For this week, my Thursday is for thinking out loud is dedicated to the fall/winter fitness challenges I have decided to participate in! Since the beginning of the year, I dedicated my extra time to becoming a healthier version of myself – running and better eating habits have been the cornerstone of my success! Now that I am at my “goal” weight and have met my fitness challenges for the year (minus my last ½ marathon next weekend!), I am glad that I found a few fun (and FREE) fitness challenges to keep me propelling forward through the end of the year!

Holiday Sweat Challenge
#holidaysweat

Who:  Anyone looking to up their fitness or stay on track
What: All aboard for an 8 week journey of workouts, prizes, support and community building!
Where: Wherever you live! It’s all online.
When: November 8^th – January 2^nd
Why: The best way to ensure your skinny jeans fit like they were custom tailored to your rockin’ bod on! January 1 is to hop on the #HolidaySweat train right now!

Cost: FREE
Host: @RunToTheFinish
Website: http://fitapproach.com/holidaysweat/ or http://www.runtothefinish.com/page/3

PRIZES: This challenge has been a hit every year not just because of the prizes, but because of the community that’s forged in these times where we so desperately need support! Prizes every week for posting your workouts, foods, etc. on social media using the hashtag (#holidaysweat).

Give Planks Challenge
#giveplanks

Who: EVERYONE!
What: Each day spend some time reading a Bible verse and spending time in prayer while planking. This is NOT a plank time challenge, but instead a way to spend the time we’re strengthening our cores also with God.  It’s GREAT if you plank for 30 seconds and then keep your prayer time going afterward!​
Where: Virtual (everywhere!)
When: November 2015
Why: This Holiday Season let’s GIVE CHEER! Get fit, lower stress, stay accountable, improve nutrition and most importantly – stay focused on Thanksgiving and Celebration of our Savior’s Birth.

Cost: FREE
Hosts: @momsanitysisters, @faithfullyfitcassiahope, @a.wrightfit, @inneractivefit, @l.i.f.t, @fitaspire, @natalie_nurturingfitness, @Thefitcookie, @jill_jacobs_
Website: @momsanitysisters on Instagram

PRIZES: To win all you need to do is post your plank picture, or our scripture, or our picture above or re-post any of our pictures or those from our partners on Instagram with #giveplanks.   The hosts pick two winners for the first 3 weeks and FOUR winners the final week!

Pile On The Miles 2015
#POTM15

Who: EVERYONE!
What: Online challenge to move more during the month of November
Where: Virtual (everywhere!)
When: November 1^st – November 28^th
Why: Challenge yourself and encourage others to move more this month! The challenge is about setting a goal, staying accountable with daily check-ins, and it is about YOUR GOALS (NOT a competition for the most miles).

Cost: FREE
Host: @runeatrepeat
Website: http://runeatrepeat.com/2015/10/28/pile-on-the-miles-2015/

PRIZES: Each Saturday in November, there will be a $100 Amazon gift card giveaway just for checking in and being accountable! There will also be smaller prizes during the week to be announced as the challenge goes along.

Runner’s World Run Streak
#rwrunstreak

Who: It’s open to everyone, but you need to be reasonably fit before you attempt anything like this.
What: Run at least one mile per day, every day, starting on Thanksgiving Day and ending on New Year’s Day.
Where: Anywhere!
When: November 26^th – January 1^st
Why: The RW Run Streak will help you—and us—bridge the gap and maintain fall fitness through the winter.

Cost: FREE
Host: @runnersworldmag and #rwrunstreak
Website: http://www.runnersworld.com/tag/rwrunstreak

PRIZES: Self-empowerment and fitness maintenance through the holiday season

Do you have any end of the year challenges that you are participating in?

What are your goals for the coming season?