I have always been in AWE of those people that do Run Streaks. Before we go on, I think I need to explain that a run streak is running everyday, not running naked😱!! Anyway, who wouldn’t be impressed with someone that doesn’t take any rest days? Doesn’t just opt out of a run because they can’t be bothered? Avoid a run because it’s cold outside? Just writing some of these excuses makes me feel lazy!
There are so many people that are currently on run streaks or have completed run streaks recently. My friend Rav immediately springs to mind. She has been running every day for over 1000 days now. Not only does she run every day she ran her first marathon in October 2020 and already has 7 under her belt 4 months later!
Then Kevin Sinfield completed his run streak at the start of December raising money for MNDA. He ran 7 marathons in 7 days. I can hardly walk the day after a marathon let alone run another one! My friends Mike and Christine completed their own 7in7 run streak prior to Christmas. They ran 7 miles a day for 7 days, finishing on Christmas day. Eddie Izzard is currently running 31 marathon in 31 days on a TREADMILL! Now I am strange in that I don’t mind running on a treadmill, but marathons on one I am not so sure!
These people truly inspire me, yet I know their are many more that are doing streaks and are just as amazing.
I have thought about doing a run streak before, many times. But then I just talk myself out of them! I thought about doing it for December 2020 as I just needed something to help with me motivation. But can you believe it that I didn’t do it, as I didn’t think I had enough sports bras and they were all in the wash when I needed one!!
So I am not totally sure what made me sign up to RED January.(Run Every Day January) What finally made me commit? 🤷🏼♀️ But something did and I am now 7 days in. I’m not totally sure I’ll be able to complete it, but maybe 2021 has to be the year I just say yes to things and give them a go!
So I have decided to write this blog post to document my day 1-7. I know that running 7 days in a row is not a huge thing, but if 2020 taught us anything it was to celebrate the small wins. I have not run 7 days consecutively before, so I’m celebrating that! Go me!
5 Things I have learnt so far:
Your brain is often what needs training.
On day 4, I was convinced that I was tired and I wouldn’t be able to run that well. If I wasn’t doing the run streak I know I would have skipped this day normally. But once on the treadmill and warm up, I realised my legs were not heavy or aching at all. I ran 5K and felt so much better after.
Organisation is needed.
I know I made a joke about it above, but I really don’t have enough sports bras to run everyday or kit to be honest. So I have to make sure that the washing is up to date!
Involve your run buddies.
I know that it is very difficult at present with the pandemic restrictions, but running with another person makes running so much easier.
Treadmill.
I am so fortunate to have a treadmill. I know that it is not everyones cup of tea, but I actually don’t mind running on one. I am sure that I would find this challenge 100x harder if I didn’t have one. Not having to navigate the ice is certainly a bonus. But also for the shorter run, just being able to get them done without it taking up most of my day is brilliant.
It's more than just running.
Running every day has made me take care of the other things that are important for running. Trying to ensure I fuel slightly better than normal. Hydrating more (although I am still shocking at this) I am remembering to do mobility after each run. If you haven’t already, make sure you listen to The Runner Beans Podcast with Ben. I have used one of Ben’s Youtube videos. I’ll link it below incase you want to try it too.
I have also found that Peloton have foam rolling classes. I did one for the first time yesterday and found moves on there I had never seem before. Instead of lying on the foam roller, I stood with it between my legs, to release tensions above the knee but on the inner thigh. If you have the Peloton app, look under the stretches section and Instructor Hannah Corbin. Thanks to @MissPondRuns for this little gem.
Are you taking part in RED January? Have you completed a run streak? Let me know your thoughts below.
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