Holiday Mile-A-Day Challenge

Thor · Nov 18, 2011

An editor friend of mine at Runner's World clued me in to this great idea on how to stay motivated with your running through the holidays. It was so good an idea that I thought I'd share it with my Kick family.
 
<a href="http://trainingdaily.runnersworld.com/2011/11/17/announcing-the-inaugural-rw-holiday-running-streak/" target="_blank">http://trainingdaily.runnersworld.com/2011/11/17/announcing-the-inaugural-rw-holiday-running-streak/</a>
 
The gist is that you challenge yourself to become a "streak runner", logging a minimum a mile a day, starting Thanksgiving Day and continuing to New Year's.
 
Some days you will log more miles, while others you will likely only get one. Either way, keep it fun. If running gets boring to you, use this as an opportunity to experience running in a whole new, fun light. Do your normal runs as you would, but on those days where you wouldn't normally run or where your motivation has waned, perhaps start exploring nearby neighborhoods you thought too close to get any miles in, or carry on down that dead end street to see what's down there, or jog over to that fancy neighborhood with the nice houses, or even tempt yourself to run up Great Bear Hill Road. Play games. Keep it fun. Even run down to the post office to drop your mail.
 
So if you're looking for something new, something fun, give this challenge a try.

Tri-Tammy · Nov 18, 2011

Thanks Thor! That sounds like a cool idea. Maybe we could do a check in here???

Thor · Nov 18, 2011

GREAT idea, Tammy!
 
Maybe we should get a show of hands on who's in... If we get enough people, I could even try to come up with some fun ideas a few times per week while the challenge is on.
 
So... who is interested in logging a mile per day (or more) from the period starting on Thanksgiving and ending on New Year's?

SpartyGirl · Nov 18, 2011

*shyly raising my hand*

MBannon · Nov 18, 2011

Maybe. Depends on my calf. We'll see how next week goes. Certainly sounds fun!

Tri-Tammy · Nov 18, 2011

I'm in! I've had the best intentions to run a little everyday. This is the perfect reason to do so!

Thor · Nov 18, 2011

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<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by SpartyGirl <a href="/t/75712/holiday-mile-a-day-challenge#post_2020019"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style=""></a> *shyly raising my hand* 
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Knock it off. You're in!
 
And don't put stress on yourself that you have to do this or that. Use it as a fun challenge, me or alone time. Try to get each day but don't worry if you miss -- but don't use this statement as an excuse. You have a busy schedule anyway with dancing and baby duties, so do what you can plus a few more things. You'll be fine.
 
<div class="quote-container"> <div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by MBannon <a href="/t/75712/holiday-mile-a-day-challenge#post_2020041"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style=""></a> Maybe. Depends on my calf. We'll see how next week goes. Certainly sounds fun!
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Good luck with that. Hope you can join.
 
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<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by Tri-Tammy <a href="/t/75712/holiday-mile-a-day-challenge#post_2020042"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style=""></a> I'm in! I've had the best intentions to run a little everyday. This is the perfect reason to do so! 
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NICE!!! Maybe hubby wants to join? A measly mile a day -- or more if wanted.
 
 
 
Let's see some more hands, people. And anybody out there who's not as regular or even a regular poster here, please, please join. It will be fun. Just a mile a day. Considering a treat to yourself, once per day. I'll try to think up some fun things. I might need help, but we'll get there.
 
So, anybody else?
 
My thoughts are to do a single weekly thread where I can list out some fun ways to get in your mile (or more) and where we can all check in for motivation or for the stories found or cool things discovered.

Yo Sake · Nov 18, 2011

Meeeeeee!! Need more people to let this merrier!
 
I am not totally a conern-free runner right now. My groin/psoas is not too happy. Not getting worse but not better either. Started doing more stretch and self massage. Very deep and difficult area to get in (myself). And not too comfortable to get a professional touch there either.... I will try to be honest and if it is too much, I will take a rest.

