challenge! At times, I definitely wanted to quit and I was for sure challenged. Then there were times it was no big deal.  Overall, for me this challenge has kept me working out more than I would have without it!  Oh, but it's not over yet.  Tomorrow is the last day.

Here is my recap from the last 7 days - Days 24 through 30:

Monday, Day 24:  Ran 4.7 miles on the treadmill in my work gym over lunch, then after work I hit up yoga to stretch out these tired muscles!

Some good moves to try out!

Tuesday, Day 25:  Again with the work gym - back to the treadmill (and getting super sick of indoor treadmill running).  When will this icky snow melt?

Wednesday, Day 26: Today was one of my co-workers big 30th birthday!! So we had lots of celebrating with a fun lunch and happy hour after work.  So I only had about 20 minutes to try to get in anything that would help my mileage.  I just walked 1.5 miles.

Thursday, Day 27:  Definitely had to get in at least 4 miles to make up for yesterday's skip.  Hit the work gym at the end of the day - before seeing No Strings Attached and dinner with my good friend.  I think the movie was cute & entertaining, but Natalie might not have been the perfect part for this role - she seemed to be trying too hard.

Friday, Day 28:  The sun was out and temps up in the high 40s - time to take these legs to the great outdoors. FINALLY.  Of course, running outside feels totally different then on my own now.  I've gotten way too use the treadmill.  So walked a bit, but still managed to run most of the 4 mile loop around my work, keeping to the street where there was less snow.

Saturday, Day 29:  Took forever and a day to get my butt out of bed after a late night Friday.  Then with stuff going on Saturday evening, I had to squeeze in my (back to the treadmill) jog.

Sunday, Day 30: I participated in the Groundhog Day Run in Kansas City caves to benefit Children's Therapeutic Learning Center.  It was a 5K (3.1 miles) and the caves are tempered at 65-70 degrees year around.  I was super tired getting up at 7am, but once got there, was a fun run!

The Stats:

This week's total mileage: 24.45

Days 1-30 mileage: 96.75

Left to go: 3.25 tomorrow (last day of Jan)

Fitness Challenge Progress: Days 17-23

Getting towards the end of this challenge, and it's definitely not getting easier (as I thought it might would have).  It's not impossible either, it's just keeping me from getting too relaxed about working out.  However, I have skipped a one or two too many days that will make the last 8 days a bit challenging (oh wait, this IS a challenge, right?).

Ok, here is my day 17 through 23 recap:

Monday, Day 17:  I was off work for MLK day, so ran in the morning and then hit up yoga in the evening.

Tuesday, Day 18: Nada, No miles, Not a One.  Instead of working out over lunch at work like I do a lot, I went to lunch at my friend's to visit with her and her sweet little 3 month old.  And after work, it was cold, I was tired and just lost my motivation.  Oops.

Wednesday, Day 19: Ok, feeling more energized today to get miles in, even DESPITE a giant white out snow storm that came through today.  On my way home, I stopped at the gym that is only 2 miles from my house.  Got my miles in, and then it took me 30 minutes to drive those 2 miles home, but I ran.

Thursday, Day 20: Still recovering from the snow storm, I worked from home today.  By the afternoon, the roads were a lot better.  I had a doctor appointment, so on my way home from that, I hit up the gym again for a few miles.

Friday, Day 21: Back at work, freezing cold, crazy busy.  Ok, what I'm trying to say is, I let every little excuse stop me from working out today.  So I got no miles in.  But did see The King's Speech with my hubs - and that was a really good movie. I understand all the nominees and awards. :)

Saturday, Day 22: Knowing I skipped Tuesday and Friday, I knew I was going to have to make it up this weekend.  So I hit the gym mid-morning to get in at least 5 miles - succeed.  Then I hit up brunch/lunch with a group of girl friends. Yum.

Sunday, Day 23: Again, mid-morning, I drug myself to the gym to see how far I could get.  I knew I wanted to do over 4 miles, but hoping to have enough patience to do 5.  Well, just a little over 4 miles, I hoped off and rushed around to the grocery store and then to meet a friend to see Country Strong.  A good movie, I enjoyed it, and I understand why it's not nominated. :)

So adding up the 5 days I did run - I got in 21.09 miles. Add to the 51.21 I have done in the first weeks - I'm at a total of 72.30 miles down and 27.70 to go...in 8 days (Average of 3.46 a day).  I can do this.

How are you all doing?? EIGHT MORE DAYS!

