I ran a mile every day for 34 days until yesterday. It was bittersweet. I feel proud that I did it, but disappointed that it ended. I’m excited to keep training for races and I hope I’ll be onto another streak soon, but whether I do or don’t, I feel good about what I’ve achieved.
The month challenged me, excited me, and kicked me up the backside. Here are some things I learnt:
- Running is hard.
- But running isn’t as hard as I thought it would be.
- Food is fuel.
- Water is necessary. Drink lots of it.
- A personal sense of achievement is unbeatable.
- Almost unbeatable. A medal trumps it.
- The best cover up for rosacea flushes is not giving a f**k.
- I don’t always give up.
- Sweat is satisfying.
- Chafing is real and it sucks.
- There’s always time when time is made.
- Cold showers are both brutal and wonderful.
- Baths are only wonderful.
- Whatever you do, DO NOT SIT DOWN AFTER YOU COME IN FROM A RUN.
- The Mooncup deserves its own blog post of thanks.
- Listening to emotional audiobooks during exercise isn’t advisable
- …because you don’t want sweat and tears dehydrating you.
- Trail runs make you feel like Julie Andrews in the opening scene of The Sound of Music.
- Off-road beats the road any day.
- Except that run when you get stung, bitten and eaten alive by little flying things when you’re running between hedges.
- Running mud tracks in the rain means you have a legitimate reason to jump in puddles as a fully grown adult.
- Puddles are fun.
- Mud is fun.
- Horse poop isn’t fun.
- Being outside is really good at making you smile.
- Buying new running clothes is a greater priority than replacing the only pair of flat summer shoes you own that your dog ate through.
- Most female-targeted underwear is designed to ride up into your arse.
- You might love your trainers, but not all trainers love you back.
- Some people aren’t cheerleaders.
- But most are.
- Those people who are cheerleaders will tell you that you can.
- And they will keep telling you that you can, even when you think you can’t.
- And they will also tell you when you should rest.
- And they will keep cheering, even when you stop.
Sophie
Well done. I managed a similar number on my first streak. You have inspired me to give it another go!
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Amazing! I hope you really enjoy your next one. I’m excited for mine! Good luck!
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