Friday, December 20, 2013

Winter Miles Challenge 2014

Winter is notoriously the most difficult time of year to stay committed to the run. Between cold temperatures, blustery winds, darkness and snow, there are plenty of excuses to cheat or quit. But if you want a strong spring, the work needs to be done over winter. Spring PR's are made in the dead of winter. This is why I've created the Winter Miles Challenge to help keep us all on track through the toughest 8 weeks of winter. Yes, we will have a successful spring!

January 6 - March 2
The Winter Miles Challenge is about holding yourself (and each other) accountable to your weekly mileage goal. At the end of every week, you will report back your completed mileage. If you hit your weekly goal, you will be entered into the weekly prize drawing. This is about pushing yourself; keeping yourself motivated. It's all about saying YES! I DID IT! at the end of each week.
The question is... Are you READY? 
Does your winter training need encouragement? 
A friendly kick in the pants? 
THIS IS IT.

First, pick the mileage level that is a good goal for YOU...
You can change levels from week to week.
Beginner: 10 miles each week
Intermediate: 20 miles each week
Trainer: 30 miles each week
Advanced: 40 miles each week
Ultra: 50 miles each week

REPORT BACK your weekly #WinterMiles every Sunday/Monday.

Every week that you hit your mileage goal, you earn one entry into that week's prize drawing sponsored by these great companies...
Week 1 (Jan.6-12) - YakTrax - Winner is Jodi Thelen!
Week 2 (Jan.13-19) - ProCompression Socks - Winner is Mark Hamilton!
Week 3 (Jan.20-26) - Milestones Jewelry & Apparel - Winner is Sandy Segawa!
Week 4 (Jan.27-Feb.2) - Heart Rate Monitor Watch - Winner is Rachel Hodges!
Week 5 (Feb.3-9)110% Compression Socks - Winner is Christy Decker!
Week 6 (Feb.10-16)FlapJacked Protein Pancakes - Winner is Carolynn Diekhoff!
Week 7 (Feb.17-23)Fitsok Socks - Winner is Heather O'Donnell!
Week 8 (Feb.24-Mar.2) - Hydrapak & GU Energy - Winner is Brandy Childers!


Best of all, the Winter Miles Challenge is FREE to participate!
Up-to-date details can be found in the weekly eNewsletter...
Week 1 HERE   |   Week 2 HERE   |   Week 3 HERE
Week 4 HERE   |   Week 5 HERE   |  Week 6 HERE

Let people know... You are RUNNING Winter! 
Add this button to your blog or Facebook...



** WINTER MILES GEAR **
Add-on a reminder of WHY YOU RUN through the cold and snow or put those endless miles on the treadmill. Introducing, my newest design in a casual jersey/tee hoodie or performance training shirt...
WINTER MILES BRING SPRING SMILES

The Long-Sleeve Performance Shirts are moisture-wicking 100% polyester. Available in both Ladies and Men's sizing from S-2XL, it's the perfect look for any runner. The ladies shirts have a slender ladies cut. In my opinion, these run similar to other athletic gear, but when in doubt, always size up. (I barely wear a L in Nike brand, and can also squeeze into a L here. My larger friends have told me these are running small so please choose your size accordingly.) This is a custom order, so please remember I do not have extras for exchanges.  $25.00  Sorry, SOLD OUT. 

The Jersey Hoodie is the perfect pullover to relish your run - long after it's done. Weighing only 4.5oz, this lighweight hoodie is super comfortable on the go or around the house. The fabric blend is 65% cotton and 35% polyester. Again, my personal opinion... This feels like a long-sleeve t-shirt - plus the hood and front pocket! (Again my opinion... I could probably wear the M in this unisex-sized shirt, but I wanted loose and comfy so I went with the L.) This is a custom order, so please remember I do not have extras for exchanges. $25.00   Sorry, SOLD OUT. 



Winter Bling!! These shiny Finisher's Medals for the Snowball Shuffle 8K Virtual Race will disappear quickly, so grab one while you can. Silver glitter ring circles the design, finished with a blue neck ribbon. Virtual Race will be held the week of Jan. 27 - Feb. 2. Grab some friends, shuffle through the snow for an 8K (4.97 miles), and then end with a snowball fight!
$10.00 plus $2 shipping  Sorry, SOLD OUT.


