Get Moving Fitness Challenge

Weekly Progress Report

2012-01-27T07:21:00.002-06:00

So all us Americans need to work on proving that picture wrong...

We're now four weeks into the challenge and just about a third of the way done. I hope you all are keeping on your goals. Let us know how you're doing in the comments! Make sure to include your culminative total. :)

Weekly Progress Report

2012-01-20T07:19:00.001-06:00

Do you feel like this yet? :D

So tell us how your week has been. How are you doing on the challenge? Let us know your culminative total in the comments.

Weekly Progress Report

2012-01-13T10:58:00.004-06:00

Whoopsie...running a little late today! Will you forgive me if I include the chickens?

Hope you all had a good week and got some exercising in. Let us know your current progress in the comments and I'll update the sidebar throughout the week.

Weekly Progress Report

2012-01-06T00:00:00.000-06:00

Welcome to Friday and our first check in post! I love this cartoon so much that I use it every time we do one of these challenges. It's become the official kick-off cartoon. If only it were just as easy as eating a burrito...

So how did you all do this week? I hope you were able to find some time to get moving and make some progress toward your fitness goal. Let us know your progress toward your goal in the comments and we'll update the sidebar throughout the week. And remember...don't forget to include your name!

Are you ready to get moving?

2011-12-15T00:00:00.004-06:00

We’re back! And this time, with changes!

The 100 Mile Fitness Challenge is now the Get Moving Fitness Challenge and it's set to run from January 1st, 2012 to March 31st, 2012. But this time we’re giving you 90 days to do whatever you want.

As long as it involves exercise of some sort.

The point of the challenge is to get us all moving. But since we all move in different ways, and at different speeds, and have different schedules, this time YOU are responsible for setting your own goal. All you need to do to join the challenge is state your name (for sidebar tracking purposes), intent, and then get moving! Every Friday we’ll have a check-in post, and Amanda and I will update the sidebar with everyone’s progress. You can choose to walk or run or go to the gym or ride your bike or anything else and you can also choose how you want to measure your progress, whether it’s in miles, or time, or days, or anything else.

For example:

I might sign up by saying "My name is Jill and my goal is to exercise for 150 hours by March 31st." And week one I would say "Jill here. I exercised for 1 hour toward my goal of 150 hours." And then week two I’d say “Jill here. I’m now at 15 of 150 hours.” Etc.

Amanda might say "My name is Amanda and my goal is to walk/run 300 miles by March 31st."

Billy Bob might choose "My name is Billy Bob and my goal is to ride my bike 10,000 miles by 3/31." (And may I be the first to wish Billy Bob good luck with that goal.)

Or, "I want to burn x number of calories" or "I want to do a 90 day yoga challenge" or “I want to walk every other day/5 days a week/everyday.” The trick is to find something that will challenge you, but that is also realistic enough to pull off, given everything that you’ve got going on in your life.

Hopefully, this new way of doing the challenge offers everyone the flexibility and incentive needed to get moving. We want this to be fun, not a chore (but still something designed to help us be healthier people).

So what do you say? Are you in? If so, just state your name (the name you want to be known by for tracking purposes) and your goal. And then join us all on January 1st as we get moving!

PLEASE NOTE: You are in charge of your own culmulative totals. We will not be doing any math. So if you walk 5 miles on Week 1 and 5 miles on Week 2, please tell us you walked 10 miles, not 5, when you report in for Week 2.

Hooray!

2011-09-30T00:00:00.000-05:00

Congratulations!! We've made it to the end of the challenge! How did you do? Were you able to meet your goals? If not, were you at least inspired to start walking/running/exercising on a more regular basis? At the very least, we hope this challenge motivated you to get moving and have some fun!

Nearing the end...

2011-09-27T07:07:00.001-05:00

So here we are, in the final week of our challenge! Rather than ask you all how you're doing - since that's pretty much what our weekly progress reports do - I'd like to ask you all how the challenge has gone for you, outside of mile numbers. Have you enjoyed your exercise? Do you feel like you've learned anything about yourself? What did you enjoy most about the past three months in terms of exercise or fitness? Did anything exciting happen to you that you'd like to share?

As you reach forward towards the finish line, leave us a comment about how your journey has gone, and what you've discovered along the way. We'd love to hear your story!

Weekly Progress Report

2011-09-23T00:00:00.001-05:00

One more week to go! Let us know how you did this week and if you're ready to do a celebratory snoopy dance next Friday.

Looking for a few good bloggers...

2011-09-21T06:00:00.000-05:00

Due to life craziness and other commitments, Amanda and I will not be running the challenge for the final quarter of 2011. However, that doesn't mean that YOU can't!

If you're interested in taking over the blog for October through December (which at a minimum involves writing the intro and wrap-up posts, the weekly progress reports, and updating the sidebar with everyone's weekly progress), please email Jill at fizzybeverage at gmail dot com before September 27th. This is not something that you have to do alone...Amanda and I have found that the buddy system works quite well.

We are planning to be back in January of 2012 for another quarter of fun, though. So if you're interested in helping out, it's not a lifetime commitment!

Getting Enough Rest

2011-09-20T07:07:00.001-05:00

Rest is another important thing we shouldn't do without. By rest, I mean both a time for your muscles to recover from exercise, and sleep.

Sleep is important for many reasons. People become less stressed and better focused with a good 7-8 or more hours of sleep a night. They are less cranky, less hungry, less forgetful, and less unhappy. Often, people will feel like they're doing fine on 5-6 hours a night, only to realize - once they've had some longer nights - that they weren't doing as well as they thought.

Non-sleep rest is a time of recovery for us. If you spend every single day working the same muscles, they will never have a chance to heal and grow. It's good to have a day off every once in awhile, or to cross-train so that you alternate muscle groups and give each set time to heal.

So remember in all this exercise to take some time to rest, and some time to sleep. It's important.

Weekly Progress Report

2011-09-16T00:00:00.000-05:00

Only two more weeks left! Are you close to meeting your goal? Let us know how you're doing in the comments.

Stay hydrated!

2011-09-13T07:06:00.001-05:00

Water is so important, and most of us don't drink nearly enough of it. We all know that the basic guideline out there is to drink 64 oz of water every day, but most of us don't. Unfortunately, we don't realize how many ill effects there are to not drinking enough!

headaches
increased hunger and calorie intake
lighter sleep
bloating and water retention, especially on the abdomen
muscle fatigue

And those are just a few! It's so important to stay hydrated. Now, with exercising, it's even more important because you are sweating away more water than before.

I drink between 100 and 120 oz of water every day, with an off day periodically when I only get in 64-72 oz. I only started doing this in 2011, and it's made a HUGE difference in my life. Once I got past the first week or so of needing to pee all the time - and yes, that DOES go away - so much began to improve. I didn't get hungry as often. My stomach shrank and I lost a lot of water weight. My skin got healthier. I stopped having headaches 95% of the time when they were near-constant before. Now, I start feeling dehydrated if it gets to be noon and I haven't had 5 or 6 glasses of water! I can't imagine only drinking 3-4 glasses in a whole day like I used to!

There are some good tricks to help you ease into drinking more than you're used to, if this is a problem for you. Keep a water bottle with you at all times and fill it up several times a day. If you are home during the day, keep 5-oz Dixie cups in the bathroom and fill one up every time you're in that area. While I haven't done this myself, I hear you drink more through a straw than if you're just gulping straight from the cup. If you don't like the taste of water, you can add calorie-less packets of favoring or some citrus to it.

Once you get used to drinking all the time, you'll be amazed how different you feel and wonder how you ever could have lived in a constant state of near-dehydration!

Weekly Progress Report

2011-09-09T00:00:00.000-05:00

No exercise cartoon this week, but this one made me giggle. And giggling is healthy, right? Too bad it doesn't count toward my total miles, though.

Speaking of which...how are you all doing with those miles? Leave a comment letting us know your cumulative miles.

Strength Training

2011-09-06T07:05:00.001-05:00

Strength training is exercise specifically designed to build muscle. It doesn't necessarily burn a lot of calories, but it builds muscle, which makes you strong and boosts the calories you burn while at rest. Strength training can be done in several ways, all of which involve repetitions to put stress on your muscles:

1. Weights and weight machines: By lifting, pushing, and pulling weight for multiple repetitions, you build muscle. This is what most people commonly think of as strength training.

2. Resistance bands and machines: Like weights, repetitions with these will build muscle, but unlike weights, they don't have a specific poundage attached to them. This makes them very flexible. The bands can be adjusted during the workout for more or less resistance. Resistance machines will resist more the harder you work.

3. Body weight exercises: These involve using your body as a leverage to act as the weight to build muscle. Examples include pushups, crunches, or certain weight-bearing yoga poses.

Strength training is great for cross-training with aerobic or cardio workouts such as walking, running, biking, etc. The aerobic workouts increase heart health and burn calories, while the strength training builds muscle and boosts your resting metabolic rate. Together, they make a great exercise combo!!

Weekly Progress Report

2011-09-02T00:00:00.000-05:00

That's what I need...an exercise servant! Oh wait. That kinda defeats the purpose, huh? Oh well, it's a good thing I got some walking in this week.

How about you? Let us know how you did this week by leaving your cumulative totals in the comments.

HIIT

2011-08-30T07:57:00.004-05:00

I first learned about High Intensity Interval Training, or HIIT, from the Game On! Diet. I'd done interval training in the past, as a swimmer in high school, but never really understood the science behind it. I found what the Game On! book said very interesting, though - that with interval training, or a cycling of aerobic and anaerobic intervals, you could improve heart health, build muscle, and boost your metabolism. It said that you would keep burning calories faster even as you rested for the next 48 hours.

Sounds fantastic, right? So how do you do it?

There is more than one way to do HIIT, but the basic principles are the same. After you warm up, you do a short period of high-intensity activity (think sprinting) followed by a short period of lower intensity activity while your heart rate recovers. You cycle through the highs and lows multiple times until your warm-down. Most of the interval training workouts I've seen involve either one minute intervals at both intensities, or one minute hard and 3-4 minutes at lower intensity. Workouts are generally 20-30 minutes long. Many fitness machines like treadmills and ellipiticals will have an interval training workout option as well.

So what do you guys think? Have you done interval training before, or would you be willing to try it now?

Weekly Progress Report

2011-08-26T03:00:00.001-05:00

And how are YOU feeling? Accomplished? Healthy? Something else?

Let us know how things are going along with your cumulative miles.

The Importance of Consistency

2011-08-23T07:49:00.004-05:00

Despite the funny poster above, consistency is in my opinion the number one most important thing about exercise. Without consistency, exercise is wasted. We only get stronger and healthier if we work out on a regular basis.

Take, for example, my exercise year in 2010. I participated in the 100-Mile Fitness Challenge all four quarters, even when it wasn't officially going on. All four quarters, I hit 100 miles, but I was completely inconsistent with it. I would exercise 40 miles one month, only 12 the next, and scramble the third to get the last 48 in. Even within those months, I wouldn't be consistent. I'd do well for two weeks, 8-12 miles each, then slack off the next two and do almost nothing.

That sort of exercising did nothing to help my muscles or heart or fitness level. I didn't start getting fitter until this year when I began to exercise on a consistent, regular basis. There's a HUGE difference between exercising one mile every day for a week, and exercising six miles one day and one mile six days later. Same number of miles in the same number of days, but completely different results. With consistent exercise, your body learns and grows stronger. Sporadic exercise only makes you sore without adding any real value to your body over time.

When you start on an exercise plan, it's best to set up a schedule and routine for yourself to stay consistent. That doesn't mean you have to do the exact same thing every day or every week, and you can definitely change things around to suit you, but you will get the best results if you keep going on a regular schedule.

Weekly Progress Report

2011-08-19T03:00:00.002-05:00

It's Friday! You know the routine, right?

You: Comment, cumulative miles, let us know how you're doing.

Us: Update the sidebar.

Wii

2011-08-16T07:42:00.007-05:00

The most wonderful thing about the Wii is all the things you can do on it to get active. With the Wii Fit and Wii Fit Plus, there is a huge variety of games to help you get fit, especially with the Fit Plus. The games range from the more aerobic (like boxing or hula hoop) to the lighter balance games. The Fit can also track calories burned or activities you do off-Wii.

