On December 3, 2011, I was running the Christine Ann Race for the Light 5K with one of my best friends, Lauren, and her boyfriend, Jake. We were somewhere between Menominee Park and the railroad tracks when I had An Idea. I’m always cranky in the month of December. It’s dark, it’s cold, there’s too much to do, there’s never enough time to work out, and there’s always too much food and drink. What if I decided to run at least one mile every day for a month? Would that make me feel better?
January 2, 2012, I ran 3.1 miles on Day 31. So, the answer is, yes, I can run every day for 31 days. Here I am, at mile 2.25, today. It was 17F, with 30 mph wind gusts, and the sidewalks were ice-covered. FUN. Hello, winter.
So, I ran every day for 31 days. I ran 64.5 miles. I ran in the morning, and at lunch, and after work, and late in the evening. I ran on the treadmill, and outdoors. I ran happy, mad, tired, hungry, stuffed, and hurting.
But I DID IT.
The first week was tiring, but inspiring. I was motivated. I could do this!
The second week, I found myself missing morning workouts and being grumpy about it. I made them up, and resolved to get better at sticking to a schedule.
The third week was amazing. I was energized, I enjoyed the runs, and I had some good times.
The fourth week was misery. I was tired. My legs were tired. My left knee is still throbbing.
What did I learn? It can be done. It’s best to set a schedule and stick to it – it was easier to make time for the runs when I told myself I had to run first thing in the morning. There will be a lot more laundry. I’d rather run longer distances 3-5 times per week than short runs 7 days a week.
It was a great challenge for the month of December. I can see doing this next year, but mixing it up a little – perhaps 5 days running, 1 day of other cardio, and 1 day of yoga or Pilates.
What’s next?
A week of rest (OK, at least four days), and then training for 26.2 starts!
Great job, Jes. I did a running streak about the same time last last year. It was good as I wanted to help establish the habit of running, especially in the winter.
I’ve been considering another month-long streak this year. But maybe in the spring…
Thanks Karen!
Awesome Job! I’m so proud of you! Someday I might do that too. I was going to say that I could never do that, but that’s what I said about running to begin with and look at me now.
Someday. Okay, here’s a commitment. I will do a streak this year. Which month? Don’t know yet but I will do it this year.
Good luck Yanni!
Jes, That is amazing!! I admire what you are doing. When I lived in Minnesota some 12+ years ago, I use to run outdoors in those frigid temperatures. It was brutal. I remember pushing myself to run at night during snow storms, even when the snow plow hadn’t come by yet. It was really hard when the temperatures were in the single digits, my knees felt like they were about to buckle up.
In hindsight, I can’t believe I did put myself through it. Now I live in Portland and I’ve become a complete wimp. If the temperature starts getting down below 50 F, I complain and often find myself skipping my runs. Your blog posting is inspirational!! You’ve fired me up and made me feel 12 years younger again. I am going to go back to running daily….not matterif it is day, night, sunny, dark, clear, and even stormy. Thank you Jes!!!
Happy 2012!!! John
Happy New Year! You made my day. I’m glad I could help. Let me know how it’s going!