Stupid Halloween candy!   I was doing so well with the Unprocessed Challenge.  Somehow I survived most of the month avoiding candy corn and chocolate bars.  Then the stupid Halloween candy went on BOGO at my local supermarket and had two very large bags sitting my pantry.  Those fun size candy bars haunted me.

In a moment of weakness, I opened the bag and I ate a bar.  Then, I ate another.  And then, let’s just say I looked like Augustus Gloop falling into the chocolate river.  It wasn’t pretty.  Now, I only have one bag left of my BOGO deal which means I’ll need to buy more candy tonight, however, the new bag will remain sealed until tomorrow evening.  I swear.

Thankfully, that candy won’t be sitting around after Halloween because my kids and I will be participating in the Halloween Candy Buy Back program once again.  The day after Halloween, local dentists collect candy and pay kids for their candy per pound.  Some dentists give toothbrushes too.  The candy is then sent to troops overseas through Operation Gratitude.  Check the website to find a dentist near you participating in the program.  It’s such a wonderful way to give and it’s win-win situation for everyone: kids, the troops and it gets the candy out of my house!

Speaking of giving, my kids and I are participating in the 30-Day Giving Challenge for the fourth year.  Basically, every day in November, you have a task of giving a gift which can be something as simple as sending a card or elaborate as working in a soup kitchen.  If you need some ideas or inspiration, see the gifts we’ve given here and here.  This year, I made my own calendar 30 Day Giving Challenge calendar template.  Print it out and fill it gifts you’d like to give and join us in 30-Day Giving Challenge.

November is also Epilepsy Awareness Month and I found this really great virtual race via my SPA sisters.  On
November 1, you can register to Wear Purple Virtual 5K/Marathon to Cure Epilepsy but you have the entire month to accrue the miles.  The registration fee includes a custom medal engraved with the name of the person you run in support of and a seizure first aid wallet card. All proceeds after cost of medal will be donated to the Epilepsy Foundation.  I’ve registered for the marathon in honor of my niece, Meghan who has lived with epilepsy since infancy.

The first day of November will definitely be busy one around here.  Besides, accruing miles for a virtual epilepsy marathon, celebrating my oldest daughter’s 11^th birthday and dropping off candy at the dentist, I’m also kicking off a new fitness challenge.  It’s been a while (a few months at least) since I hosted a fitness challenge and I need to do something to survive the holidays.

Starting November 1, I’m kicking the candy to the curb and focusing on the core this month with planks.  So, join me this Thursday as we kick off a fitness challenge called “Thanks for Planks!”  Stop by here on Thursday to learn all the details of the challenge.

And that’s about it.  Phew.  And I thought October was a busy month!

And now for the runs.  I ran 6 miles last Thursday then rested on Friday for the race The Living Dead Challenge the next day.  (Details tomorrow!)

6.2 miles
Time 1:01:02
Ave Pace 9:51
Max Pace 6:44

Since I ran in two races two days in a row (5K Saturday night/ half marathon Sunday morning), I rested Monday and I decided to skip the speedwork today.  I did run 4 miles though.

4 miles
Time 40:28
Ave Pace 10:07
Max Pace 7:56

What about you?  Did you speedwork today or did you skip on the sprints?  What challenges are you facing in the next coming month?

To join our Track Tuesday linky party, do your speed work (at least 4 quarter mile sprints) on Tuesday or any day you that works best for you, blog about your times and remember to add our cool Track Tuesday button to your post.  Then, link up your post at either Ricole Runs or Run DMT to share Track Tuesday Speed Work Sessions.  To show support for our other virtual running partners on the Track Tuesday Team, be sure to visit the other blogs listed in the linky party.  Give them a virtual high-five and leave some comment love too.

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Denise Mestanza-Taylor+