Fitness Challenge Progress: Days 10-16

At the end of this week, we are now at half way point!!  However, this week was a bit rough for me, as my motivation started to slip some... With snow, shin splints and house construction pulling me down this week, it was hard to push past it.  Here is my week:

Monday, Day 10: Snowed in!  Worked from home, even despite floor work start at my house.  I was confined to our living room, while the rest of the floors in our house started getting sanded.  I ventured outside a few times to take some photos - but logged ZERO miles, and didn't even make it to yoga. boo.

Tuesday, Day 11: Back to work, over lunch I utilized my work gym to squeeze in 3.25 miles. After a little walking to warm up and easing into a run, I maintained a quicker running pace to get done in 30 minutes. I did some upper body strengthening after my miles to even out all this work to my lower body.

Wednesday, Day 12:  Today about mid-run my shins started to ache.  I played with my speed, doing faster sprints with slower jogs to see if anything helped.  Mainly I just gritted and bared it to crank out 4 miles.

Thursday, Day 13:  Ufta.  My shins were really hurting today.  Guess those new shoes I got last week gave me a little delayed reaction, however, I still needed to get my miles in... So pushed through to get to 4.40 miles.

Friday, Day 14: After yesterday's run, my shins remained throbbing even when not running!  So it being a Friday after a long week, my shins aching and feeling low motivations, I managed to get myself into the work gym to walk (and walk only) for 2.8 miles.  Better than nothing I guess...

Saturday, Day 15: Ooops.  Never got around to getting my miles in.  I slept in a bit, then went to Lawrence, KS with some girlfriends for lunch at my very favorite place (La Parrilla) and to watch our Jayhawks play some basketball.  By the time I got home, the hubs and I headed to our home to check in on the house (while breathing in a little too much fumes, I think), left with a headache and met my parents for dinner.  We stayed at their house last night where I got a ton of sleep.  So, no miles.

Sunday, Day 16:  I got up this morning, at some breakfast, and after it was settled I use my parents treadmill to get in 3.21 miles.  Not enough for today, so I am HOPING I will be able to get myself back on this evening for at least that much more.  I'll update this post if I do... If I don't, I'm going to have to play some catch up tomorrow on my day off from work (MLK day).

So lets add this up.  At the end of day 9, last week, I had done 33.51 miles.  This week I did a total (so far) of: 17.70 miles. Added to last week and to date, I have run a total of 51.21 miles.  Out of 100, I have 48.69 miles left to go in 15 days. 

How has your week gone?  Where are you all at?

Fitness Challenge Progress: Day 3-9

Over a week into this Fitness Challenge to run or walk 100 miles in the month of January (31 days).  Every day felt very different and I'm definitely sore and feeling the challenge!  Here is how it's been going:

See Day 1-2 recap here.  I started the challenge by getting 9.5 miles done in the first two days.

Day 3-9 Recap

Day 3 - Did 0 miles.  I took Monday off from any walking or running to do and hour and 15 minutes of blissful, sweat inducing yoga!

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Day 4 - Did 4.05 miles pretty quickly (for me).  I did it in 38 minutes, including a couple minutes of walking to warm up followed by a few minutes of slow jogging and then some sprinting intervalled with running on and off for 2 miles.  I then ended with jogging and walking.

Day 5 - Was feeling pretty sore today's sprints and hard running.  Dreading having to get miles in.  My hamstrings tight and energy levels low.  I told myself to at least get into the work gym and get 2 miles in - walking/slow jogging as to not get behind.  So I went in over my lunch break and ended up going longer than I had told myself and got in the daily average minimum:

Day 6 - Took today's run/walk outdoors and ran the 4 mile loop around where I work with 2 co-workers/ Challenge participants, Lulu and Sarah.  We ran about 2 miles and walked 2 miles - we were all a little sore from all this mileage!

{source}

Day 7 - Being Friday, and tired from a busy week, I really wanted to skip today.  I wanted to just get through work and go home and relax (aka, lay around and eat junk).  But this challenge kept me motivated to get myself a good workout first.  I just did 3 miles today - at 2.87 miles the treadmill time ended and started me over, I wanted to round it out at 3, so just walked an additional 0.13 to get to 3 miles.

Day 8 - I use Saturdays as my day to get in  a longer run/walk and some mileage under my belt so that I can skip a day!  So Saturday, mid-day, I headed to my gym and aimed for 4.5-5 miles.  A combination of walking to warm up and take quick breathers, sprinting, running, jogging and a 5 minute cool down, I ended up doing 5.25 miles!

