Progress report #14 June 25- June 30

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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...

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

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

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

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

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!!

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

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

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

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

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!

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

(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

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

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

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

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

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!

Getting out of your Exercise Rut (Mini-Challenge)

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

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

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...

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

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

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

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)

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!