Healthy holiday happenings

Can you believe it’s almost Christmas and 2015? I can’t. Where has this year gone?! Anyway, here’s a quick update on a few things I’ve been up to.

Jingle Bell Jog

On Friday in Chapel Hill, there was a Jingle Bell Jog at UNC for faculty and staff. I organized a department team, and we joined hundreds of other employees for a 1.5 mile walk or 3 mile fun run. Just like the Spring Fling event we did in May, the Jingle Bell Jog promotes health and fitness, and raises canned food donations for a local food bank and pet items for the animal shelter.

We enjoyed walking through part of campus and a beautiful neighborhood nearby, admiring the homes and gardens, most of which look like they could be in Southern Living. The weather wasn’t too bad, in the low 50s and overcast. We felt a raindrop or two but fortunately no more than that.

On a related note, I’ve continued with the daily walking group I started at work last summer, and that’s been going great.

Merry Fitness!

This weekend I put up most of the Christmas decorations at home. This included decking out my workout room with what I call a “Merry Fitness Tree” again this year. It’s a 4′ pre-lit tree with fitness-themed decorations, and I just love how it lights up the room. Here’s more about it.

Healthy Holiday Gift Guide

I’m pretty excited about launching my first-ever gift guide. It features eight product reviews, and there is something for just about everyone. Please check it out and let me know what you think!

NC Fitness Expo

And finally, I’m super excited to announce that I’ll be presenting at the North Carolina Fitness Expo in Charlotte in January! I’m so honored to be asked to do this. I’ll be speaking on, “Five Simple Secrets for Starting–and Sticking to–a Workout Program,” a very timely topic if your New Year’s resolution is to lose weight and get in shape.  If you’re local to the Carolinas, be sure to mark the expo on your calendar. Hope to see you there!