May 24, 2019

Summer Running and Walking Challenges for 2019

#CookiesSummerChallenge

It's that time of year again! Summer is quickly approaching, and as I've done for the last few years, I'm sharing a summer running/walking challenge that I created. (New this year, I have a fun alternate list as well.)

I've always found getting motivated to exercise in the summer very difficult--it's hot outside and with Michigan's horrible humidity, the thought of drowning in sweat isn't too appealing. So, in 2016, I made up a list of ways to make running during the summer a little more fun. I challenged myself to check off the runs on the list, and focusing on the list rather than plain old running was much more appealing!

I shared the list on my blog, and it became pretty popular, so I posted an updated version in both 2017 and 2018. I tried to think of some new ideas to change up the list this year, but my mind was totally blank. In looking at the previous years' lists, which included a couple of national "holidays", such as National Ice Cream Day and International Beer Day, I had an idea...

I thought it would be fun to make a list of runs or walks that centered entirely around these quirky national "holidays". Since this one isn't quite as customizable, I suggest that people pick 13 or more of the runs/walks (there are 13 weeks of summer) and try to do at least one per week. Super bonus to anyone who does all of them!

I made it in this calendar form to make it easier to see what holiday falls on each day:

Summer Run/Walk Challenge 2019 calendar screenshot


I also included a list of the runs in case you prefer to check things off. Here is a snippet of the "traditional" list (this traditional challenge is more difficult)

Summer Run/Walk challenge checklist screenshot


So, here they are--in checklist form as well as a calendar--each is printer friendly! Just choose whatever challenge you'd like (or even come up with some combination that suits you). The challenge starts with the Summer Solstice on June 21st and ends with the Fall Equinox on September 23rd.


For Runners:

Runs for Cookies Summer Running Checklist 2019 (the traditional challenge)
Runs for Cookies Summer Running Calendar 2019 (fill this in to plan out when you're going to do each run on the checklist)

Runs for Cookies Summer Running (Quirky Holiday) Checklist 2019
Runs for Cookies Summer Running (Quirky Holiday) Calendar 2019 (this is filled in for you)


For Walkers:

Runs for Cookies Summer Walking Checklist 2019 (the traditional challenge)
Runs for Cookies Summer Walking Calendar 2019 (fill this in to plan out when you're going to do each run on the checklist)

Runs for Cookies Summer Walking (Quirky Holiday) Checklist 2019
Runs for Cookies Summer Walking (Quirky Holiday) Calendar 2019 (this is filled in for you)


I would love to see updates on your runs or walks on social media, so please make sure to use the hashtag #CookiesSummerChallenge and tag me @runsforcookies on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook (I use Instagram the most).

I even made a little badge if you want to commit to the challenge by going public. Haha! Being very public about certain goals helps me sometimes (ahem, clearly not *all* the time). As for myself this summer, I haven't yet decided whether I'm going to do either challenge, but I am thinking I might try the traditional one again--walking, not running. Since I've been walking lately, I think it would be fun to work on the checklist--and in three years, I haven't even come close to finishing it!

#CookiesSummerChallenge : Runs for Cookies Summer Run/Walk Challenge 2019

(My blog settings don't allow you to right click the badge to save, but you can click it once to open it in a new window and save it that way. Then just upload it to Instagram or wherever you want to announce that you're doing the challenge.)

Hope you enjoy :)


3 comments:

  1. I was just thinking about your summer challenge the other day and wondering if you were doing it again! I love the idea of the "national days" calendar. This will be the year I check off all the walks I set out to do ;)

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  2. Perfect timing!!! I’m officially training for the Chicago marathon (week 2 here), And my first goal is to do 26 races on the way to the 26.2! I have done 13 so far!!!! The next 13 will be more serious though! Hopefully I stay injury free. And lose 40 pounds although I am a year into trying with no success so I’m not holding my breath anymore.

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  3. I am so in!! This looks so fun!! Thank you!

    ReplyDelete

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