Outside the Wii Fit, there are many games and programs that can also get you moving on the Wii. There are dancing games such as Just Dance, DDR, and Zumba. There are interactive sports games, exercise programs like The Biggest Loser, and gym-based workouts like Gold's Gym Cardio. Any of these and others are great ways to work up a good sweat while still having a lot of fun!

How many of you have a Wii? Do you exercise with it? What's your favorite Wii exercise game?

Weekly Progress Report

2011-08-12T03:00:00.002-05:00

So what's your exercise of choice? Have you tried anything new during this challenge? I've been sticking with my old favorites...mostly walking with a couple days of yoga tossed in for variety. Maxine looks like she's trying kick boxing (in her bunny slippers), but I'm not 100% sure.

Let us know what you've been up to, along with your cumulative miles.

Exercise CAN be fun!

2011-08-09T07:35:00.004-05:00

Boredom is one of the biggest saboteurs of exercise, probably even bigger than pain or difficulty. You don't want to get to a place where you dread your exercise because you're bored to death of it! Today, I'm going to talk about a few things you can do to keep boredom out of your workouts!

- Add variety! At the beginning of this challenge I listed ten different kinds of exercise, and that was just a tiny example of all the many varied things you can do. Try something new. Go to the library and pick out a new workout DVD. Choose a new piece of equipment you haven't tried at the gym. Walk a different route.

- Listen to music or an audiobook. Engage your mind in a story, or get happy listening to your favorite songs.

- Get your friends involved. If you're working out with friends, you're more likely to enjoy the time you spend exercising, plus you'll be more motivated to work out when someone else is involved.

- Join a class. Fitness classes are high energy and can give you a chance to do something new. You can also make fitness buddies!

My mini-challenge for you this week is to go out and try one new thing to add variety to your exercise. Come back here and let us know what you did and how it worked out for you! :)

Weekly Progress Report

2011-08-05T10:40:00.002-05:00

Make that Friday.

You know, I love the chickens, but they're not really into the whole exercise scene. I think I need to find some different cartoons.

Anyways...I hope this past week of exercise wan't a painful, soul-destroying experience. Let us know how you're doing in the comments, and don't forget to include your cumulative miles so we can brag on your progress in the sidebar.

**Ooops...sorry for the delay! I prescheduled, but forgot to set the time.

Elliptical Lovin'

2011-08-02T07:30:00.002-05:00

One of my very favorite pieces of exercise equipment in the world is the elliptical. I used to have a treadmill and I hated it. HATED it. I never used it if I could help it, and one day I gave it to my dad (who, interesting, loves the thing...) and got an elliptical instead. I'd heard that the elliptical burned more calories by (basically) combining a treadmill and a stair stepper.

I first got my elliptical while dealing with a foot injury. I don't even remember how I hurt my foot, but walking on it was difficult. It was during the first, original 100-Mile Fitness Challenge back in the last quarter of 2009, and I wanted a way to exercise! I was failing the challenge miserably with that injured foot. It's been over 18 months since then, but I will say that buying my elliptical was hands-down the best fitness decision I've ever made. I not only finished the challenge that quarter, but I did it without pain. I felt great!

Ellipticals are a great way to get a good, solid cardio workout in. It doesn't put any stress or pressure on joints and it uses a full spread of muscles throughout your body. Most ellipticals come with many settings to add different resistance levels or provide different kinds of exercise. Some read your heart rate and track your calories burned. There's quite a wide range of prices for them too, and they're available at gyms as well, so they're pretty accessible.

Are you a fan of the elliptical?

Weekly Progress Report

2011-07-29T03:00:00.004-05:00

Okay, that didn't really turn out the way I wanted it to. But you can see it's a maze, right? The point being that I hope your week didn't feel like this. Although if you walked that maze, it'd probably add up to a lot of miles!

So how many miles did you walk/exercise this week? We've made it to the end of our first month, so hooray for us! Let us know your cumulative total in the comments, and give yourself a pat on the back for making it through July.

***IMPORTANT NOTE*** Please include your whole challenge total in your comment or it will not be recorded in the sidebar. Thank you! :)

There's an App for That

2011-07-26T07:30:00.002-05:00

Today's topic is thanks to Jill! She had that idea that we could talk about various apps that can help you to keep track of your miles and exercise. There are endless apps out there, but here are a few of our favorites:

RunKeeper - This app works like a GPS. You can track how far you've gone and what speed you were going. It also has connectivity to a website for more detailed information and and to track stats over time. You can also use it to manually track miles on a treadmill.

MiCoach, C25K, Bridge to 10K - I mentioned these running programs in last week's post. These apps help you to follow those running programs and track your progress. Some include GPS technology to track how far you've gone, some include a journal for your personal use, and some connect back to a website to evaluate your program in more detail. There's a huge variety in running programs so you can find one that works for you.

Nike Training Club - This app acts as a personal trainer, designing custom-made workouts of various lengths just for you. It also includes tutorials on how to do different exercises and allows you to use your own music and audio for workouts.

Calorie Count, Lose It!, Sparkpeople - These programs, and others like them, combine fitness and nutrition for weight loss purposes. They focus on the calories you take in with food and the calories you burn by various exercise activities to streamline weight loss.

Do you use any apps to help you with fitness? What are your favorites?

Weekly Progress Report

2011-07-22T03:00:00.000-05:00

Hopefully you've been able to squeeze in some walking or other exercise this week. Don't be like the chickens!

You know the routine...it's Friday, and it's time for our weekly check-in. Let us know how you're doing, and be sure to include your total cumulative miles in your comment.

Running

2011-07-19T07:30:00.002-05:00

How many of you guys are up for running, or would like to learn to run? I didn't used to think I liked running. Actually, I downright loathed it! But after running regularly most of this year, I've come to realize that I actually love it now. Of course, I'm still slow and can't go far, but I'm improving, and you can too! There are many programs to help a runner begin.

C25K - Couch to 5K is a nine-week program that takes you from the bare minimums of running (one-minute intervals) to being able to run a full 30 minutes. Having completed this program once myself, I have a huge amount of faith in it! I still can't run a full 5K, because I'm a slow runner, but I'm getting closer! The C25K program is flexible - you can spend more than nine weeks if you'd like - and works to build you up gradually.

MiCoach - This program offers a variety of different running plans based on your fitness level. It works with your smart phone and tracks your progress through GPS and your heart rate.

Sparkpeople's Running Program - Sparkpeople has several plans for different levels of runners to train for a 5K distance. The programs are simple and gradually work your way up. Unlike programs such as the C25K, it has lower levels for people who prefer to keep working in walking/running intervals rather than building up to full runs.

Those are the three big ones out there that I know about, though I'm sure there are many more out there designed to help new runners. Anyone else out there know another to add to our resource list? Anyone else interested in running?

Weekly Progress Report

2011-07-15T03:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Friday everyone! Hopefully you're not feeling like the chicken, and that all of your steps were easy this week.

So let's check-in! Let us know your total miles (for all weeks, not just this week), and Amanda or Jill will update the sidebar. And feel free to share any tips and tricks you've got. I'm sure the chickens will appreciate it. :-D

Get more from your walking workout

2011-07-12T07:30:00.003-05:00

Hello my fitness warriors! Today, I'm here to talk about sprucing up your walking workouts. While, as my last post stated, it's not necessary to walk for this fitness challenge, walking is a great way to get in the miles. There are some great ways to make your walks fun and fit.

If you're on a treadmill, make the most of your workout by walking at an incline or adding some faster walking or jogging intervals. Have some fun watching a movie or listening to an audiobook or music. If no one's in the room - or perhaps even if they are - add some dance moves while you listen to that music (just be careful not to trip!!).

If you walk outside, see if you can find more than one path to walk, so you can vary up your workouts. Are there any places with hills or rough trails to add some challenge? Anywhere you can go with particularly beautiful scenery?

Are you up for a slightly harder workout? Try jogging a little sometimes as you go, and if jogging isn't your thing, you can get a much stronger cardio workout if you lift your knees into a low-level march or add some ankle or hand weights.

What other ideas do you all have for sprucing up your walking workouts?

Weekly Progress Report

2011-07-08T03:00:00.003-05:00

Happy Friday!

I hope you all had a successful week, and that you've found a routine. I tend to break my walking up through the day, because on work days I don't have enough time to do all of my walking in one chunk. So it's a mile in the morning before work, 1.25 miles at lunch, and .75 miles during afternoon break. On a good day. My problem is getting up in time to walk…somedays it's mighty difficult to roll out of bed! I'm hoping this challenge will motivate me to get my butt out of bed in time for a walk on a more regular basis.

Anyways, enough about me. Let's hear from you! It's time for our first weekly check-in, so please state your total miles for the past week in the comments below, and either Jill or Amanda will update the sidebar with the totals.

Please note: We will only be updating the sidebars once a day, most likely in the evening, so please don't leave snide comments or send emails about not seeing your totals. It takes time to maintain a blog, people. Sorry to sound a bit pissy, but this has been a problem with past challenges, and I have to tell you, I'm not in the mood for it this time.

Oh, the exercises you'll do...

2011-07-05T07:30:00.003-05:00

Hello everyone! I wanted to extend my own welcome in addition to Jill's from the other day. I'm looking forward to doing this challenge with you all. :)

This first week, let me ask you: what do you like to do for exercise? Though the challenge is based on miles, it's not limited to walking and running. There are plenty of options out there! For instance:

Zumba
Yoga
Swimming
Hiking
Spinning
Biking
Elliptical
Weight Lifting
Rollerskating
Kickboxing

And so much more. There are so many different kinds of exercise out there that there's no need to ever get bored doing the same workout over and over. What types of exercise are your favorites? Give us all some good ideas of fun things to do for this challenge!

And we're off...

2011-07-01T03:00:00.003-05:00

Are you ready to walk? Looks like the chickens are. :-D

Today kicks off the return of the 100 Mile Fitness Challenge, in which our goal is to walk 100 (or more!) miles in 3 months. Please see the intro post for more details.

Next Friday will be our first check-in post, and Amanda will pop in before then with a fun post relating to exercise/health. So make sure you've got us in your feedreader, put on those shoes, and start walking!

We're baaa-aaack!

2011-06-15T03:00:00.002-05:00

Are you ready to walk? We are! We being Amanda and Jill. So we're going to resurrect the 100 Mile Challenge and we'd love it if you joined us! Here's how it works:

The nitty-gritty:
In order to complete this Challenge, you will need to “travel” 100 miles from July 1st through September 31st. You can certainly pledge to walk/exercise more, but 100 miles is the "entry-level" amount.

Here's how you calculate your mileage:
*Running or walking 1 mile outside or on a treadmill equals 1 mile.

*15 minutes of other workouts equals 1 mile (elliptical, swimming, weight lifting, workout video, workout classes, etc.).

A few "workout" stipulations:
“Workouts” only include activities specifically done for the purpose of exercise. Shopping, house cleaning, walking to and from the parking lot, and other day to day activities should not be included.

Partial miles travelled on different days cannot be combined. For example, if you run 1.25 miles on one day, and .75 mile on another day, that does not equal 2 miles. It counts as 1 mile.

Minutes accumulated on two different days cannot be combined. For example, if you workout 10 minutes one day and 5 minutes the next day, that does not combine to equal a mile.

1 mile on the bike or elliptical does not equal 1 mile, etc. Only walking/running is mile for mile.

Keeping track:
How do I report my miles to you? On Fridays we will put up a Progress Report. Once you report your total miles (please note: this should be your running total, not your total for the week...this time around, math is not included), then we will put your name in the sidebar with your total miles to date. Ultimately it is your responsibility to keep track of your total mileage. We will only update the sidebar once a day, so please don't pester us if your name/mileage does not instantly appear!

Hey, wait a second!
Why can't partial miles or minutes be counted? Because when rules start bending then there's no stopping them from breaking. And Jill used to be a teacher, so stop arguing, or she'll give you more homework.