70 comments:

  1. This is so great to see a free challenge like this! I completely agree that it's definitely harder to stay motivated to run through the cold, snowy weather, but I think this challenge will definitely help! Especially since I'm hoping to complete a spring half marathon. Love the design and slogan for the shirts too. So cute!

    ReplyDelete
  2. So fun!! Thank you for doing this!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. FYI my avatar picture is me doing one of these you set up 2 summers ago - it was the first time I ran a 10k :)

      Delete
  3. Awesome. I'm training for my first 50k, so this will give me even more of a reason to stay on track! Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  4. This sounds like a great challenge to kick me for the winter runs!!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I did a challenge like this in November and had my best numbers yet!
    We are on!

    ReplyDelete
  6. I've got to be hitting major mileage this winter, so count me in! Off to register...

    ReplyDelete
  7. Perfect to keep me motivated between the Huff 50K (next weekend- EEK!) and the next marathon at the end of March! And yes, I picked the 20 mile goal. I'm a slacker/thrive on lower mileage, and only average 25 miles/week during full training! Hooray for strength training.

    ReplyDelete
  8. I'm in! This is a good kick in the pants and inspiration!

    ReplyDelete
  9. This is so awesome! I went easy on myself since I don't typically run a lot in the cold or on treadmills due to sheer boredom and my bronchial cough killing me afterwards. So, I'll push on and run for YOU! :)

    ReplyDelete
  10. Just ordered the hoodie can't wait to show it off... starting training in January for my 1st half marathon in April... I ordered it before I finished scrolling the page and didn't see that I could of ordered a medal also:(

    ReplyDelete
  11. I am always looking for a way to stay motivated. Thank you for hosting this! When do the shirts have to be ordered by?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I wil most likely put in the first order by Dec. 31.
      A second printing will be done - but delivery will likely be end of Jan on those ordered after the 1st.

      Delete
  12. I'm interested in doing this, but i'm not able to run until early Feb. I'm thinking of setting a mileage goal (intermediate) that requires a lot of walking until running is an option again. Bending the "rules" too much.?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Actually, I'm going to go with beginner due to my current status as "recovering from injury" - i don't want to feel self - induced pressure to over do it when I'm able to start running. But I might do something like count 1.5 walking miles as 1 running mile so that I can stay motivated to get my mileage on while I'm waiting to be able to run again

      Delete
  13. I am starting training, so my mileage won't be as much in the beginning as the end. Can I start on the beginner then change into the differernt category later?

    ReplyDelete
  14. I am starting training, so my mileage won't be as much in the beginning as the end. Can I start on the beginner then change into the differernt category later?

    ReplyDelete
  15. I'm in. Because I will need this to make me train! ;)

    ReplyDelete
  16. This is exactly what I need to stay motivated!

    ReplyDelete
  17. I'm in! Help keep me focused as I train for the London Marathon and raise money for Cancer Research. Thanks hosting Jess!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Thank you for putting together this Winter Challenge! Definitely some much needed motivation to get through the Winter months....

    ReplyDelete
  19. I want to do this Winter Challenge.. But every time I click the link to register, it says it's a non working page? Any suggestions?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Try again... works for me & several hundred have signed up already.
      https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1sXx7pEOm5mL6kJYPXnxdNd6qGKscZ-8UcWz6sp9v0iU/viewform

      Delete
    2. I think I may have to try from home.. It won't let me access it from my work computer.. Boo!

      Delete
  20. I signed up! Exactly what I needed to get back on track! =)

    ReplyDelete
  21. Needed the encouragement! Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Awesome! Living up in the Arctic (and likely on the treadmill), I need every motivation to ensure I'm still running!

    ReplyDelete
  23. Just signed up for the challenge - thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  24. This is excellent, I am definitely in!

