Today: I’ll take the physical challenge.

[tweetmeme source=”elizabethev” only_single=false]This is why my legs feel like lead this morning.  It’s also my excuse for falling up the stairs in my office building this morning.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=52wRx7DkjS0&w=560&h=349]

That last hill was no joke.  The cheering crowds and breathtaking scenery, however, kept me smiling for the full 7 miles.

And this is why my arms are going to feel like spaghetti tomorrow morning.

And this is why I won’t be drinking Diet Coke for the next 14 days. (No, it’s not Lent yet.)

My friends at Everyday Health have teamed up with Social Workout for a fun end of the summer (I just cried on my keyboard) challenge.  For 14 days, participants are challenged to take on six straight forward tasks:

• Complete at least 120 minutes of cardio per week
• Complete 10+ push ups daily
• Complete 25+ sit ups daily
• Log calorie intake for the duration of the challenge (check out their free app)
• Increase fruit and vegetable intake
• Eliminate soda (yes, even my beloved Diet Coke)

With marathon training heating up, this challenge comes at the perfect time for me.  I’m making an effort to be more aware of what my body needs in terms of calorie intake, and I can always use some added encouragement to put down the chemical water.  By adding strength training and boxing to my training schedule over the past three months, I have already seen great improvements in my running performance.

Are you up for a little physical challenge (Double Dare, anyone…)?  There are great prizes up for grabs; all the details are available at EverydayHealth.com.

Also On Tap for Today:

• Unpacking, again 🙂
• Love this canning jar hack!
• I sort of want a USB wall socket

How are you planning to enjoy these dwindling days of summer?