How do I sign up?
Just leave a comment below with the number of miles you are pledging to complete for the challenge and remember to comment every week with your total miles. And check in here for more fun and encouraging posts. Also...you do not need a blog to participate.

A few disclaimers:
1. We did not make up this challenge, and we don’t know where it originated from. And many thanks to Trish for starting this blog last year and letting us pick up where we all left off!
2. We do not guarantee that you will lose weight or win your marathon if you do this challenge.
3. As with any new exercise program, check with your doctor to make sure it's okay you participate.
4. We hope you’ll have fun and maybe get/provide some moral support by participating.
5. If you have any questions at all, feel free to ask at any time!

Progress report #14 June 25- June 30

2010-06-29T10:07:00.000-05:00

You all did it! Congrats. The end of the month is tomorrow and I have seen several people meet their goals. Great job and I hope you continue that attitude of small steps to larger goals!
Let us know what your final numbers look like and give yourselves a pat on the back!

It has been fun to share this with you all.
Allie

Progress Report #13: June 18-June 24

2010-06-27T19:52:00.003-05:00

We're almost at the end! We're going into the final stretch...the official end date of this challenge is this Wednesday, June 30th, and our final progress report will be this Thursday.

How did you all do this past week? Let me know your miles and I'll post the updates in the sidebar. Thanks!

Progress Report #12: June 11 - June 17

2010-06-17T18:11:00.003-05:00

Hmmm, maybe I should've been a little more encouraging in my choice of cartoons. I couldn't resist, though, as that's pretty much how I feel about running!

Anyhoosie, hope you had a better attitude this week than that chicken! Let us know how you did in the comments and I'll add your miles to the sidebar.

Progess Report #11- June 4th-June 10th

2010-06-11T22:32:00.000-05:00

Late again, sheesh. Its no wonder you all have a hard time keeping up with your reports!

Let us know how you are doing, met your goal and keeping on? Feeling like you might fall short? or Just right? Less then 1 month to go.

Progess Report #10 - May 28th- June 3rd

2010-06-03T22:06:00.000-05:00

So how is everyone holding up? It is HOT here!! Man. That isn't my problem, my problem is motivation. How did I run 3 days a week during C25K, but now can't get off the couch? Mental energy, or a limited amount that it. I am currently kitchen remodel obsessed, and that is my LOUSY excuse. I need to spend sometime being motivated and directed in my thinking. You all are racking up the miles! I can't wait to list all those that met their goal!

Let us know what your successes and challenges are - sharing is good for everyone!

Have a great weekend -
Allie

Progess Report #8/9 - May 14th-27th

2010-05-27T22:27:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone -

Wow totally spaced last week - so sorry!! Exercise has not been on top of my priority list and it is showing in so many parts of my life. My eating, sleeping and stress levels are so off and I know if I got back on the wagon I would be able to right the ship.

So how are all of you doing? Please report your mileage in the comment section for Jill. If you have a blog post or a guest post you would like to do, let us know about that too.

Only 1 more month to go!

Have a great holiday weekend everyone -
Allie

Go-To Ingredients

2010-05-18T18:37:00.000-05:00

For something different, let’s talk about healthy recipes.

Do you have an ingredient that you rely on? For me, it’s veggie broth. The canned kind, because I’m lazy like that. If you’re not concerned with sodium content, it’s a healthy and flavorful substitute for water. I happen to prefer Swansons, and I promise I’m not getting any kick-backs from the company!

I use it in all sorts of dishes…when sautéing veggies, as a base for soups (particularly minestrone and split pea), whenever I cook rice, and for black beans (simmer a bag of black beans in 4-5 cans of broth for about 1 ½ hours, add some garlic salt, and pretend you’re eating either refried beans or black bean soup).

How about you? Do you have a secret, healthy ingredient that you can’t live without?

Progress Report #6 - May 7th-May 13th

2010-05-14T00:00:00.001-05:00

Happy Friday everyone!

I’m filling in for Allie this week, so this will be short and sweet…

Please report your miles for the week in the comments and I will update the sidebar.

Thanks!

Oh, I almost forgot...if you're interested in writing a guest post (fitness tips, recipes, workout clothes, whatever you can think of!) please let me know!

Progess Report #6 - April 30th- May 6th

2010-05-07T08:02:00.000-05:00

Sorry for the late post - Life has definately gotten the best of me this week.

Please post your mileage and any accomplishments to the comments and Jill will update the sidebar.

Hope the weather is nice for everyone this week!

Allie

Progess Report #5 - April 23rd - 29th

2010-04-29T22:39:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone!

How are you all doing? Sorry that some of you have been sick or life has taken over your time. It is hard to keep a fitness routine up and going for a length of time isn't it? That is one of the things I like about this challenge - it is about the long haul. Each week contributes to the whole - and I hope develops better habits.

I personally struggle with taking time out to work out when we have company, and pretty much all spring we have had relatives here every other weekend. Now that we are on the 4th visit, I am getting better about it.

Update: My son and I ran the 5k last weekend and it was so fantastic. I thought he might hold me back (even though I hestiate to call what I do running), because we hadn't gotten many practice runs in for him. He was awesome, talking to me, challenging me to the next corner, etc. I wouldn't have done it any other way. He stayed with me the whole time (he's 8) and only sprinted away on the straightaway to the finish line. I finished in 42:30 and was very happy with that time. My goal is to get under 40 minutes before the summer. I did it on the treadmill today for the 1st time, so I am getting closer! I can't wait to run with my son again!

So in the comments, tell us about a victory you have had lately, or a new goal you have set so we can cheer you on (and of course, your miles). I can't wait to hear about what you all are accomplishing!

Allie

Progess Report #4 - April 16th - 22nd

2010-04-22T20:43:00.000-05:00

How is everyone doing?

Please report your "miles" for April 16th - April 22nd (Friday through Thursday). Please take a minute to make sure Jill has your correct total from last week.

Did you have any triumphs this week? Any hurdles to overcome?
What goals do you have for the upcoming week?
I accomplished increasing my miles - how about you?
If you have an update on your own blog leave your link in the comments below. (Be sure to also leave your miles in the comments so we don't have to track them down!) Take a minute to visit the other participants and cheer them on!
Hope everyone has a great week,
Allie and Jill

Progess Report #3 - April 9th - 15th

2010-04-15T19:55:00.001-05:00

Hi everyone!

Can't wait to hear how everyone is doing. Put your miles for the week in the comments and check the side bar to make sure we have your totals correct.

Do you have a post about your progress or something else you would like to share with the group? Please share that too!

I am on my last week of C25k this week and have 2 of my 3 thirty minute runs down. I have been writing a post in my head as a way to keep myself occupied while running. Can't wait to complete tomorrow and give you all the 4-1-1!

Have a great week everyone!

Allie and Jill

Something to think about...

2010-04-12T06:00:00.000-05:00

Last month I started attending yoga. I signed up for a four week Intro to Yoga class, and I lucked out…there were only three people in the class, and I had a fantastic instructor. Now that I’ve finished with the Intro class, I’ve moved into a Beginner’s class with another instructor whose approach I really appreciate. So, I’m just a baby when it comes to yoga, but I’m definitely enjoying both the physical and mental aspects of the practice.

I wanted to share something that the instructor emphasized at my first class. It was quite thought provoking, and it’s something I keep returning to. In addition to warning us against comparing ourselves to the others in the class, Val said that we shouldn’t expect continuous improvement, either. For when we come to class, we bring all the worries and events of the day with us. While one week we might be able to touch our toes, the next week we might not. And that’s okay. We should concentrate on the present, and what our body can do at that moment. Which isn't to say that we shouldn't continue with our practice of yoga, or challenge ourselves to walk more miles, or consider taking up a new activity...it's just saying that if you could touch your toes/walk 5 miles/run a 5K yesterday and today you can't, don't beat yourself up about it. We all have off days, and your body won't be happy if you force it to do something it's not ready to do. And who knows...tomorrow you just might be able to touch those toes again! (And for the record, I still can't touch my toes.)

Also, at the end of each class, Val would also remind us to be grateful for our body and what it can do…as opposed to what it can’t do. It’s such a simple thought, but one that I had never really associated with exercise of any kind.

But I think it’s worth remembering, and I wanted to pass it on to you. As you go about your walking, or running, or whatever movement you choose this week, remember:

Be grateful for your body and what it can do.

Progess Report #2 - April 2nd - 8th

2010-04-08T22:29:00.000-05:00

Are some of you wondering how this is the 2nd progress report? Never fear Jill will keep up with you, but we did start out with a mini challenge last week to start April out right with at least 1 mile. Some of you reported in, and others I am sure will combine with this week's report. All good. What we are striving for is movement, preferably forward movement, but really sideways or backwards would count too.

There are some serious challenges out there in the blogsphere. What I like about this one is that I can chose my level (200 miles in my case) and work out my pace. I won't make it with the effort I have put out this week, so I need to do some serious thinking. I did see someone ask for a post on the couch to 5k. I am just starting week 8 (out of 9 weeks) so will be happy to debrief in another week or so.

Back to challenges. One that I have become aware of is that between Anti-Jared and Prior Fatgirl. The best part is charaity wins! Read all about this 60 minute challenge on April 20. Who couldn't use 4 miles (or more!) to add to their total AND support a good cause? Until then, let us know how you are doing, what you do to make sure you get your workout time in (finally worked in the image!) and your plans for next week. I just want to up my weekly total -even by 1 mile- let's start there. I think week 8 of the couch to 5k and opening day for Little League is about all I can handle!

Cheers and get moving!
Allie and Jill

100 Mile Fitness Challenge 3 Sign-Ups

2010-04-08T22:13:00.001-05:00

Welcome to Round 3 of the 100 Mile Fitness Challenge.

Six months ago, Trish posted this online fitness challenge after participating in a similar challenge through work. She loved it and wanted to keep going personally, so she proposed her online buddies join her. Now we are moving into the seventh month of the 100 Mile Fitness Challenge.

This round Trish is passing the hostessing torch on to two enthuastic participants: Enriched Mom (Allie) and Softdrink (Jill).

Enriched Mom (Allie) lives in Northern Virginia and is new to the blogging world. She is working on going from couch to 5k and her goal is to generally move more so she can have energy to keep up with her 2 kids. This challenge helped her do that through the cold winter months and she very much is looking forward to getting out in the spring weather!

Softdrink (Jill) lives on the Central Coast of California and was one of the very first people to sign up for the challenge in October 2009. She even designed the lovely button you'll see displayed here at the blog and on other participant's blogs. Oh ya, she also wrote the 100 Mile Fitness theme song: I Would Walk 100 Miles.

Here’s how it works:
In order to complete this Challenge, you will need to “travel” 100 miles from April 1 through June 30, 2010. 100 miles too easy for you? (and really, it is easier than it sounds) Sign up for 200 or even 300 miles!

Here's how you calculate your mileage:
*Running or walking 1 mile outside or on a treadmill equals 1 mile.

*15 minutes of other workouts equals 1 mile (elliptical, swimming, weight lifting, workout video, workout classes, etc.).

A few "workout" stipulations:“Workouts” only include activities specifically done for the purpose of exercise. Shopping, house cleaning, walking to and from the parking lot, and other day to day activities should not be included.

Partial miles travelled on different days cannot be combined. For example, if you run 1.25 miles on one day, and .75 mile on another day, that does not equal 2 miles. It counts as 1 mile.

Minutes accumulated on two different days cannot be combined. For example, if you workout 10 minutes one day and 5 minutes the next day, that does not combine to equal a mile.

1 mile on the bike or elliptical does not equal 1 mile, etc. Only walking/running is mile for mile.

Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: How do I report my miles to you?
A: On Fridays a Progress Report will be posted. You will report your "miles" in the comments section. Once you report, then your name will be added to the sidebar we will update your miles you each time you report. Ultimately it is your responsibility to keep track of your total mileage.

Q: I just found your challenge and it’s already May, but I still want to join!
A: Well, then join! Ask how you can prorate your 100 miles.

