Every year since I started running, I have the same problem that creeps up on me as the temperatures drop – I lose my motivation to run. Since I will be running my 3rd marathon in March, I have no choice but to keep up with my running this Winter. However, for extra motivation and because it will be a lot of fun, I’m creating a challenge and I hope you will join me.
I challenge you to run 100 miles combined in the months of December, January and February with me. I am calling this the Winter 100 Challenge (yes, I’m aware that Winter doesn’t technically start until December 22, but hey, the whole month is cold around here!). Even if you live someplace that is warm all year around, you can still participate (I will just be insanely jealous of your weather).
One hundred miles may sound intimidating, but you have 3 months to run those miles. It averages out to a little over 33 miles per month which is a teensy bit over 8 miles per week. Easy peasy! I know you can do that. Plus, this is a great way to keep that pesky holiday weight gain at bay!
Need some motivation to participate? How about some fantastic prizes? The list will grow as I hear back from more sponsors. So far, you have the chance to win prizes from some of my favorite running gear makers:
Garmin – you can win a Garmin Forerunner 210!! I cannot live without my Garmin and I’m ecstatic that one Winter 100 Challenge participant will win one.
GU Energy Labs – you can win a sampling of their latest flavors! Gu is my favorite fuel for long runs!
Ryders Eyewear – you have the chance to win a pair of sunglasses! Their sunglasses have become one of my favorite running accessories.
Sparkly Soul – you can win an awesome and very sparkly headband! Perfect for keeping your hair out of your face while you work up a sweat.
Nuun – you have the chance to win a Nuun sample pack plus a super cool Nuun water bottle! The BEST sports drink I have ever had; a must for my long runs.
Go Sport ID – we have TWO gift certificates to give away from Go Sport ID so 2 people get to win this awesome prize! Their ID bracelets are not only a must for safety, but they are also an awesome running accessory.
SparkleSkirts – you can win your choice of a SparkleLight or SparkleTech skirt! These skirts are adorable.
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To enter this challenge, simply register:
REGISTRATION
Rules and Requirements:
- E-mail me a spreadsheet with all of your completed runs listed (date, miles and time required) OR you may send me a screenshot from your Garmin Connect, Nike Plus, MapMyRun, RunKeeper, DailyMile, or other running log data. You are on the honor system for tracking mileage. As they say – if you cheat, you’re only cheating yourself!
- E-mail me your spreadsheet or running data screenshot by 11:59pm on February 29, 2012. You may send it to me sooner if you complete your miles sooner, you overachiever! Winners will be contacted on March 2, 2012.
- Just get the miles in. It doesn’t matter if you run at a 6:00min/mile pace for a 13:00min/mile pace. Runners of all levels are invited to join in.
- Winners will be chosen at random out of those who send me their completed running logs. As long as you run at least 100 miles, you will be entered to win. Running 300 miles will not give you a greater chance of winning; it will just make me think that you are awesome.
- You don’t have to be a running mom! You can be a man or woman, with or without kids to participate.
- Don’t be intimidated by the thought of running 100 miles. You have 3 months to do it and I know you can do it!
- While I originally intended this to be a running challenge, I know that not everyone can run for whatever reason. Therefore, walking miles count too. However, biking, ellipticals, etc do not count. I want these miles to be accomplished with your feet on the ground (or treadmill)!
- There is no deadline to register. As long as you can show proof that you ran 100 miles in December, January and February, you can still enter the challenge.
- Optional: I’d love to have some of your pictures to share as the challenge progresses. If you’re hardcore and head out for a run in the snow, it would be pretty awesome if you take some pictures so I can post it here.
- Optional: Chance for a bonus entry! If you help me reach my fundraising goal with Team in Training in addition to participating in the challenge, you will receive a bonus entry. A donation is not required to enter the challenge!
- Please e-mail all mileage logs to therunningmomblog@gmail.com
If you’d like, I’d love it if you would tweet the following: “I just signed up for @thismomruns Winter 100 Challenge! http://the-running-mom.com/?p=991 Join me & enter to win some awesome prizes!”
Thank you to all of our wonderful sponsors for this challenge!
To kick off this challenge, reply below with a comment to tell us how you stay motivated to run as the temperatures drop.
Note: All prizes have been donated. Throughout the course of the challenge, I will post product reviews of the items being given away. All reviews, thoughts and words are my own.
If you are interested in donating a prize to the challenge, please e-mail me!
Very cool challenge! Where do I sign up or are hubbys ineligible?
You can (and should!) participate, but you won’t be eligible to win any prizes
how fun!! if you wanted to do this in conjunction with HBBC let me know and I can promote it! http://www.runtothefinish.com/2011/10/holiday-bootie-buster-challenge-2011.html
i have about 430 sign ups right now
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Amanda – RunToTheFinish recently posted…Advice for New Runners
The HBBC looks awesome! I’d love to work together!
I keep myself motivated by signing up for spring races! Great challenge!
Great way to stay motivated!