Day 9 - In combination of moving stuff all around my house (more on that later this week), I got myself to the gym to hit the treadmill.  It helps to have friends go to the same gym, and try to meet up and motivate each other to come.  And it's also so cold here, so no chance I'm braving the outdoors if I don't have too.  So I did a lot of walking and running today to get 4.45 miles in.

I also got new running shoes this weekend, I replaced my old Mizuno Wave Rider with some brand new ones.  Mizuno Women's Wave Rider 13 Running Shoes:

So this week (days 2-9 of the challenge) I got in 24.01 miles.  Add that to days 1 and 2, and I'm at a grand total of 33.51 miles with  66.49 left to go in 22 days....  How are you all doing???

Fitness Challenge Progress: First 2 Days

Happy Sunday all!  Today is the official Sunday Challenge progress report.  Only 2 days, and I provided a sneak peak yesterday, but nonetheless...

I wanted to start off strong, get some good miles in so I don't feel like I'm constantly in a state of catch up.  That usually stresses me out, and I know I'll be in that state several times this month already.  I pushed myself pretty hard to for my current fitness state, and I'm a little sore - but I feel good!  My jeans already feel a little better. :)

It's been cold here in KC, so I've stuck to the treadmill these first two days.  I'd really like to hit the pavement soon...

Day 1 - including walking a warm up of about 5 minutes and about a 3 minutes walking cool down I did a combination of walking, jogging and running - including some sprinting!  I was red faced and sweaty when I finished.

Day 1

Day 2 - Today I wanted to do about 4 miles.  I was feeling a wee-bit sore from yesterday, so thought 4 miles would be a good goal.  I still did about a 5 minute walking warm up and a combination of walking, jogging and some faster running, but less faster running and more solid jogging today.  I ended up doing 4.5 miles as I was feeling pretty good around 4 mile marker.  I decided to keep going a bit.

Day 2

Now I feel even a wee bit more sore - but in a good way.  I'm going to relax the rest of today and tomorrow I may skip mileage all together and hit up yoga.  

Overall Progress: 9.5 miles done; 90.5 to go... yikes!

Now for all you participating!  Either comment here to let everyone know how you're doing or post on your blog so we can all keep track of everyone's progress, and provide any tips for different struggles we each may face.  Let's remember to be each other's support group and motivation!  Good Luck to all!

And if you haven't signed up yet or started - there is still time.  At only 2 days in, you can totally still jump on board.  You can also take this challenge and apply it to what is right for you.  The main goal is that we challenge ourselves for ONE month only.  It should be hard, but not harmful and everyone is different.

New Years Day: Fitness Challenge Day 1

Hey all! I hope you had a great NYE celebrating with family, friends, or doing whatever felt great.  I took it easy this year, so woke up this morning feeling great.  Just a reminder: Today is the first day of the Fitness Challenge: 100 miles in 1 month!

You can do your 100 miles anyway you want, so you don't technically have to start today. And my only rule is that you keep us all posted (and therefore yourself in check) each Sunday (at least) on your progress.  You can do that by posting on your own blog or commenting on my Sunday post on when you ran/walked, how many miles you've done, etc.  Tomorrow will be the first official post on the first two days of progress. 

But I'll give you a sneak peak on my progress today.  I woke up this morning, like I said, feeling fine.  So wanted to get some mileage under my belt.  I walk, jogged, ran (including warm up and cool down walking) on the treadmill at my gym 5 miles.

5 miles down, 95 miles to go...

I know Peggy got in a walk this morning, too! There is still time to join in on the fun if you aren't participating already.  It's open to anyone - blog or no blog, reader or non-reader.  Feel free to forward on to anyone you think might be interested.  Just comment here and let me know if you are participating.  Make sure to read all the details here.

And if you just want to follow along - Here is the full list of participants:

Breanna

Jordyn

Peggy

Diana

Kitty

Lulu

Pheralyn Dove aka "Lady Dove"

Sarah
Laurel V.
Tai
Courtney
Angela H.
Dena
Maggie K.
Christina 
Tiff
Marty
Gigi
Amy
Cathy W.
Nicole
mack

Now I'm going to lay around the rest of the day!  Happy New Year to you all!!

Last Call! New Year's 1 month Challenge!

Hey all!!  Does it sound crazy?  Does it sound too hard?  Don't think you can do it?  Ah!  Through all those thoughts OUT the window!  I'm looking for more participants in the New Year - 1 month ONLY challenge.  You can read all the details here.