Tri-Tammy · Nov 18, 2011

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<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by Thor <a href="/t/75712/holiday-mile-a-day-challenge#post_2020043"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style=""></a> 
NICE!!! Maybe hubby wants to join? A measly mile a day -- or more if wanted.
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As soon as he gets cleared to start walking again, he's right there!

jenotter · Nov 19, 2011

Totally in. That sounds like so much fun!!

juliemboyle · Nov 19, 2011

I would like to but am a little nervous as I have only been back to running for 2 weeks.............I'm slowly building, 3-4, etc. I am assuming if I kept the "run" on my non-running days to 1 mile that would be injury safe? Thoughts? I am doing a turkey trot on Thanksgiving and then the Jingle Bell 5K on Dec 10 (so fun everyone ties jingle bells on their shoes and then I keep the bells on until Christmas)

SpartyGirl · Nov 19, 2011

<div class="quote-container">Quote:
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by Thor <a href="/t/75712/holiday-mile-a-day-challenge#post_2020043"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style=""></a> 
Knock it off. You're in!
 
And don't put stress on yourself that you have to do this or that. Use it as a fun challenge, me or alone time. Try to get each day but don't worry if you miss -- but don't use this statement as an excuse. You have a busy schedule anyway with dancing and baby duties, so do what you can plus a few more things. You'll be fine.
 
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<img alt="cool.gif" id="user_yui_3_4_1_7_1321708659460_160" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/cool.gif">

cak73 · Nov 19, 2011

Thinking about it...a little bit...it is just a mile...
 
(but wondering what my coach will say)
 
 
Yoshi...take good care of that groin/psoas issue. Try to find a good ART person to help you out with it. Seriously. Hope it feels better soon!

ksurp · Nov 19, 2011

I'm in! This is a fun idea and just the kick I need to get going again.

donskiman · Nov 19, 2011

I've been running a minimum of about 4 miles daily every day for over a year and plan to extend it to at least the end of the year, so I guess I'm in.

Stitcher · Nov 20, 2011

I'm in!
I'll see if Rabbit wants in, too.
 
Likely, YES....but I can't speak for her for sure.
 
Seeing as how my eating will definitely change when I'm back at Mom's over the break, this will be a good thing for me to stay honest and in the size 8 jeans!

em73 · Nov 20, 2011

hmm.

Stitcher · Nov 21, 2011

Oh good grief MoCo! You're in, so's yer hubby.
 
There, I've been the good enabling friend that I am.

Oh, spoke to Rabbit and she said she was in, although I got a tiny bit of the stink eye for "signing her up for something and asking later."
 
She works with the band here, though, so the bowl game days will be a bit of a challenge.......just to double check, does a mile of walking "count" too?

juliemboyle · Nov 21, 2011

I am going to commit to walking or running every day. Foot was a tad tender last night and I don't want to risk going backwards in my recovery.

Thor · Nov 21, 2011

I LOVE IT!
 
So then, we're all in. Others are welcome too. Even if you don't post regularly, please feel free to join in, either by stating here or just secretly/quietly following along. I'll try to put out a few fun ideas and tips to keep you going strong. I'll probably do this in a weekly thread. We can start on Thanksgiving.
 
Also, this is for all of us. It is our challenge. You make your challenge as it fits you. If by running a mile-a-day includes walking, so be it. It all counts. Even if you play it safe due to injury or something other, at least do *something* each and every day, be it a bike ride, a walk, a swim, a few crunches, and try to do it at the same time every day. Making it routine, and doing it at the same hour, will help pull you through the tough stretches. This is your time. And if you cannot find the same time every day, that's okay too.
 
So in summary, this is for all of us to keep plugged in during the holidays from Thanksgiving to New Years. My goal is to hopefully introduce running (or walking or something other) as something you look forward to as opposed to something you just get through as if a check mark.
 
I'll start a new thread in a day or two to round out the week. Feel free to help me as we go along. Ideas for fun runs and walks are welcome.
 
 
<div class="quote-container">Quote:
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by juliemboyle <a href="/t/75712/holiday-mile-a-day-challenge#post_2020082"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style=""></a> I would like to but am a little nervous as I have only been back to running for 2 weeks.............I'm slowly building, 3-4, etc. I am assuming if I kept the "run" on my non-running days to 1 mile that would be injury safe? Thoughts? I am doing a turkey trot on Thanksgiving and then the Jingle Bell 5K on Dec 10 (so fun everyone ties jingle bells on their shoes and then I keep the bells on until Christmas)
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As you posted later on, walk is fine too. This will just keep the thread going. So you do your Turkey Trot to kick things off, do a mile walk the next day to stretch the legs, and there you are already on two days and counting. But don't count. Just do. Each and every day.
 
