My Holiday Running Challenge

42 miles in 38 consecutive days!

On November 24, 2011, I began the Runner's World Holiday Running Streak. Starting on Thanksgiving and finishing on New Year's Eve I ran everyday. I have to admit that initially I was a little hesitant about beginning this challenge. I wondered if I would be able to run at least a mile everyday considering I have only been running for about 5 months.. I was afraid of not being able to stick to it. Of getting hurt. Of getting busy and skipping a day. I did have days like "OMG, I DO NOT WANT TO DO THIS" but then I tell myself it's only a mile I have to do and I'll be back in 15 minutes, and then I'm fine once I get out the door. I sometimes even ran more than a mile. You see, it's a mind thing. You really can do anything you want if you put your mind to it.

One reason I began the challenge was to not gain any weight over the holidays. The second reason was to keep my fitness that I've built up over 6 months. But, the best thing about the challenge is that I don't have to say I'll start exercising after the new year. I've already started and plan to keep it up so I can enter another 5k.

Running in the Fall/Winter is actually nice in the South. Unlike the summer and beginning of Fall months where the humidity hits you like a wall, you don't get the humidity so much in late Fall/Winter. My holiday run streak took place all outside on the sidewalks and roads in my neighborhood. Mostly in the evening time. I don't own a treadmill, and I have not joined a gym. I ran in mostly 50 degree weather during the entire challenge. There were a few days where the temperature dipped a little below or little above, and I even ran a few times in the rain. The coolest thing about the end of the challenge is I ended it in Las Vegas! I couldn't have asked for a better way to begin the new year. Hmmm, maybe this year's resolution will be to work on being financially fit! ;)

Happy New Year Everyone!