But the here's the gist: commit to running or walking (indoors or out) 100 miles in the month of January (or one month - if you have to get started a little late, just add the days accordingly).

100 miles in 1 month.  An average of 3.22 miles a day - however, can be done any way you want.  And yes, I get it that 100 miles is a lot.  But it's meant to be a challenge.  One month only!  You might have to do some two a days, you might have to work out 7 days in a row, you might not quite make the 100 miles - but you'll try and you'll work your butt in the time doing so!  And it's only one month.

Purpose? Kick start your new year and work out regimen.  And work off the holiday fun.  Ya.  You know what I'm talking about...

Oh and what's in it for you?  For those that reach their goal and follow the rules (just keep us posted on progress) will be entered to win something...TBD. :)

So email me, comment to this post , or here to let me know you're in.  Then I'll add your name (and link if you have one) here.

Then Jan. 1 - we'll start a group booty kickin' challenge and keep everyone motivated and posted.  So join me... me and Lulu, Ang, Tai, Bre, Kitty, Laurel, Jordyn, Sarah, Peggy, Diana, Lady Dove, Courtney... Rock Stars!

Save the Date: The 1 Month Challenge Starting Jan. 1st

100 Miles in 1 Month

Hey all! I’m doing something a little different on this mainly fashion/home design focused-blog, but hoping you will all join me…a little blogger support for us all as we start out 2011!

With a new year also comes that dreaded thought of making goals and setting resolutions…blah blah BLAH.  Most the time I don’t even get as far to set any, and definitely don’t keep them when I do.  It’s an overwhelming thought to set a goal for a whole year!  

So this year, I want to do something DIFFERENT for the New Year.   No daunting full year resolutions, but a small ONE MONTH challenge to kick start 2011 and make up for all the Holiday indulgences. And I want you all to join me!

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The New Year's 100 Miles in 1 Month: Let's encourage and support one another as we challenge ourselves to run or walk 100 miles in 31 Days (from January 1st through January 31st). 

The Details:

The Mileage: That may sound like a lot…100 miles in 31 days.  But that is an average of 3.22 miles a day, and can be done 3.22 miles a day, or in 4 marathons - however you want to reach 100 miles.

Why Do It? It’s supposed to be a challenge and it’s only for ONE month.  This will kick start your 2011 and help work off 2010 holidays. Come February, working out will be a habit and you can establish a more reasonable regimen.

Are you interested?  Come on!  JOIN ME – I need the support.  If you have questions are are in, here’s what you need to do:

- Email me at ChasingDavies (at) gmail (dot) com with the subject line New Year’s Mileage Challenge 

- Let me know you are participating (and ready to start Jan. 1)

- Please include your name (whatever you want to be listed as) and a blog link if you have one

I will be adding the Challenge details to it's own page (found in the bar under my blog header) AND will be adding a list of the participants with your blog link (if they have one) to the official Challenge Tab.

Once the Challenge Starts (on Jan. 1^st to end Jan. 31^st)…

By participating, you'll also check in every Sunday.  We’ll check in with each other by posting on our own blogs (if you have one) or to my comment section of my Sunday post (if you don't have a blog) about your weekly mileage, progress, and how it’s all going.  Then those participating (or cheering us on) can check all the blog posts and my comment section to see how everyone else is doing!

At the end of the challenge (on Feb 1st)...

I’ll have a giveaway for one randomly selected Challenge participant that hits their 100 miles. The prize is TBD.

But right now... I need your help!

This is your 16 day warning.  Dust your athletic shoes off, start stretching and get ready!  But to make this fun, we need people to participate!  Please join up and help me spread the word!  The more people we have, the more motivation and support we'll have.  Together we can start off 2011 by getting into better shape!  

Help me by...

- Blog about this challenge

- Tweet it 

- Share on Facebook

- Place the Challenge button on your blog (pick it up in this post or on the side bar of my blog)

- Email all your friends, family, co-workers 

Resources:

New to running?  You can also incorporate a beginner program into this challenge that involves walking and running – like The Couch-to-5K ® Running Plan. 



Want to train for a race (for even more motivation)? Check out Hal Higdon’s training programs for all race lengths.



Running outside and need to track your mileage? I always use Gmaps Pedometer to see how far a route I run is.

Disclaimer: Remember, this is a walking and/or running challenge – so you don’t have to be a runner to participate. Do what is right for you.  As always with any new workout regimen or increase of exercise – check with your doctor first! And ultimately, if 100 miles is just out of the question – set a smaller goal and feel free to follow along and stay in on the fun!