 

<div class="quote-container">Quote:
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by jenotter <a href="/t/75712/holiday-mile-a-day-challenge#post_2020066"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style=""></a> Totally in. That sounds like so much fun!!
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NICE!
 
 

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<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by Yo Sake <a href="/t/75712/holiday-mile-a-day-challenge#post_2020052"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style=""></a> Meeeeeee!! Need more people to let this merrier!
 
I am not totally a conern-free runner right now. My groin/psoas is not too happy. Not getting worse but not better either. Started doing more stretch and self massage. Very deep and difficult area to get in (myself). And not too comfortable to get a professional touch there either.... I will try to be honest and if it is too much, I will take a rest. 
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Play it safe. Make this challenge what you want and what is smart. If a mile per day running works, there it is. If you have to walk a day here or there, that's okay, too. The idea here really is to get you motivated to do something every day. My hidden goal is to get you to have some fun. But not just with you... with everybody.
 
 

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<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by cak73 <a href="/t/75712/holiday-mile-a-day-challenge#post_2020091"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style=""></a> Thinking about it...a little bit...it is just a mile...
 
(but wondering what my coach will say)
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Aren't you in off-season? If so, this is the time to do what you want, to have some fun. If you are in off-season and if you are still following a coaches' plan, be careful... that is a sure way to burn yourself out.
 
 

<div class="quote-container">Quote:
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by ksurp <a href="/t/75712/holiday-mile-a-day-challenge#post_2020099"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style=""></a> I'm in! This is a fun idea and just the kick I need to get going again.
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<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by Donskiman <a href="/t/75712/holiday-mile-a-day-challenge#post_2020123"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style=""></a> I've been running a minimum of about 4 miles daily every day for over a year and plan to extend it to at least the end of the year, so I guess I'm in.
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And so this is where you can help me and everybody here. And I ask you do that. As you know, I am a streak runner. I am coming up on 8 years in early December. I am in this thread not for myself in keeping my streak alive -- my streak is so committed to lifestyle that it is just what I do -- but rather to help others, to perhaps show others how much fun what we do on a daily basis can be, perhaps show others how much fun it is to have a streak like that, and perhaps show others how to keep things fun and light so that they can use these tools later in their sport when they hit a rough patch.
 
You don't need motivation to keep your streak going. But you can help dispense what you've learned on how to keep things fun and light. And I encourage you do that.
 

<div class="quote-container">Quote:
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by Stitcher <a href="/t/75712/holiday-mile-a-day-challenge#post_2020153"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style=""></a> I'm in!
I'll see if Rabbit wants in, too.
 
Likely, YES....but I can't speak for her for sure.
 
Seeing as how my eating will definitely change when I'm back at Mom's over the break, this will be a good thing for me to stay honest and in the size 8 jeans!
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Nice!
 
 

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<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by em73 <a href="/t/75712/holiday-mile-a-day-challenge#post_2020179"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style=""></a> hmm. 
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You're in. Just carve out 20 minutes a day. That's all. Run, walk, whatever. Even swim or do crunches or push ups. Just something. Once per day. This will focus on a mile per day, but you can do anything. The idea is to do something every day. And if you need a day off, that's okay too. But if you do not, I challenge you to do something every day from Thanksgiving day all the way through the New Year.
 
 

<div class="quote-container">Quote:
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by juliemboyle <a href="/t/75712/holiday-mile-a-day-challenge#post_2020236"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style=""></a> I am going to commit to walking or running every day. Foot was a tad tender last night and I don't want to risk going backwards in my recovery.
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You decide what is best. If you feel as if a mile-a-day will take you backwards, perhaps look at your week in what you would do anyway (I know you do a lot of tapes, P90x'ish types of things), and stick with that. But on the days where you would do nothing -- those in between days -- do something. Maybe go for a walk, or do 25 minutes of stretching, or leg exercises or crunches.

Holiday Mile-A-Day Challenge

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