Q: Why can't partial miles or minutes be counted?
A: Among other reasons, it will hopefully push you to complete that mile and gain more. You'll thank us in the end. :)

Sign Up Below--No Wallflowers Allowed! (You do not need a blog to participate--just put this blog's URL in the URL field if you don't have a blog). Also list your mileage goal. If you are going for 100 miles, add a (100) after your name like this: Trish (100). If you are going for 200 miles: Trish (200), etc.

Wanna Help Motivate/Guest Post?
If you are interested in being a contributor to this blog--maybe workout tips, recipes, or other ideas, please let Jill know via [fizzybeverage] at gmail [dot] com

A few disclaimers:
1. We do not guarantee that you will lose weight or win your marathon if you do this challenge.
2. As with any new exercise program, check with your doctor to make sure it's okay you participate.
3. We hope you’ll have fun and maybe get/provide some moral support by participating.
4. If you have any questions at all, feel free to ask at any time!

a few notes

2010-04-05T06:00:00.000-05:00

Hello all you walkers and runners and other exercisers! I wanted to wish you all luck as we go into round 3 of the 100 Mile Challenge. Many thanks to Trish for getting this challenge off the ground and inspiring us to get moving! Other than adding the 200 mile option, Allie and I (Jill) are not planning any changes to the blog or the challenge, although we are open to suggestions. If you have input, just give us a holler through the comments, or by emailing me at fizzybeverage at gmail.

While Allie will be posting the weekly check-in posts, I’ll be updating everyone’s miles in the sidebar. I just wanted to let you know that I will most likely be doing this on weekends only, so please don’t expect instant updates! :-D

Also, I’m looking for people who’d like to contribute a guest post or two. You can share any fitness tips, or your work-out routine, or even a healthy recipe! Let me know if you’re interested.

Thanks! And happy walking. Or running. Or yoga-ing. Or whatever.

No Foolin! April 1, 2010

2010-04-01T08:45:00.000-05:00

Happy April Fool's Day everyone! Since we technically only have 1 day for this week, I wanted to challenge everyone to get at least 1 mile in. Let's start strong and enjoy the nice weather with a walk, bike ride or some jumping jacks in the park. Just get moving!
Let's kick off Challenge #3 with a bang!

Have a great day everyone and let us know how many miles you were able to do today!

Allie and Jill

Progress Report #13: March 26-31 FINISH LINE!!

2010-03-31T13:21:00.002-05:00

A BIG CONGRATS on finishing the challenge! Even if you didn't get to 100, give yourself a huge pat on the back for sticking it through to the end.

If you have a wrap-up post, leave us the link in the comments form so we can come give you a pat on the back!

Did you have any triumphs throughout the challenge? Any hurdles to overcome?

What goals did you set and did you meet your goals? What would you do differently/the same next time?

Finally, I want to say a big THANK YOU for participating in the challenge. If you've seen the signups, you'll know that I'm passing the hostessing torch on to Allie and Jill. Seeing your comments every week has been such an inspiration to me and has continually helped me get off my butt and get moving even when I didn't want to. It has been a great six months and I hope that through Allie and Jill the challenge continues to grow. I'll still be around but I'm really looking forward to being a participant this time around.

Best wishes,

ROUND 2 PARTICIPANTS:

Abi - 113
Ali - 90
Alisonwonderland - 88
Amanda D - 117
Amanda G - 100
Brooke - 100
Carin - 123
Catherine Ensley - 15
Chris - 111
Collettakay - 62
Dahlia Jinn - 61
Enriched Mom - 181
Gloria - 24
Gnoegnoe - 101
Heather - 174
HeathMochaFrost - 60
Irene - 28
Juliann - 151
Kate (Mom) - 205
Kate S. - 134
Kim Frazier - 325
Kimberly - 125
Kristi - 20
Kristy - 100
Ladydi - 344
Lesly - 36
m3kp - 265
Melinda - 92
Molly - 57
Nanscorner - 72
Nise' - 239
Raych - 151
Rebecca :) - 80
Rhinoa - 13
Sandy - 249
Shanda - 88
Shore Debris - 187
Softdrink - 203
Stacy - 22
Sue - 30
Teddy Rose - 21
TommyGirl - 55
Toni - 36
Trish - 100
Trisha - 35
Vicki - 139
Zia - 117

*Totals only as accurate as reported throughout the challenge. Early participants are not shown.

Progress Report #12: March 19-25

2010-03-26T00:00:00.001-05:00

Please report your "miles" for March 19-25 (Friday through Thursday). Please take a minute to make sure I have your correct total from last week.

Progress Report #12

Did you have any triumphs this week? Any hurdles to overcome?

What goals do you have for the upcoming week?

If you have an update on your own blog leave your link in the comments below. (Be sure to also leave your miles in the comments so I don't have to track them down!) Take a minute to visit the other participants and cheer them on!

Last progress report will be March 31st!!! Only 6 days left!

Hope everyone has a great week,

Progress Report #11: March 11-18

2010-03-19T00:00:00.002-05:00

Please report your "miles" for March 12-18 (Friday through Thursday). Please take a minute to make sure I have your correct total from last week.

Progress Report #11

Did you have any triumphs this week? Any hurdles to overcome?

What goals do you have for the upcoming week?

If you have an update on your own blog leave your link in the comments below. (Be sure to also leave your miles in the comments so I don't have to track them down!) Take a minute to visit the other participants and cheer them on!

Guest Posts:
Learning to Love Yoga (written by my mom!! An awesome post to check out)

Winner of Words to Sweat By Giveaway: Abi!! Congrats Abi.

Update on Round 3: I have one participant who is interested in co-hosting the next round. If you're interested in helping host Round 3, please email me at trishsreadingnook at gmail dot com

Hope everyone has a great week,

Learning to Love Yoga

2010-03-14T11:10:00.003-05:00

I'd like to think I'm as open to advice as the next person, or at least certainly willing to consider advice that comes my way. When it comes to my fitness goals, my daughter, who happens to be Trish, has offered me bits of advice from time to time. One was to get rid of the scale (or at least quit weighing myself 10 times a day), and the other was to mix up my exercise routine with something different; something like......yoga.

Yoga? So what's up with Yoga, anyway? People seem to really love it, but I always envisioned people laying on mats chanting their way to enlightenment. Is that really going to get rid of my fat? I was slow to venture off my treadmill onto the mat, but I finally called Trish one day and told her I was going to try yoga. "I'm scared!!" I whined. "What if I fall over? What if I get into a pose that I can't get out of and they have to pry my legs into a normal position again???" She encouraged me, and I took the next step forward. I talked her into joining me where they offered a special introductory trial: 10 days of yoga for $10. I could certainly test the mat for 10 days with her as my yoga buddy.

After becoming a jogging addict, I questioned how standing in a position named after an animal could really get my heart rate up and provide the same fitness benefits that running 5 miles on a treadmill could. I entered the room feeling skeptical and scared. It was dark and HOT! A room heated to 96 degrees with humidity? Are you kidding me? Yes, this was hot yoga. But I gave it my all. My body twisted this way and that, my legs quivering while trying to maintain balance and alignment. I was a half moon! I was a downward facing dog. I was a camel, and a rabbit, and a tibetan table! Yikes! This was more strenuous than I thought! My trusty Polar watch validated that my heart rate was up, and the calories were burning off my body faster than I would have thought.

I've come to find out through research that there are more benefits to yoga than I knew. Aside from flexibility, did you know that yoga is effective in increasing lubrication of the joints, ligaments, and tendons? Yoga also massages the internal glands and organs of the body, contributing to overall wellness. And best of all... improved muscle tone!!

So now it's been about a month, and something unexpected has happened to me. I have fallen in love with yoga. I can tell that my body is responding with improved flexibility and better MUSCLE TONE!!! But I also notice that when I leave the yoga center, I can't even fathom putting anything bad into my body (such as my beloved Diet Coke), at least for a little while! I guess it's true what they say about yoga... that it harmonizes the mind with the body. If we believe that the will of the mind can enable people to achieve extraordinary results, then yoga will be a double win for me.

There was a lot of wisdom in my daughter's advice to shake up the workout routine and try something news. Now.... I just need to work on weening my dependency on that darn scale. But isn't this fitness thing all about progress in the right direction anyway? One step at a time.

Progress Report #10: March 5 - 11

2010-03-12T00:00:00.002-06:00

Please report your "miles" for March 5-11 (Friday through Thursday). Please take a minute to make sure I have your correct total from last week.

Progress Report #10

Did you have any triumphs this week? Any hurdles to overcome?

What goals do you have for the upcoming week?

If you have an update on your own blog leave your link in the comments below. (Be sure to also leave your miles in the comments so I don't have to track them down!) Take a minute to visit the other participants and cheer them on!

Giveaway Post: Think the towel in the picture above is cute? Win two of them! Click here for giveaway details (deadline is 17th). Big thanks to Dana from Words to Sweat By for donating the towels.

So, we only have two weeks left (and a little) until the end of the challenge. Some of you guys are, like, total overacheivers (I say with love) and some of us are right on the brink of getting our 100 miles. As someone who still has 36 miles to go, instead of looking at individual miles I find it helpful to look at it in time. Basically I have 9 more hours to go until I read 100 miles--much more manageable than 36 miles! Maybe that helps you, maybe not. But we can do this! Push harder these last couple of weeks!

Another note of business. As much a I have loved hosting this challenge for the past six months, after much much deliberation I have decided this will be my last go. It saddens me to see the challenge go away as I know I'd love to continue, but I just can't commit at this time and you guys deserve a hostess who can give it her all. I am hoping that one of you will step up and take the hostessing reigns from me. If you are interested, please email me. I would be happy to pass on this blog to someone else so there will hopefully be a smooth transition. Since I started this challenge, other challenges have popped up on the blogosphere, so if no one steps in I'm sure there will be alternatives somewhere. But I'd love to see this go on!! I'd like to make a decision in the next week or two so that if there is a new hostess she can post sign ups for Round 3.

Hope everyone has a great week,

Motivational Giveaway!

2010-03-07T19:27:00.008-06:00

Need a little motivation to get you through the last few weeks of the challenge? I was approached by Dana who has an Etsy shop, Words to Sweat By, devoted to motivational towels. Dana has offered up two towels to a lucky winner--one towel to keep and one towel to pass on to someone else who might need a little extra motivation.

How to Win:

*Head over to Dana's Etsy shop and report back here in the comments which towel strikes your motivation (or exercise funny bone)

*Tell us in the comments what motivates your exercising and how you can help motivate others. If you'd like to write up a short post on your own blog, I'd love that too--just leave us the link.

I'll draw a winner at random on March 17th so you have until then to complete your mission.

You must be an active participant in the challenge in order to contend for the drawing--I want to support you guys who have taken the time to report your miles throughout the challenge.

(I'll need a way of getting ahold of you if you're the winner, so if you don't have an email listed on your blog or profile, please leave your email below).

Progress Report #9: Feb 26 - March 4

2010-03-05T00:00:00.000-06:00

(Picture from participant Chris from BookaRama--her cat on her wii fit) :)

Please report your "miles" for February 26 - March 4 (Friday through Thursday). Please take a minute to make sure I have your correct total from last week.

Progress Report #9

Did you have any triumphs this week? Any hurdles to overcome?

What goals do you have for the upcoming week?

If you have an update on your own blog leave your link in the comments below. (Be sure to also leave your miles in the comments so I don't have to track them down!) Take a minute to visit the other participants and cheer them on!

Guest Posts:

If you would like to guest post (recipes, exercise tips, motivation, etc), please let me know via email at trishsreadingnook[at]gmail[dot]com!

Have an awesome week!

Progress Report #8: February 19-25

2010-02-26T00:00:00.000-06:00

Please report your "miles" for February 19-25 (Friday through Thursday). Please take a minute to make sure I have your correct total from last week.

Progress Report #8

Did you have any triumphs this week? Any hurdles to overcome?

What goals do you have for the upcoming week?

If you have an update on your own blog leave your link in the comments below. (Be sure to also leave your miles in the comments so I don't have to track them down!) Take a minute to visit the other participants and cheer them on!

