A Challenge For A Healthy Holiday

With half marathon #12 of Twelve In Twenty-Twelve next weekend I will be winding down successful completion of [most of] my 2012 health and fitness goals! I know myself well enough to know that without goals or a plan it will become way too easy to get off track especially during the holiday season. Don’t forget the stress that can come with the holidays. Staying on track with nutrition and fitness is one of the best ways to keep stress at a minimum. I’m sure you will agree that we don’t want to be another US statistic on holiday weight gain and stress! Right?

So, what’s my plan for staying motivated, active and healthy during the holiday season? I’m joining Amanda at Run To the Finish for another round of the Holiday Bootie Buster Challenge. This isn’t a diet or workout plan. It’s motivation, encouragement, information and support!

This little challenge started 5 years ago and grew to over 1,000 participants last year with $3,000 prizes. Each year Amanda hears from participants about the ways in which their lives have changed from committing to this fun program. People have gone from walking around the block to running their first 5K; from finishing their only 5K to deciding to complete a half marathon; from dreading the holiday food season to being shocked at losing weight.

Why is this challenge so effective?
Community: Change is easier together. When you see someone else who never worked out in the morning suddenly getting up every day or someone who has declared they hate vegetables trying to incorporate them you realize that change is possible. You may also be thinking “If he/she can do it, then I sure can!”

Competition: No one likes to lose. You may not be overly competitive, but somewhere inside there is the drive to do just a little more than the person next to you…admit it you’ve been on the treadmill at some point and thought I can go faster or longer than so and so next to me.  Being competitive is a good thing when it comes to our health, as it can drive us to make changes or stick to a schedule.

Habits: HBBC provides a structure where other habits can also begin to flourish. It sounds silly, but something as simple as tracking your workouts and fruit/veggie servings every day starts to create habits. Suddenly you are thinking of ways to work in movement or add a vegetable to your afternoon snack.  Studies have shown that what we measure we change because it allows us to focus on a particular area and fix anything that is not working.

Experts: This year has the added benefit of experts on board to answer questions. If you are concerned adding mileage or trying cross fit, they will be available in the private Facebook Group to help you make the best choice.  When they aren’t answering questions, experts will also be providing tips on the website for workouts, injury prevention and healthy food swaps.

Pay Up: The November issue of Runner’s World had an article that also explains why this year will be even better. When you pay for a race or to join a challenge, you feel committed to getting the most out of it so you don’t lose that money. HBBC unlike a race could actually end up paying you since there are weekly prizes and grand prizes based solely on participation!

If you’d like to know more about the challenge and all the great things it includes like ask an expert (including Deena Kastor), #bestfoot instagram pics and tweet chats checkout HolidayBootieBusterChallenge.com for details.

Still thinking about it? How about a discount for registration? Amanda is generously offering a $5 discount to all Fitness, Health and Happiness readers who join. Not only that! Last week I shared that I started Best Body Bootcamp at Tina Reale’s Best Body Fitness. Well, everyone that signs up for the Holiday Bootie Buster Challenge will also receive a $5 discount to register for the next round of Best Body Bootcamp that is scheduled to start on January 7. How’s that for a jump start on 2013 health and fitness goals!!

Did I mention the prizes? The seriously cool prizes include companies like Oakley, Asics, Running Skirts, Gap, Free Motion and more. I can speak personally about Oakley, Running Skirts, Gap and Free Motion. Those prizes alone are reasons to register!

Mark your calendars: CHALLENGE STARTS ON NOV 19 

I received a free registration to join the Holiday Bootie Buster Challenge. All thoughts and opinions are my own and were not influenced in any way but the organizer of this event.

Tagged: #FitFluential, challenge, Fit Approach, Girls Gone Sporty, holiday, Holiday Bootie Buster Challenge, motivation, Sweat Pink