I’m in! Since I’m now running over 200 a month, 100 in 3 doesn’t seem so bad.
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Kara recently posted…Miss me?
Kara, you’re such an overachiever
. I’m so glad you’re in!
I’d love to participate! The registration page will let me fill in my information but there’s no button for me to hit submit. Am I doing something wrong?
I stay motivated during cold weather by thinking about the spring and summer months where I want to rock my swimsuit without having to think twice!
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Suzanne recently posted…If Tomorrow Never Comes…
Never mind! Got it done!
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Suzanne recently posted…If Tomorrow Never Comes…
Sorry about that Suzanne! You just have to press enter. I was confused when I tested it out too. I’ll go add that to the page so people know what to do.
I’m so glad you signed up!
I’m doing my first 5K *ever* on Sunday. I started running with the G.I.R.L. program with the Howard County Striders this fall. I could only run a few blocks before giving up. I love running with my G.I.R.L group, but I’m hoping to do this winter challenge alone, because I hate running alone, but need that push to run alone.
Good for you, Michelle! I’m sure you will do great with your 5K. I’m glad you’re joining the challenge!
I’m in! Totally cool that you’re running another marathon in March!
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Karen recently posted…I Finished the 2011 NYC Marathon
Wahoo!
I did c25k this past spring but after running my first 5k I stopped. I’ve been thinking about getting back into running and this seems like a perfect way to do it! So excited!
Yay! So glad you’re going to participate, Katie!
Thank you for this!!! Last spring after my 2nd baby turned 1, I was determined to get back running again. I never dreamed it would be so hard! It took months of frustration, trying to squeeze in a run here and there, while working full time, caring for my girls, and being sleep deprived – I know you know what I mean! – but I finally signed up for my first 10K ever. The race was this past weekend. It was awesome! I feel so good to have done it. But the next day all of a sudden I realized I was facing the coming winter and the persistent darkness, and no race to drive me. How was I going to keep going? I love your challenge and I am happy to have a new goal. I’m so glad I found your site.
Congrats on your 10K! I hear you on losing your drive to run. I’m so glad you’re joining the challenge!
I’m in! My first half isn’t until May, so my training for that won’t start until Februaryish, but I definitely want to keep a decent base through the winter months.
Awesome! So glad you’re in!
i try and run on the treadmill 2-3 days a week. how can i log this and still participate? i would love to join!
Hi Tiffany! You can log your treadmill miles in a spreadsheet – include the date, mileage and time it took you to run. You can send that to me at the end of the challenge. Or, you may use an online log like Dailymile.com
I am in! I am signed up for the full in May so I am motivated to run so I can finish it…and hopefully slightly faster than a snail!
Awesome, Naomi!
Great idea! I’m staying motivated by training for a full marathon on January. Living in Southern California the dropping temperatures aren’t as significant–but it’s still pretty tempting to stay in a cozy bed on a cold morning.
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Corrina recently posted…11.11.11 11k
Cold mornings do make it hard to get out of bed!
I am so glad I found this challenge!!!! I am running my 3rd half marathon in March also!!! Wohoo!!!
Yay!
I am going to be training for my first half marathon so will be piling on the base miles soon… this is a good way to keep myself motivated.
Thanks so much!
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Elle recently posted…A Good Run Today… and a Bit of History
Wahoo! Glad you’re in!
Just signed up! How do I stay motivated? Thinking of laying on the beach next summer in a bikini!
Excellent motivation!
What a great challenge! I might just have to do this. 3 miles 3 times a week for 3 months… I should be able to do this. I’m hoping for great things with you winter 100.
You can definitely do it!
Looks like fun! I have so many races next spring this will be just the extra little push I need!!
I keep myself motivated by signing up for spring races…I dont care about how fast I am, just that I feel strong when I finish and have FUN!
Thank you for this challenge. I have two Disney half marathons in January, this will keep me motivated for February too.
Sounds like a great challenge! I am running the Tinker Bell half marathon in January. I need all the help I can get to train during these cold months.
I am in! I don’t struggle too much with motivation to run, but am sure I will be tested when I travel to MI for the holidays. I just might be sending you a pic of me running in the snow!
Fun challenge!
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Christie recently posted…Thanksgiving Wrap-Up
I’m jealous that you don’t struggle with motivation
. Glad that you’re in and I’d LOVE a picture of you running in the snow!
I registered but I want to Change my email address. Any way I can do that?
Sure, Jodi! You can send me an e-mail by filling out the contact page to let me know what you want to change it to.
I signed up! This seems so daunting to me but at the same time that excites me. If I’m able to run 100 miles in the three months, I will be absolutely ecstatic with myself.
100 miles does sound daunting, but I know you can do it!
Elle from eat,run,sail told me about your challenge. I am in . I feel the same way you do about the winter. Last year after my marthon in oct. I just needed some time off, plus I didnt want to run in the cold weather. My workouts were not consistent at all. I put some weight back on. This year I want to stay motivated and focused. So I’m so up for this challenge this winter. Thank you for putting it together.