Guest Posts:

If you would like to guest post (recipes, exercise tips, motivation, etc), please let me know via email at trishsreadingnook[at]gmail[dot]com!

Have an awesome week!

Last call for your favorite workout videos. See details in last week's Progress Report. Please email me no later than this weekend with your favorite videos!

Progress Report #7: February 12-18

2010-02-19T00:00:00.000-06:00

Please report your "miles" for February 12-18 (Friday through Thursday). Please take a minute to make sure I have your correct total from last week.

Progress Report #7 (Half-way!)

Did you have any triumphs this week? Any hurdles to overcome?

What goals do you have for the upcoming week?

If you have an update on your own blog leave your link in the comments below. (Be sure to also leave your miles in the comments so I don't have to track them down!) Take a minute to visit the other participants and cheer them on!

Guest Posts:

If you would like to guest post (recipes, exercise tips, motivation, etc), please let me know via email at trishsreadingnook[at]gmail[dot]com! Anyone, anyone anyone...? Bueller?? :P

Have an awesome week!

And a small request for those who workout with videos. I'd like to write up a post with short little reviews of favorite workout videos. If you have a workout video that you just love, please send me an email this week (by February 26th) with the title of your video and a small paragraph about why you love the video so much. If you can provide a link to it on Amazon, that would also be helpful (and let me know if you're an Amazon Associate so I can link that, too). Hopefully we can put together a great post with video ideas!

Progress Report #6: February 5-11

2010-02-12T00:00:00.002-06:00

Please report your "miles" for February 5-11 (Friday through Thursday). Please take a minute to make sure I have your correct total from last week. If you missed last week's progress report, you can just leave your total in the comments below--no need to go back.

Progress Report #6

Last week I proposed a mini-challenge to introduce something new into your exercise routine. Let us know how it went in the comments below!

Did you have any triumphs this week? Any hurdles to overcome?

What goals do you have for the upcoming week?

If you have an update on your own blog leave your link in the comments below. (Be sure to also leave your miles in the comments so I don't have to track them down!) Take a minute to visit the other participants and cheer them on!

Guest Posts:

Getting Out of Your Exercise Rut Mini-Challenge

*I loved hearing about your different workouts so I'm continuing this one.

If you would like to guest post (recipes, exercise tips, motivation, etc), please let me know via email at trishsreadingnook[at]gmail[dot]com!

Also make sure that you subscribe (or become a follower) so you don't miss any guest posts or giveaways. Yes, I said giveaways...

Have an awesome week!

Progress Report #5: Jan 29 - Feb 4

2010-02-05T00:00:00.000-06:00

Please report your "miles" for January 29-February 4 (Friday through Thursday). Please take a minute to make sure I have your correct total from last week. If you missed last week's progress report, you can just leave your total in the comments below--no need to go back.

Progress Report #5

Last week I proposed a mini-challenge to introduce something new into your exercise routine. Let us know how it went in the comments below!

Did you have any triumphs this week? Any hurdles to overcome?

What goals do you have for the upcoming week?

If you have an update on your own blog leave your link in the comments below. (Be sure to also leave your miles in the comments so I don't have to track them down!) Take a minute to visit the other participants and cheer them on!

Guest Posts:

Getting Out of Your Exercise Rut Mini-Challenge

Getting out of your Exercise Rut (Mini-Challenge)

2010-02-01T18:48:00.004-06:00

I don't know about you but if my exercise isn't varied I get bored, then burned out, then find every excuse in the book not to get in my workout. Sure it's easy to just hop on the treadmill and crank out two or three miles (kudos to those of you who can stay focused enough to do more than that!) or plop on the bike with a good book and pump those legs, but varying your workout can be important for multiple reasons.

Varying your workout can help you stay fresh and interested, it can help you reach numerous goals, and it can also help your fitness levels. I don't pretend to be a fitness guru but it seems that everyone will tell you that your body can quickly get used to certain exercises which cause you to have to work harder in order to see the same results.

Although this is the 100 Mile Fitness Challenge and we track our progress in miles, I'm going to challenge you to switch things up this week or during the following weeks. I suspect that there are lots of walkers in this group, which is great, but there are so many physical activities one can do to stay fit. Belong to a gym? Check out an exercise class--yoga, spin, step, kickboxing, strength training. Don't belong to a gym? Play basketball or tennis or even just grab those dusty set of handweights and do basic squats, lunges, bicep curls, etc.

So go out and shake things up a bit. If you write a weekly progress report, tell us in your progress report how you're switching things up a bit. If you don't blog about your exercising, tell us in the next Friday progress report.

How do you switch things up when you're regular exercise routine gets old and tired? Leave us some suggestions in the comments below. I know I love hearing how people keep their workout regimen fresh and hopefully you can gain some pointers, too.

Progress Report #4: January 22-28

2010-01-29T00:00:00.001-06:00

Please report your "miles" for January 22-28 (Friday through Thursday). Please take a minute to make sure I have your correct total from last week. If you missed last week's progress report, you can just leave your total in the comments below--no need to go back.

PROGRESS REPORT #4

Did you have any triumphs this week? Any hurdles to overcome?

What goals do you have for the upcoming week?

If you have an update on your own blog leave your link in the comments below. (Be sure to also leave your miles in the comments so I don't have to track them down!) Take a minute to visit the other participants and cheer them on!

Guest Posts:
If you would like to guest post (recipes, exercise tips, motivation, etc), please let me know via email at trishsreadingnook[at]gmail[dot]com!

Also make sure that you subscribe (or become a follower) so you don't miss any guest posts or giveaways. Yes, I said giveaways...

Have an awesome week!

Progress Report #3: January 15-21

2010-01-22T00:00:00.000-06:00

Please report your "miles" for January 15-21 (Friday through Thursday). Please take a minute to make sure I have your correct total from last week. If you missed last week's progress report, you can just leave your total in the comments below--no need to go back.

PROGRESS REPORT #3

Did you have any triumphs this week? Any hurdles to overcome?

What goals do you have for the upcoming week?

New! If you have an update on your own blog leave your link in Mister Linky below. (Be sure to also leave your miles in the comments so I don't have to track them down!) Take a minute to visit the other participants and cheer them on!

Participant Guest Posts from last week:

**We Can Do This

**It's Not Always Easy but Neither Are Chores

If you would like to guest post, please let me know via email at trishsreadingnook[at]gmail[dot]com!

Also make sure that you subscribe (or become a follower) so you don't miss any guest posts or giveaways. Yes, I said giveaways...

Have an awesome week!

It's not always easy, but neither are chores...

2010-01-21T11:41:00.001-06:00

To workout or not to workout, that is the question.

Of course the obvious answer, as we are all participating in a challenge based around exercise and fitness, is to workout. Get moving, be active, etc, etc, etc…

For some of us, it’s just not that easy. For me, at least, exercise is that part of the day I dread. I think about it for awhile, and groan in frustration, wondering why no one has created a way for you to hire some crazy fitness fanatic to exercise for you where they can burn calories for you and love life as they create more and more endorphins.

I know what some of you are thinking. You think I haven’t gotten into the groove or found the perfect fit, but I’m highly suspect of such notions. No matter how many times a trainer or Bob Harper on the Biggest Loser or some random person on the street tells me, “Once you get started, you’ll totally love it,” I do not find exercise enjoyable. I try new things, I attempt to add in adventure (if you can call a trail in your local park adventurous), and I continue to find that exercise is grueling and evil. Obviously created to remind humans that we are bad and deserve to be punished.

So why do it? I do it because I have to. I mean, no one is holding me down to the exercise mat and forcing my legs to kick against my will, but I realize that the key to my goals involves being active. It’s one of those necessities in life like working, paying taxes, and laundry. Unavoidable unless you want to become a blubbering mess.

Yeah, I make it sound really appealing. I’m like that blind date who starts out with things like “I keep heads in my freezer.”

All of that said, I wouldn’t change the fact that I workout for anything. As much I complain and fret about the hour or two of hell that awaits me with a bootcamp workout or a run in less-than-stellar weather, I do like the positive effects it has on my body and my life. I'm happier overall. It’s made me more confident in myself. It makes me feel stronger and healthier. And the best part, I can make it up more flights of stairs without getting winded than my super-skinny friend.

How do I do it, considering how much I hate it? I have a few small post-it notes with the all the positives that exercise does add to my life, a reminder for those days when I’m really ready to give up or especially cursing my trainer when he says, “Just one more rep.” I suggest you do the same. Prepare one or two reasons why you workout and on those days when your mind is plotting against you, take a look at it.

In the end, feel free to remember me, and know that if I can get up at 6am on a Saturday and get exercise in, anyone can.

Mare
http://destinyisdeafening.blogspot.com/

We CAN do this

2010-01-17T05:00:00.002-06:00

It's easy to let life get in the way of taking care of ourselves.

Seven years ago I buckled down and lost 95 pounds. My goal was 100.

I was so close. Then Hurricane Wilma hit my part of the country.

Stress, extra work, restricted access to my preferred places to walk threw me off track and unfortunately, I didn't get back on. I lost motivation.

I regained a big chunk of the weight I'd lost.

Of course I'm kicking myself.

So here I am, determined to lose weight and get in shape - again.

Once you reach your goal, don't let yourself get complacent. If something stressful happens and you fall off the wagon, dust yourself off and get back on.

By luck, I stumbled upon this challenge. I promised myself to walk at least a couple miles daily from now on. I also promised myself to be careful what I put in my mouth.

Then disaster struck. Of course you know what's going on in Haiti this week.

I work for a charity that's been helping Haiti for the past 27 years, that has personnel in Haiti, that still has people missing in Haiti. Since the earthquake, we've been working 13 hour days with barely a break. After coming off such a long shift, all I can do is drive home and fall into bed so I've not kept my promise.

Sometimes life happens. It's inevitable.

But things will get back to normal. When they do, and every time from now on, I will pick myself up and dust myself off and do what is necessary to be healthy. I won't throw up my hands and say, "What's the use? I can't do this."

I CAN do this. We CAN all do this.

I want to thank Trish for motivating us to be the best we can be.

Ashley
http://www.ashleyladd.blogspot.com

Progress Report #2: January 8-14

2010-01-15T00:00:00.001-06:00

Please report your "miles" for January 8-14 (Friday through Thursday). I'll update your totals within the next few days, but check your amounts from last week to make sure they are correct. If you missed last week's progress report, you can just leave your total in the comments below--no need to go back.

PROGRESS REPORT #2

Did you have any triumphs this week? Any hurdles to overcome?

What goals do you have for the upcoming week?

New! If you have an update on your own blog leave your link in Mister Linky below. (Be sure to also leave your miles in the comments so I don't have to track them down!) Take a minute to visit the other participants and cheer them on!

Guest Posts:
If you would like to guest post, please let me know via email at trishsreadingnook[at]gmail[dot]com!

Have an awesome week!

Progress Report #1: January 1-7

2010-01-08T00:00:00.000-06:00

Welcome to the first progress report. For those of you who are new to the challenge, I will put up a new progress report every Friday so you can report your miles from the previous Friday through Thursday. I might not update your miles until later in the week (waiting until most people have reported), but I'll definitely update before the next progress report.

This round should be easy since we're starting fresh, but I will be using your display name for the tallies. Last time there were several Amandas, Kims, Vickies, etc, so it might be helpful to end your comment with the name you'd like to report with--you can always check the signups to see if there are more than one of you. This way I won't get you mixed up!

That's about it, but please let me know if you have any questions about the challenge. The best way to reach me is email since I don't always check these comments every day.

PROGRESS REPORT #1

Did you have any triumphs this week? Any hurdles to overcome?

What goals do you have for the upcoming week?

Leave us the link in the comments if you have an update on your own blog so we can come cheer you on! (be sure to also leave your miles in the comments so I don't have to track them down!)

Guest Posts:
If you would like to guest post, please let me know via email!

Have an awesome week!

100 Mile Fitness Challenge 2 Sign-Ups (Sticky)

2010-01-07T21:10:00.000-06:00

Hi, I'm Trish. I'm a 28 year old gal from Dallas, Texas, and I need some motivation working out.

