November 17, 2014

2014 Holiday Challenges-Elf 4 Health,Holiday Sweat,& #RWRunStreak

I'm still in shock that it is almost Thanksgiving and that the holiday season is right around the corner. I almost pulled out some Christmas decorations this weekend but thought it might have been too early. Looking at the calendar this morning, I think I was wrong!

With the holidays come lots of parties, travelling, and plenty of distractions. That's what makes it the perfect time to get some support & accountability to keep your healthy habits from falling to the wayside.  I've got 3 awesome holiday challenges to tell you about that you should join me in!

The first challenge is the Elf 4 Health 2014, a really fun, free challenge run by Lindsay of the Lean Green Bean and Elle of  According to Elle.  I've participated in this challenge the past two years and love that it includes daily tasks and challenges in the categories of not only fitness and food but you and others.  You are assigned an elf buddy every 2 weeks that you are supposed to email twice a week with inspiration, recipes, and tips to form a great little support system and get the chance to meet someone new. 


There are two rounds and the diverse daily tasks will challenge you to get organized, pay it forward, or just try a new workout. Check out all the daily challenges below:
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There are also daily challenge winners, elf winners for each round, and an overall winner with prizes sponsored by companies like Love Grown Foods, Swanson Health Products, Sweaty Betty, and more!

Sign ups end THIS FRIDAY 11/21 at 11:59 EST so hurry up and get registered here


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This free challenge starts Monday November 24 and ends Sunday December 21. 


The second challenge is one I'm doing for the first time this year-the Holiday Sweat Challenge hosted by Amanda of Run to the Finish and Sweat Guru.   This 6-week challenge hopes to help you get a jump start on feeling great and staying on track with your health and fitness goals.  

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With the challenge you get three emails a week with recipes, tips, motivation and workouts, and all the content is created for this year's challenge by registered dietitians,running coaches, personal trainers, and physical therapists.  You can check in daily on the Facebook support group and take part in a little friendly competition for people at your same fitness level for the chance to win prizes from companies like Vega and Lorna Jane.

  Don't worry, you can easily earn points just by being active and eating your veggies! 

This challenge starts Monday November 24 and ends Monday January 5.  It only costs $16 for the whole challenge. 

Click here to register for the Holiday Sweat Challenge 2014 before the challenge starts on November 24 and let them know that Lauren S. from Breathe Deeply and Smile sent you! 

(Disclosure: There's a referral contest so I'd love to get mentioned if you register.)

If you are already excited to get started, the Holiday Sweat challenge is hosting a Holiday Sweat Instagram challenge this week before the full challenge starts with prizes from Zico and Once Again Nut Butters.  

Follow me on Instagram here to see how I take part in the challenge!

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Details about the Instagram challenge here.

The third challenge I haven't completely made up my mind about yet is the Runner's World Run Streak Winter 2014 (#RWRunStreak). I participated in the Run Streak this past summer and while I didn't recap it on the blog, it did push me to get moving, even if just for 10 minutes a day! There were definitely many late night 1 milers done on the treadmill to keep the streak alive. 
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This free challenge sounds simple, run at least one mile per day, every day starting on Thanksgiving (Thursday, November 27) and ending on New Year's Day (Thursday, January 1)

Pushing yourself to run for 36 consecutive days isn't for everyone, but even just running a slow & easy mile a day for 36 days may be the boost you need this holiday season. Use the hashtag #RWRunStreak to check in on social media and get support on the Run Streak Facebook page here
Let me know if you decide to join me in these challenges. For me the best part is talking to other people and supporting each other. Sometimes it's nice to just to have a new friend to ask a question or talk to when the stress levels get high during the holidays!

(This post was linked up in this weekly Fit-Dish.)

Have you ever particpated in a healthy holiday challenge before? How do you stay on track with your health & fitness goals during the holidays? 

3 comments:

  1. Holy wow that is a lot of challenges!!! I think I have enough just in my house with the boys and all the other family "challenges" of the holidays :-) And no, it's not too early to start decorating - ours go up this weekend!!

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  2. These are fantastic ways to stay healthy and accountable this holiday season! Way to be prepared!

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  3. So many challenges! :D I'm super excited about Elf 4 Health! I've never done it before, but it looks like fun! :]

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