If I dont chicken out I think about doing the Little Rock Arkansas marathon March 3. I’m hoping that will keep me motivated to. I’m however having a hard time thinking about running my long runs in bad and cold weather. But I do have a running partner so hoping it is going to be a good running winter.
Kristen. I want to follow you, but am not seeing your follow button.
Hi Elle! I know it’s hard for me to stay motivated thinking about long runs in the bad weather. Having a goal like a race to look ahead to is a huge help.
You can follow me via RSS or subscribing to my blog via e-mail on the upper right hand corner, just below the header.
Are Canadians eligible for the prizes? Either way, I am going to try and achieve this, just would have to be 160k…..
Yes!
when the temps drop, I motivate by saying I want to look good when I get a year older (Feb. 24), I want to PR at a race over the winter (last year was the Disney Half, this year is the Hyannis Half).
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Danielle recently posted…Monday Motivations: Mushroom and Sage Stuffing
Awesome motivation!
Sounds cool! I’m in.
Im in this sounds fun! I will be stayi g motivated by training for a march marathon and a pr
Awesome, Tiffannie!
I AM soooo very excited for the challenge and to have found you! Thank you Amanda @ runto the finish!!!
So glad you joined the challenge!
Can I sign up from France?
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160K will definitely challenge me and keep me in the gym all winter long!
Charlotte recently posted…HBBC week 1
Absolutely, Charlotte!
I “tweeted” this question to you, but figured I’d ask it here, too…
I’m so excited to do the Winter 100 Challenge! I just injured my knee, though. Do walking/elliptical miles count? Spinning?
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Sarah Anne recently posted…Lessons Learned
Walking definitely counts.
Do you have some tips on dressing appropriately when running in the winter? Specifically, I’m worried when we get ice out and I don’t want to slip and fall when running on ice. Since I’m a new runner, I wasn’t sure if you had tips to stay safe and cozy.
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Michelle recently posted…michellefromtx: Today is World AIDS Day. Educate yourself. Get tested. You can now get tested for HIV using a saliva sample. http://t.co/NHxoL3aZ
I do have some tips, Michelle. I’ll do a post about them soon! As for the snow/ice, I’ve heard great things about Yaktrax that you put on your running shoes to give you traction.
OK, I’m all signed up! What a great challenge for the winter time, I appreciate having something to keep me motivated. Also, I am signed up for 2 winter races and 1 spring race to keep me going! Accountability
Wahoo! Glad you’re in, Carrie!
I am gonna start logging in my miles as soon as I get off from work
4 miles down…96 to go “i think i can, i think i can”
very excited about this..got 3 miles under my belt today!
Great idea to stay motivated! I stay motivated in the winter months by signing up for races, then I have a reason to get out the door!
Thanks for this; I need all the inspiration out there. I’m doing the Houston half in January, and the Austin Livestrong half in February, so…I don’t want to despair! This’ll help!
I’m in! I need a challenge to stay motivated to train for my next half marathon! (in February! Yikes!)
I actually enjoy running in the cold over warmer weather. I’m looking fwd to this since I just started my c25k yesterday, woot-woot!
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Christy, H. recently posted…The Mom behind her Home: Luci Lampe 2011 HomeMomGiftGuide
Excellent idea! I’m sooo excited… I too need a “reason” to run in this cold weather. Wonderful that you’ve created a way for us to support each other!!
Do miles from elliptical trainers count as well?
Unfortunately no. Just running and walking miles count.
I completed my first 5K ever on Thanksgiving and have another in January. I also signed up for my first half at the end of March. This challenge is a perfect way for me to track my mileage and stay motivated. I’m in!!! Thanks for the added kick in the pants.
Good for you, Jeni! I’m glad you’re in!
Can I still sign up? My distances will be in km’s though because I live in Canada…..
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Sam recently posted…HBBC Week 2
Absolutely, Sam!
Can I still sign up? My distance will be in km’s because I live in Canada….
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Sam recently posted…HBBC Week 2
I need all the help I can get to train during these cold months. I signed up!
I just signed up. I heard about this challenge through Karen from http://www.runningwithkaren.com/. This is a little intimidating because I’m new to running. I’m going to do my best!
I just found out about this on Running with the Girls! Sounds like a great challenge. I’m in.
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Clarinda recently posted…See ya in 2012
Is it too late to sign up??
Nope! You can still register
I’m a delayed registrant but hope to finish 100 miles by the 29th, I have to be close. I’ll be submitting the miles proof tracked by my fabulously reliable giant brick sized Garmin that is glue-gunned together after I FELL trail running and broke it. Time for new!
I know I am super late to the party – I just found your website. I have run the required mile as I have been training for a race can I still participate? The registration link is not working for me? I love your blog and I am so glad I found it. You’re in my Reader!
You can still participate! The registration form is no longer active. You can still send me your mileage log to therunningmomblog@gmail.com