In October 2009 I proposed an online fitness challenge and had over 85 people officially sign up and now I’m proposing that YOU join the 100 mile challenge with us as we move into Round 2.

Here’s how it works:
In order to complete this Challenge, you will need to “travel” 100 miles from January 1st through March 31st.

Here's how you calculate your mileage:
*Running or walking 1 mile outside or on a treadmill equals 1 mile.

*15 minutes of other workouts equals 1 mile (elliptical, swimming, weight lifting, workout video, workout classes, etc.).

A few "workout" stipulations:
“Workouts” only include activities specifically done for the purpose of exercise. Shopping, house cleaning, walking to and from the parking lot, and other day to day activities should not be included.

Partial miles travelled on different days cannot be combined. For example, if you run 1.25 miles on one day, and .75 mile on another day, that does not equal 2 miles. It counts as 1 mile.

Minutes accumulated on two different days cannot be combined. For example, if you workout 10 minutes one day and 5 minutes the next day, that does not combine to equal a mile.

1 mile on the bike or elliptical does not equal 1 mile, etc. Only walking/running is mile for mile.

Hey Trish!
How do I report my miles to you? On Fridays I will put up a Progress Report. Once you report, then I will put your name in the sidebar and update your miles for you each time you report. Ultimately it is your responsibility to keep track of your total mileage. (I like the putting stickers on a grid method...)

Hey Trish!
I just found your challenge and it’s already February, but I still want to join! Well, then join! Talk to me about how you can prorate your 100 miles.

Hey Trish!
Why can't partial miles or minutes be counted? Well, among other [maybe better] reasons, when rules start bending then there's no stopping them from breaking. You'll thank me in the end. :)

Sign Up Below--No Wallflowers Allowed! (You do not need a blog to participate--just put this blog's URL the URL field if you don't have a blog):

Wanna Help Motivate?
If you are interested in being a contributor to this blog--maybe workout tips, recipes, or other ideas, please let me know via email at trishsreadingnook at gmail dot com.

A few disclaimers:
1. I did not make up this challenge, and I don’t know where it originated from. This will be my ninth month of doing the challege, though, and I find it a great way to stay motivated.
2. I do not guarantee that you will lose weight or win your marathon if you do this challenge.
3. As with any new exercise program, check with your doctor to make sure it's okay you participate.
4. I do hope you’ll have fun and maybe get/provide some moral support by participating.
5. If you have any questions at all, feel free to ask at any time!

Progress Report: December 26-31

2009-12-31T08:04:00.003-06:00

Please report your miles for the week! Also take a minute to check your total in the sidebar to make sure I've got it right (although I will be deleting the list by next week for the new round).

A BIG CONGRATS on finishing the challenge! Even if you didn't get to 100, give yourself a huge pat on the back for sticking it through to the end.

See below for Mister Linky so you can link your wrap-up posts if you choose to write one on your blog. Please take a moment to visit the other participants and cheer them on!

Did you have any triumphs throughout the challenge? Any hurdles to overcome?

What goals did you set and did you meet your goals? What would you do differently/the same next time?

Hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday weekend and a very Happy New Year.

And don't forget to sign up for the 2010 100 Mile Fitness Challenge!!

**Also--random question: Do you guys like reporting on Friday or do you have another suggestion? Any other criticism--positive or negative--is greatly appreciated. You guys have been troopers!

Final note--I'm in the process of moving homes and have very limited Internet access for be patient with me the next few days/week... :)

Progress Report: December 18-25

2009-12-25T00:00:00.000-06:00

Please report your miles for the week! Also take a minute to check your total in the sidebar to make sure I've got it right.

Did you have any triumphs this week? Any hurdles to overcome?

What goals do you have for the upcoming week?

If you have an update on your own blog, leave us the link in the comments so we can come cheer you on!

Guest Posts this week:
None

Hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday weekend and a very Merry Christmas.

Friday December 31st will be the last progress report. January 1st starts a new round!

Progress Report: December 11-17

2009-12-18T00:00:00.000-06:00

Have an awesome week! Only two weeks left in the challenge--you can do it!

**I'm going to get ready to put up the sign-ups soon. I'd love to hear suggestions for improvement. If you'd rather email me, that works too.

Progress Report: December 4-10

2009-12-11T00:00:00.000-06:00

Please report your miles for the week! Also take a minute to check your total in the sidebar to make sure I've got it right so far. AND, if your blogger name doesn't match what's in the sidebar, I'll love you forever if you give me a hint as to who you are. :)

Did you have any triumphs this week? Any hurdles to overcome?

What goals do you have for the upcoming week?

If you have an update on your own blog, leave us the link in the comments so we can come cheer you on!

Guest Posts this week:
None - If you would like to guest post, please let me know via email! Life is all of a sudden very busy, so I'd love the help!

Have an awesome week!

**Also--only 20 days left in the challenge. Show of hands how many people are interested in Round 2? I can only promise one more round, but I'm willing to go to the end of March if you are! Let me know.

Progress Report: Nov 27 - Dec 3

2009-12-04T00:00:00.000-06:00

Have a great week!

Progress Report: November 20-26

2009-11-27T00:00:00.000-06:00

Guest Posts this week:

Elliptical Machines

If you would like to guest post, please let me know via email! Life is all of a sudden very busy for me, so I'd love the help!

We're quickly approaching the end of November (can you believe it?). To be on track you should try to shoot for 66 miles by the 30th.

Have a great week!

Elliptical Machine

2009-11-22T17:35:00.002-06:00

Hi y'all! This is my first post to this blog, and hopefully it's okay, Trish! I just had a really exciting day in exercise and I thought I'd share my experience. :)

I have struggled with my health for years, and in the last two years it's been particularly bad. I've been lethargic and unable to exercise for any long period of time. Even just walking for longer than, say, 15 minutes makes my lower back and hips hurt. I've tried stretching, all sorts of warm-ups, different shoes, different places to walk, and even monthly chiropractic visits, but for the last two years, I've been unable to keep up with exercise.

Two years ago, I bought a treadmill. I really tried using it. I liked the idea of being able to walk or jog in my house, because 3 months of the year I'm too allergic to mountain cedar to go outside, and another 3+ months of the year, the temperature hovers around 100 most of the day (not fun!). Unfortunately, the treadmill never worked for me. It hurt my knees and feet, in addition to my lower back and hips. Argh!

This is really frustrating to me. I used to be an athlete, a competitive swimmer, for years. It frustrates me to no end that just the tiniest bit of exercise now is near-crippling. In the last few weeks, I've hit an even worse block on this 100-mile fitness challenge: one of my feet was injured, so that the tendons can't have a lot of pressure placed on them. I honestly thought I was going to have to drop out of this challenge. Already I am woefully behind. But I thought I'd give it one more shot - my husband suggested we go out and get an exercise bike.

Today, we went out. But instead of an exercise bike, we wandered over to the elliptical machines. I've never used an elliptical, so I thought I should try some out. I got on several, and was surprised how easy they were to use, and how easy on all my joints and my feet. The really expensive ones didn't feel like I was moving at all! Of course, we couldn't afford one of the really expensive ones (I did not get the model pictured above...), but we did decide to invest in an elliptical. We got it home and Jason put it together for me.

Oh my. It's such a strange feeling. I just spent half an hour on there, and I feel good. I feel like I used to feel when I got out of the water as a swimmer. My whole body feels exercised, not just my legs, but at the same time, other than a bit of muscle soreness, I don't hurt. More than that, I feel energized! I feel like later tonight, I might get back on for another half an hour.

Of course, I'm not going too fast or using any resistance for now. I'm just beginning, so I'm trying to build up my strength. But I'm excited. I think this is going to work for me! After years of trying to find something that works for me, I really think this is going to work. Plus, despite being a lower-end model, my elliptical still lets me plug in my iPod and listen to music or an audiobook while exercising. I love it!

Okay, I'll go now, but I just wanted to say if you have access to one of these machines, at a gym or something, and you haven't tried it, you should. It's amazing. Though I have a lot of catching up to do, I hope to see all of you at the 100-mile finish line!

Progress Report: November 13-19

2009-11-20T00:00:00.001-06:00

Please report your miles for the week! Also take a minute to check your total in the sidebar to make sure I've got it right so far. AND, if your blogger name doesn't match what's in the sidebar, I'll love you forever if you give me a hint as to who you are so I don't have to figure it out. :) We have several participants with the same name!

Did you have any triumphs this week? Any hurdles to overcome?

What goals do you have for the upcoming week?

If you have an update on your own blog, leave us the link in the comments so we can come cheer you on!

No Guest Posts this week.

If you would like to guest post, please let me know in the comments or via email! Life is all of a sudden very busy for me, so I'd love the help!

Have a great week! And Happy Thanksgiving to those celebrating! If you're going out of town for the holiday, do you have any tips for working out away from home?

Progress Report: November 6-12

2009-11-13T00:00:00.000-06:00

Please report your miles for the week! Also take a minute to check your total in the sidebar to make sure I've got it right so far. AND, if your blogger name doesn't match what's in the sidebar, I'll love you forever if you give me a hint as to who you are so I don't have to figure it out. :) We have several participants with the same name!

Did you have any triumphs this week? Any hurdles to overcome?

What goals do you have for the upcoming week?

If you have an update on your own blog, leave us the link in the comments so we can come cheer you on!

Guest Posts this week (great tips for changing it up):

10 Minute Speedy Workout

Routines for the Seasoned Weight-Lifter

20 Minute Circuit Workout

If you would like to guest post, please let me know in the comments or via email!

Have a great week! And we are quickly approaching the halfway point. To be on track try to have 50 miles by November 15th!

10 Minute Speedy Workout!

2009-11-11T06:42:00.004-06:00

Just Vicky here again for your speedy workout!

What you will need: 1 Jump Rope*, 2 Dumbells**

Your Workout:

1 Minute Jump Rope (count how many times you jump the rope and then divide by 2 for all future iterations... it is a faster workout if you just count revolutions rather than timing each segment.)
Superset 1: 3 x (25 Calf Raises, 10 Over Head Tricep Press)
30 Seconds Jump Rope
Superset 2: 3 x (10 Bench Press***, 10 Chest Flye***)
30 Seconds Jump Rope
Superset 3: 3 x (10 Squats, 6 each side Single Arm Bent Over Row)
30 Seconds Jump Rope
Stretch: 20 Seconds minimum - hamstrings, deltoids, triceps

This workout should take you exactly 10 minutes... want to make sure you get in your 15 minutes of exercise and get a mile? Throughout the day, set a timer for 30 or 45 minutes, get up from your desk (or wherever you are working) and d0 25 wide-stance squats (like a Plie). Unsure about doing this at your desk? I used to use a timer on my computer that would flash, then go to the bathroom and do my squats there (so no one in the office would see me - and if I were in heels, I'd just not go down as deep in the squats). Do this 5 times or more during your day along with the speedy workout and you'll hit your 15 min mark for total exercise.

*No Jump Rope? Mimic the motion of jumping rope or do something else like step ups on your bottom stair at home.

**Don't have dumbells? Look in your cupboards - smaller soup cans can be your "light" weights and big cans can be your "heavy" weights. Do you use milk jugs in your house? You can save these and make varying weights by filling them partway with water or sand - these even have a nice handle to make them easier to pick up.

***No bench at home? Lay on floor and get into bridge position to do your "bench" workouts.

If you have any questions, please feel free to e-mail me: shoredebris at live dot com

Routine for the more seasoned weight-lifter

2009-11-11T06:21:00.004-06:00

Good Morning! It's Vicky again. Today I will give you two options for quick workouts and am beginning with the one for the more seasoned weight-lifter...

I got this workout when I was in college - I was a walk on for a heavyweight crew team (me, miss clumsy, cannot make any sports team ever in high school, gets letter saying you are the right size - a.k.a. your college application indicates you might be on the chubby side - to be a rower). Anyway, during our spring season, the football team's weightlifting coaches became our weightlifting coaches and this is my favorite workout from that time.

The picture is from this Bootcamp Crossfit Program.

