Over Memorial Day weekend, my family and I went to Chicago to visit my husband’s side of the family.  One afternoon I was checking my Facebook Page and came across a post from Runner’s World Magazine.  The post was for a summer running challenge titled “Runner’s World Summer Run Streak 2013”.  The running streak was from Memorial Day to Independence Day.  The rules were you had to run at least 1 mile per day.  That’s 39 consecutive days.  You could post your mileage on a Runner’s World thread forum or using Twitter and Instagram.As I was sitting on my in-laws couch I thought to myself I could do this.  It’s just one mile a day.  I am always up for a good challenge.

A little background:  I just started running one year ago.  I had never ran a day in my life before that.  I started the Couch to 5 K program and since have done four 5 K’s and one 10 K.  I AM NO PRO!!!  In fact, I have never even ran one week (7 day) consecutively.  But, in my crazy mind I thought this running streak would be awesome.  It would be a good motivator to keep running over the summer.

Not only is this a crazy idea…this time of year is BUSY!  June is worse than December.  This year we celebrated 3 Birthdays, Father’s Day, planning my daughter’s Birthday party, potty training, a 3 day Church conference and our first overnight trip.  Phew…that’s a plate full.

SO, it was determined in my mind that I was going to do this running streak!

We made it home from our family visit and I laced up my running shoes.  I ran every single day!  I ran when it was hot and humid, cloudy and rainy. I ran early in the mornings and late at night.  I ran when I felt great and when I didn’t feel so great.  But, I did it.  I ran 39 consecutive days.  I posted my miles everyday to Instagram.

Here are some highlights of my running streak:

• 63.1 miles ran
• Ran my fastest mile in 9:40
• No injuries
• Did a 5 K on my Husband’s 30th Birthday
• Ran 3 miles to celebrate MY 30th Birthday
• Enjoyed taking my daughter to the local track to let her run around and have fun
• Determined I am NOT a morning running
• 1 mile is better than 0 miles
• Ran on National Running Day
• Hydrate Hydrate Hydrate
• Realized I am mentally and physical stronger than I think I am

 

I DID IT!  I actually did it.  I completed the Runner’s World Summer Challenge and earned my finishers badge.  I’m not going to lie, I didn’t think I could do it.  This was probably one of the hardest things I have ever done.  Not just physically hard, but emotionally.  I wanted to give up so many times, but I just kept telling myself I have to be true to my words and do what I say I am going to do.  So, I did.  I ran 39 consecutive days AND I ran every day outside!  No treadmill or gym membership for me.

Running has saved my life.  It has given me a purpose.  It is fun and makes me happy.  Yes, even on the bad days when I have to walk and just want to cry because it is so stinking hot outside.  It is definitely a good stress reliever.  I am slow and a bit overweight (by the Doctor’s chart), but I run away.  Believe me, if I can do it You can do it.

Now that this summer challenge is over I am looking for a new one.  This experience has given me the courage to actually start training this fall for a half marathon in the Spring.  <—Did those words just come out of my mouth?  Yes, they did!  In November I will begin my training.  Please join me on my running adventures!

Thank you Runner’s World for this amazing challenge!

 

 

What running challenges have you had to endure this summer?

Have you set any new goals?

What is your favorite distance race to run?

Any advice for half marathon training?

 

 

Link Parties