    ReplyDelete
  25. I've slipped off the wagon for a while. Time to get back to my health again. Thanks, Jess! So happy to have a plan again.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Wish we had snow in Yokosuka. That medal would be perfect. Will be doing Eugenen when we return home on leave next summer. I understand your frustration having to pass the finish line midway through that race. I had to warn my husband before he did that race. I knew it would break him.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Awesome, I am in!! Can't wait for it!

    ReplyDelete
  28. Im in, I have my first half in April so this will (hopefully) keep me motivated. However, I have a question. Where will we log our miles. Is there a challenge set up in Daily Mile or at another site?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. A link will be provided each week to report back mileage.

      Delete
  29. Any chance I can change my mileage..I think I want to challenge myself more and make it 30 miles a week and not 20 (that's seem too easy)

    ReplyDelete
  30. Do shirts/medal ship to Canada? Thanks for this - such a great winter training boost!

    ReplyDelete
  31. Woohoo! I'm in! This will give me incentive to get out the door even when it's cold.

    ReplyDelete
  32. I tried to order a hoodie and the medal but I keep getting "This page cannot be displayed" on both "Add to Cart" buttons when clicked. Is there another way to place the order?

    ReplyDelete
  33. I'm an advanced beginner, but not quite intermediate only due to the fact that I have two kids who are under 4 years old...hopefully I can fit in all my miles!!!

    ReplyDelete
  34. Heard about this through Kim (Just Tryin) - I'm in!

    ReplyDelete
  35. Just signed up! I am not really a beginner but due to a cranky hip there is no way I can do 20 miles a week. Thanks for hosting!

    ReplyDelete
  36. all signed up and ready to go!

    ReplyDelete
  37. Did I miss where we post our miles?

    ReplyDelete
  38. I'm so excited to be part of this fun winter challenge!! I'm registered and ready to go! Also looking forward to receiving my T-shirt. It is so cute! :)

    ReplyDelete
  39. All signed up! Excited for this! Also, where do we post our miles?

    ReplyDelete
  40. Is the only time you can order t-shirts?

    ReplyDelete
  41. This is totally what I need to get my butt in gear for my winter training! So excited!

    ReplyDelete
  42. I am signed up for a few challenges right now (Run This Year and 14 in 2014) but I actually thing that this challenge will go hand in hand with those! So looks like I'm signed up for yet another challenge! And those shirts/medals are so cute!

    ReplyDelete
  43. I'm in and starting out the week running the Goofy Race & a Half Challenge at Disney! 39.3 is my commitment this week! DONE!

    ReplyDelete
  44. Do elliptical miles count? I have an elliptical machine, but not a treadmill. The windchill AND the snow blowing in my face is just a little much. I don't want to make excuses, but I kept tripping on the curb trying to dodge cars who were also dodging snow drifts!

    ReplyDelete
  45. Found this through "Sneaks and Stilettos" blog! I entered! Whoop! Let's start running :)

    ReplyDelete
  46. Any chance there will be another chance to order shirts? They sold out before I signed up. I did go ahead and register for the virtual race. Sounds great!

    ReplyDelete
  47. Hey there! I just found this and have got 2 questions:
    No. 1. Is the challenge open internationally? and
    No. 2. Can late- comers start in Week2? I really need some motivation to get back on my training (after a particularly nasty calf injury) but highly doubt I'll be able to complete the 10 mile Beginner's Goal in the 2(+) days remaining in Week 1 :(

    (www.lifestylecounter.com)

    ReplyDelete
  48. For the Snowball Shuffle, is there somewhere to sign-up for that, or do we just buy the medal, do the race and report our time? Please advise.

    ReplyDelete
  49. I signed up! Great motivation to keep putting in miles!

    ReplyDelete
  50. Any idea on how to change my mileage option from week to week??

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Please click on the newsletter links. All the details are there in the FAQ section. Thanks!

      Delete
  51. I just found out about this challenge! My FB had been keeping your posts out of my newsfeed and I didn't realize it until recently =( I joined up today and will post my mileage at the end of the week!
    Question - Does the week end on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday?
    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know it... FB is so weird like that these days. Why like a page if you don't get to see it? Anywho, welcome to the Challenge!! Milage is counted from Monday-to-Sunday each week.

      Delete

I appreciate your feedback and comments!