3 sets of 6 of each of the following exercises (no rest during the sets) at 1/3 your body weight**.
Upright Row
High Pulls
Hang Cleans
Front Squat with Overhead Press
Straight Leg Dead Lifts
Bent Over Rows
Bicep Curls

I currently use my olympic bar for these exercises, but in the years before I could afford that, I had the tiny weight set that only goes up to 55 lbs and that works, too - as do kettle bells if you have those.

[**If you have not been pushing weights recently, I recommend dropping down to 1/4 of body weight or less... I've had to do that when getting back on the bandwagon yet again... my cycle of life]

20 Minute Circuit Workout

2009-11-09T06:31:00.006-06:00

Good Morning! I'm Vicky and I'm normally playing with shells at Shore Debris.

I have subscriptions to Self, Shape, and Fitness magazines and use them to mix and match exercises and create workouts that work for me and my neighbors. (Yes, I am a good friend, I bring out the workout and big stick to make sure they do it!) Currently, due to my one friend's very, very hectic schedule, I've been making different 10-20 minute workouts that she can try to fit in 4-5 times per week.

This workout involves both strength training and cardio intervals and should take you 20 minutes.

For the cardio sections, I used my elliptical, but I made my neighbor run sprints on our street. You can use a treadmill, bike, step up and down on the stairs in your house, jump rope, jumping jacks, run in place, etc - Just use whatever you have around.

The "Body weight circuit" that is listed in the workout is: 20 reps each with no rest between push-ups, sit-ups, squats, lunges (20 ea leg), and side leg lifts (20 ea leg).

And here is the workout:

2.5 min cardio warm-up

3 x (body weight circuit, 1 min cardio sprint)

1 x body weight circuit

1 min cardio cool-down

A minimum of 20 sec each (calf stretch, hamstring stretch, butterfly stretch)

I hope this gave you a new idea for what to do with your workouts this week. Have a great mileage week and if you have any questions about what I mean in this workout post, feel free to e-mail me at shoredebris at live dot com.

Progress Report: October 30 - November 5

2009-11-06T00:00:00.003-06:00

Please report your miles for the week! Also take a minute to check your total in the sidebar to make sure I've got it right so far. AND, if your blogger name doesn't match what's in the sidebar, I'll love you forever if you give me a hint as to who you are so I don't have to figure it out. :) We have several participants with the same name!

Did you have any triumphs this week? Any hurdles to overcome?

What goals do you have for the upcoming week?

If you have an update on your own blog, leave us the link in the comments so we can come cheer you on!

Guest Posts this week:

Polar F11 Heart Monitor and Running at 56 (you MUST read this post!)

If you would like to guest post, please let me know in the comments or via email!

Have a great week!

How a Polar F11 Heart Rate Monitor Turned Me into a Jogger at 56

2009-11-04T19:05:00.002-06:00

Hi,
I’m Catherine and I hang out a Words World and Wings most of the time. But I wanted to tell you all about what made me a regular exerciser, and that is a heart rate monitor. I bought a Polar F11, and I can’t say enough good about it. There are probably other heart rate monitors on the market, but because I use the F11, that’s the one I’ll talk about.
I spent most of my life thinking I wasn’t athletic, and that I could never be a jogger. When I saw a woman on our street, who used to jog four miles a day, run by our house, I secretly envied her. She must be a born athlete, I thought. Any time I tried jogging, I’d get out of breath almost immediately. It was pathetic, when all I was trying to do was jog between two telephone poles! I was convinced that I didn’t have it, and never would.

But then, when I was 56 years old, I bought a Polar F11 Heart Rate Monitor, and discovered my inner athlete. It not only made me a jogger, it changed the way I view myself. Heck, if I could jog four miles a day, several days a week—and I discovered that I could—then I could do anything.

Here’s how the F11 can make you a jogger (or a walker, or a regular exerciser): You program it with your sex, height, weight, age, and starting level of physical fitness, as measured by a test that determines your cardiovascular fitness. On the day I first tested my fitness, I scored 26, which was low average for my age.

Once you have the key information programmed into your watch, you then select a fitness plan. You can maintain your current fitness, improve, maximize, or go for peak fitness. If you haven’t exercised for a while, you should see your doctor to make sure it’s safe to stress your heart with exercise. Prior to buying my F11, I’d been having chest pains, which sent me to the doctor. A treadmill test showed that I was okay, so he said I could exercise without any restrictions whatsoever.

By the time I’d been exercising regularly for two months, my cardiovascular fitness had jumped to 46, which is elite for my age. (For my age, anything above 33 is elite.) I was feeling fantastic! Kick-butt strong. I could hardly believe it. I was jogging 18-24 miles per week.

Here’s why using a heart rate monitor works: Each time you exercise, your monitor sets a heart rate range that is specific not only to you, but to your energy level that day. It generally gives me a 15-beat range. When I go above the upper limit, it beeps at me to slow down. When that happens, it’s very important to slow down.

It doesn’t mean you’re about to keel over from a heart attack, but it does mean that if you go over the limit for several minutes, and you do that every time you exercise, you will soon burn out. It’s what always happened to me before I had a monitor. I would work too hard, get too tired, and decide I didn’t have what it takes. When you’re tired before you even start out, you lose all motivation to exercise. It feels like hard work, instead of exhilarating fun.

On the other hand, if you’re exercising below your lower limit, the watch beeps at you. That’s very good too! Sometimes I start daydreaming, and forget that I’m supposed to be pushing myself. The F11 is your personal trainer, after all. It won’t let you slack off.

The F11 keeps track of the number of times you exercise over the course of a week. If you fulfilled your Exercise Plan at the rate of 75% or higher, your watch displays a trophy for the following week. The trophy is a visual reminder of how often you stayed with your exercise plan. I might lie to myself, but my F11 doesn’t lie to me. I’ve had my watch now for 15 months, and in the first year I stayed with my program, (which is set to maximize my fitness), 82% of the time, or 42 out of 52 weeks. It is such a great motivator!

In addition, the F11 keeps track of the number of calories you burn during each exercise, plus a weekly total. Once your fitness increases, so does the amount of calories you burn for the exact same exercise. I have to admit that when I see I’ve burned 573 calories on my morning jog, I often go through the day forgetting that I am someone who, despite all, needs to watch my calories. Too often, I eat that bowl of ice cream after dinner. So instead of losing weight over the past year, I’ve gained. But my shape is much sleeker than it would be at this weight if I didn’t exercise at all.

Polar F11’s cost about $160. If you shop around, you could probably get it for less. My results with the F11 have inspired my husband, my mother-in-law, and three of my friends to buy one. My daughter and daughter-in-law also want to buy one, and my son-in-law would like to try it out. For months after I first got it, my husband went around telling everyone that I'd become a jogger by using the Polar F11. It's that exciting.

Would a F11 be right for you? All I can say is that it did nothing less than change my life and the way I view myself. Who would’ve guessed that I could become athletic at 56? Or that I would feel so great because of exercise? Or that jogging would become so important to me that I can’t not jog? It’s all because of the F11.

Progress Report: October 23-29

2009-10-30T00:00:00.001-05:00

Please report your miles for the week! (Also take a minute to check your total in the side bar to make sure I've got it right-I'm having saving issues!).

Did you have any triumphs this week? Any hurdles to overcome?

What goals do you have for the upcoming week?

If you have an update on your own blog, leave us the link in the comments so we can come cheer you on!

No Guest Posts this week:
If you would like to guest post, please let me know in the comments or via email!

Keep in mind that we are quickly approaching the end of the month. Theoretically you should have 33 miles by the end of the month if you are trying to keep "on track." If you won't have 33 miles, don't fret--there's still plenty of time to make up your workouts. But don't get too behind!!

Have a great week!

Progress Report: October 16-22

2009-10-23T00:00:00.003-05:00

Please report your miles for the week!

Did you have any triumphs this week? Any hurdles to overcome?

What goals do you have for the upcoming week?

If you have an update on your own blog, leave us the link in the comments so we can come cheer you on!

Also, you read-a-thoners, I challenge you to go at least one mile tomorrow! Walk, yoga (very relaxing!), run, weights, crunches. Whatever--one mile. Just think of the lovely rest you'll give your eyes.

Guest Posts during this past week to check out:

Because I would Walk 100 Miles
Audiobooks - A Walker's Best Friend
Exercise Blues

If you would like to guest post, please let me know in the comments or via email!

Have a great week!

Exercising Blues

2009-10-21T20:04:00.000-05:00

You know those days when you just don't wanna? It's raining or snowing outside? You had a long day at work? The kids have xyz that you need to take them to? There's something great on the tube?

I'm having one of those days right now. Even as I type this post I'm sitting in my workout clothes half talking myself out of putting in the yoga DVD. I know that when I'm done I'll feel GREAT, but right now...I've got every excuse in the book.

What do you do to kick those exercising blues? How do you push through to get the minutes done and move on with your day?

I know I'm not the only one with exercise blues--or having a tough time getting those first few miles in. Share your motivation with us!

I'm putting out a call for guest posters. If you've got an idea of something you'd like to post, please let me know in the comments or via email.

Audio books - A Walker's Best Friend

2009-10-19T02:38:00.000-05:00

After years of running, I have made peace with the fact that my knees are shot and am resigned to walking as my exercise of choice. This idea used to cause me emotional grief, until I discovered audio books. Walking has since become almost a guilty pleasure.

If you are an audio book listener, you know what I mean. There are days, when I am engrossed in a story, that I don't want to stop walking. I'll walk in 94 degree heat, I'll walk in the rain. Not only that, but I now even look forward to cleaning my house, going on a road trip (with kids!), or weeding in my yard. Listening to audio books is the ultimate adventure in multi-tasking!

Even though I've only been listening to audio books for about three years, I've run through a few as I always have the iPod on my hip. Here is my list of audios that have rocked my world...each one has been a thrilling experience:

All Harry Potters! (I doubt you need a review of these...)

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo - Stieg Larsson (review coming out next Tuesday)

The Glass Castle - Jeanette Walls

Shadow of the Wind - Carlos Ruiz Zafon

Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet - Jamie Ford

The Little Stranger - Sarah Waters

The Wordy Shipmates - Sarah Vowell

To Kill a Mockingbird - Harper Lee

Brideshead Revisted - Evelyn Waugh

Everyone is Beautiful - Katherine Center

The Thirteenth Tale - Diane Setterfield

The School of Essential Ingredients - Erica Bauermeister

Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society - Annie Barrows/Mary Ann Shaffer

Tell No One - Harlan Coban

Testimony - Anita Shreve

The White Tiger - Aravind Adiga

The Likeness - Tana French

The Poisonwood Bible - Barbara Kingsolver

Child 44 - Tom Rob Smith

From my pre-blogging days:

World Without End - Ken Follett
Atomic Lobster - Jim Dorsey
The Water's Lovely - Ruth Rendell

Bad Luck and Trouble - Lee Child

The Hard Way - Lee Child

Nothing to Lose - Lee Child

The Tin Roof Blowdown - James Lee Burke

The Chicago Way - Michael Harvey

Friend of the Devil - Peter Robinson

All the Flowers Are Dying - Lawrence Block

Hope to Die - Lawrence Block

Sum of our Days - Isabel Allende

Lush Life - Richard Price
Careless in Red - Elizabeth George

Love the One You're With - Emily Giffin

OK, I might have gotten carried away. You can tell where my obsessions lie! Anyway, if you are bored with walking, this might be the way to go! Good luck!

You've GOTTA Read This!

Because I would walk one hundred miles...

2009-10-18T11:39:00.000-05:00

Because every challenge needs a cheesy motivational song, here's a catchy tune to get you walking (or running...far from this post):

100 Miles (to the tune of 500 Miles, by The Proclaimers)

When I wake up yeah I know I'm gonna be
I'm gonna be the girl who hops on her treadmill
When I go out yeah I know I'm gonna be
I'm gonna be the girl who’s not standing still

If I fall down yes I know I'm gonna be
I'm gonna be the girl who hops right up anew
And if I falter yeah I know I'm gonna be
I'm gonna be the girl who stopped to tie her shoe

‘Cause I would walk 100 miles
And I would walk 100 more
Just to be the girl who walked 100 miles
So you’ll say I’m hard core

When I'm working yes I know I'm gonna be
I'm gonna be the girl who's walking on her break
And when the others go out for sushi and tea
I'll walk until every muscle starts to ache

When I come home yeah I know I'm gonna be
I'm gonna be the girl who walks back home to you
And if my feet smell I know I'm gonna be
I'm gonna be the girl who stepped in doggy doo

‘Cause I would walk 100 miles
And I would walk 100 more
Just to be the girl who walked 100 miles
So you’ll say I’m hard core

When I'm walking yes I know I'm gonna be
I'm gonna be the girl who’s walking ‘til I’m through
When I'm dreaming yes I know I'm gonna dream
Dream about the time I walked - woo-hoo!

‘Cause I would walk 100 miles
And I would walk 100 more
Just to be the girl who walked 100 miles
So you’ll say I’m hard core

Progress Report: October 9-15

2009-10-16T07:52:00.000-05:00

Please report your miles from October 9-15th in the comments section.

Did you have any triumphs this week? Any hurdles to overcome?

What goals do you have for the upcoming week?

If you have an update on your own blog, leave us the link in the comments so we can come cheer you on!

Guest Posts during this past week to check out:
Workout Playlists
Turkey Chili and Chicken Green Bean Casserole
Working out With Small Children

Have a great week!

6 ways to exercise with small children

2009-10-15T07:30:00.000-05:00

As the parent of young children, one of the hardest challenges to getting in exercise is finding the time to work out. If you're lucky, you belong to a gym that provides childcare for your children (but you still have to find time to get to the gym.) I don't belong to a gym at all, so have find ways to get all my miles/minutes in at home. Here are some suggestions for doing it with children:

Dance with them. You know those channels that play just music on the tv? Find the techno one, crank it up loud, and dance. (Or use your iPod, if you have one.) There are tons of kids songs out there about getting moving and dancing as well. For example, Yo Gabba Gabba's Get the Sillies Out or I Like to Dance or The Fresh Beat Band's Loco Legs.
Get out and take a walk. We live about a mile from a small playground and a mile and a half from an elementary school. I can load up the boys in the wagon and walk there, let them play for a while, and come home. There's 2 or 3 miles right there. (Of course this only works if there isn't snow on the ground, but perhaps you live in a warmer climate.)
Have your children do an exercise video with you. Can't you imagine toddlers doing jumping jacks? How cute! (Of course, this may also start your child on a lifetime of weight obsession, so be careful that you emphasis the health aspect not the weight.)
Jump rope, bike rides, roller blading, soccer, tennis- all those sports things! This does require good weather and plenty of space, but if you have those things go for it. Your kids can benefit from the activity as much as you do.
Strollertime: A Complete Workout With Baby in Tow. I never did this one, but it looks like a lot of fun. There was a group of women at our favorite park every Saturday doing it.
And last, use your child AS the exercise. Literally. Lay on the floor and let Junior help you do cruches. Use Baby as a weight while doing lunges or lift him over your head as a free weight. (Use caution and good judgment, please! And if you figure out what to do with those dangly arms and legs let me know, this never worked for me.)

So there ya go, 6 ways to still get your miles in while living with small children. Do you have any other ideas? What works for you?

Chicken Green Bean Casserole

2009-10-12T15:26:00.000-05:00

CHICKEN GREEN BEAN CASSEROLE

1 cup chopped fresh green beans, ends trimmed
12.5-oz. can chicken breast, drained
10.75-oz. can 98% fat-free cream of mushroom soup
1⁄2 cup fat-free milk
Nonstick cooking spray

Coat a large skillet with nonstick cooking spray and place over medium heat. Add green beans and cook, stirring occasionally, until beans soften. Stir in chicken, soup and milk, and heat through.

From Muscle and Fitness Magazine

*** I normal serve this over brown rice, but you can definitely eat alone. This is also awesome.

Turkey Chili

2009-10-12T15:24:00.000-05:00

TURKEY CHILI

1⁄2 lb. lean ground turkey breast (93% lean)
14.5-oz. can diced tomatoes
1⁄2 cup tomato paste
1⁄2 cup water
1 cup kidney beans, drained and rinsed
Nonstick cooking spray

Coat the bottom of a stockpot with nonstick cooking spray. Add turkey and brown over medium-high heat, stirring frequently to break into small pieces. When fully cooked, drain fat, stir in remaining ingredients and heat through.

From Muscle and Fitness Magazine

*** I also add chili powder to kick up the spice, and I served over half of a baked potato with nothing else on the potato. This is really yummy.

Workout Playlist

2009-10-11T08:19:00.000-05:00

I think most (if not all) of us would agree that any workout is much, much better with music that is energizing & makes you feel like you can run/walk forever (or at least just a couple more minutes).

Here is a list of some of my favorite workout songs:
All I Ever Wanted by Basshunter
Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It) by Beyonce
I Believe in a Thing Called Love by The Darkness
Sandstorm by Darude
Bleed American by Jimmy Eat World
Love Lockdown by Kanye West
Stronger by Kanye West (the guy's a little crazy, but he makes some good music)
Hot N Cold by Katy Perry
My Life Would Suck Without You by Kelly Clarkson
Beggin' by Madcon
Paper Planes by MIA
Electric Feel by MGMT
That's Not My Name by The Ting Tings
Yeah by Usher

I'm always looking for new, fun music to add to my playlist. And clearly, genre is not an issue.

What about you? What are your favorites?

Progress Report: October 1-8

2009-10-09T08:16:00.001-05:00

How did everyone's first week go? Mine was admittedly slow, but hopefully this weekend/next week will be better.

Please report your miles from October 1-8th in the comments section.

Did you have any triumphs this week? Any hurdles to overcome?

What goals do you have for the upcoming week?

Also, I'm not requiring that you post about the challenge on your own blogs, but I know some of you are doing periodic updates. If so, leave us the link in the comments so we can come cheer you on!

Have a great week!

Filling Foods: Quick and Easy Soup

2009-10-08T06:30:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone,

My name is Vivienne and you will usually find me over at Serendipidy. I was over the moon when Trish asked me to contribute to this fabulous blog supporting the 100 mile challenge. Now I know that this is mainly about fitness, but personally, I find healthy eating tends to go hand in hand with keeping fit, so I thought I would share some of the wonderful low fat and non fat recipes I like to use to help me keep my weight down.

The one thing I have learnt in the past year since getting into shape is that I need to eat food that will keep me full and that won't make me hungry again in an hour. So I have started to make a lot of my own soups as they always keep me full. I tend to eat them on a lunch time and they normally stave off hunger until tea time. I tend to make them in bulk and keep them in the fridge, so if I do get hungry, I can pop a cupful into the microwave and have a quick filling snack.

One of my favourite recipes is Spicy Tomato Soup,which I am going to share with you today.

Spicy Tomato Soup

Now I am girl who likes to really hot up her food. I would put Tabasco on everything if I was allowed. So this recipe is a little spicy, but you can tone it down by adding less chillies.

Ingredients

2 Red Chillies
2 x 400g cans of chopped tomatoes (400g = 1 cup)
2 tablespoons of sweetener
salt and pepper
1 and 1/2 pints of vegetable stock
4 tablespoons of passata ( sieved tomatoes)
A few drops of Tabasco
A dash of lime

1) Halve and deseed the chillies, then place in a food processor or a blender with all the other ingredients and blend it until it is smooth.

2) Transfer mixture to a saucepan and gently heat through. I normally leave it for about 10 minutes to simmer. That is it. Nice and simple soup. I would say it takes about five minutes to put together and before you know you have a non fat soup ready to drink.

Apparently if you add 4 tablespoons of vodka to it, you will have a Bloody Mary Soup, but I have never tried that.

I hope you enjoy trying the recipe. As the weeks go on, I will try and get some pictures up of the finished dishes, so you can see what they will look like. Good luck with your walking.

Let's Get it Started! (The Plan...ish)

2009-10-05T16:25:00.000-05:00

First, WOW! Thanks so much for signing up for the challenge and for helping spread the word. I knew I could probably twist a few arms, especially my loving family members’, but I’m thrilled you guys want to travel 100 miles with me!

Keeping Track of Progress
In terms of tracking progress, a few of you have asked if there will be a weekly roundup. I wasn’t initially sure how I felt about this as I don’t want to put anyone on the spot, but my mom says I need to hold you lot accountable. Yes, I’m 28 and still listen to my mom. Don’t you? :)

I’ve listed all participants on the right side bar. Each Friday I’ll do a round up post where you can report your miles. Once you report your miles, I'll add them to the right side bar. If you do not want your miles listed there, please let me know either privately or in the comments. Remember that it's ultimately your responsibility to make sure that I have tallied your miles correctly (see the picture below for how I keep track of my miles).

Author Invitations
On a final note, I’ve extended author invitations to a few people who are interested. If you have an idea for posting and would like to be an author, please let me know in the comments. I’ll need your email address to send you the invitation. Some ideas are workout tips, motivation points, healthy eating recipes (although this is not a diet challenge, just fitness), etc. Even if you don’t have any desire to post anything, if you have ideas I’d love to hear them.

Thanks again for signing up. We’ll show all those people who say 100 miles is crazy!

100 Mile Fitness Challenge Introduction/Sign Up

2009-10-02T12:18:00.000-05:00

Hi, I'm Trish. I'm a 28 year old gal from Dallas, Texas, and I need some motivation working out.

For the past nine months I have been participating in various workout challenges through work. It’s always more fun to work out when others are working out with you (even if just in a virtual sense). My last challenge ended September 30th and now I’m proposing that YOU join the 100 mile challenge with me.

Here’s how it works:
In order to complete this Challenge, you will need to “travel” 100 miles from October 1st through December 31st.

Here's how you calculate your mileage:
*Running or walking 1 mile outside or on a treadmill equals 1 mile.

*15 minutes of other workouts equals 1 mile (elliptical, swimming, weight lifting, workout video, workout classes, etc.).

A few "workout" stipulations:
“Workouts” only include activities specifically done for the purpose of exercise. Shopping, house cleaning, walking to and from the parking lot, and other day to day activities should not be included.

Partial miles travelled on different days cannot be combined. For example, if you run 1.25 miles on one day, and .75 mile on another day, that does not equal 2 miles. It counts as 1 mile.

Minutes accumulated on two different days cannot be combined. For example, if you workout 10 minutes one day and 5 minutes the next day, that does not combine to equal a mile.

1 mile on the bike does not equal 1 mile, etc. Only walking/running is mile for mile. Otherwise it would be too easy, huh?

Hey Trish!
It’s the 2nd of October! I know. This was an incredibly spontaneous idea. Deal. Work out extra this weekend. :)

Hey Trish!
I just found your challenge and it’s already November, but I still want to join! Well, then join! Talk to me about how you can prorate your 100 miles.

Hey Trish!
How do I keep track of all my miles? You’ll have to do that on your own, but I make a 100 box grid in Excel and buy really cute stickers to mark each mile. Email me if you’d like me to send you my spreadsheet. I love sharing!

Hey Trish!
Why can't partial miles or minutes be counted? Well, among other [maybe better] reasons, when rules start bending then there's no stopping them from breaking. You'll thank me in the end. Maybe.

Sign Up Below--No Wallflowers Allowed! (You do not need a blog to participate--just put this blog's URL the URL field if you don't have a blog):

Wanna Help Motivate?
If you are interested in being a contributor to this blog--maybe workout tips, recipes, or other ideas, please let me know in the comments below. Like I said, this is totally spur of the moment, so I'm still thinking of ways to help you get motivated to move it move it!

A few disclaimers:
1. I did not make up this challenge, and I don’t know where it originated from. I’m not a genius, and I do have to give credit to my coworkers for smoothing out the details.
2. I do not guarantee that you will lose weight or win your marathon if you do this challenge.
3. As with any new exercise program, check with your doctor to make sure it's okay you participate.
4. I do hope you’ll have fun and maybe get/provide some moral support by participating.

**Big Thanks to Softdrink (Jill) for making us a button!