Run Every Day January 2019
At the end of last year, Strava popped up a summary of how much sporting activity I’d done in 2018. Although I was pretty proud of some of the numbers and popped it on my facebook feed, I was then shocked as some of the other triathletes I know started posting their numbers. It was stunning to realise one of the ladies I look up to had racked up treble my numbers – then noticed that her distances were showing miles when mine were in KM – effectively she’d covered five times the distance I had.
I already knew that I hadn’t done enough running training in 2018 and I’d seen the results as my times dropped off over the year. I’d also picked up a running related calf injury that actually bit into my planned events for the second half of the summer – although a local physio got me up and running again something needed to change.
Like 65,000 other runners I decided to Run Every Day in January.
I very carefully varied distances (some days as little as 2k, a couple of half marathons) speeds (some runs entirely zone 2, some 85% plus zone 4 and 5) and terrain (flat, hills, trail).
It was really tough to carve out the time some days – I deeply resented getting up at 5:30 on a Saturday to bang out a run before a full day of family commitments – and I was carefully managing some massive blisters I gave myself on the Gutbuster run for the first ten days or so. I’ve also struggled to get time in on other triathlon disciplines, including the turbo. Actually, for most of the month I’ve felt great, for most of the day.
I ran 141k in January (still not far – but last year I ran 40). At the weekend I took 25 minutes off the half marathon time I ran 6th of January – I also took 6 minutes and 52 seconds off my previous personal best. I’m 11 lb lighter than I was Jan 1st. My VO2Max (which is always pants) has rocketed from 35 to an all time high of 42 and looks like it’s till trending up. There is no feeling of stiffness, or soreness and I’m running with a heart rate of about 10bpm lower than I was at the start of the month. I set a new 5k PB by thirty odd seconds and I’m still a stone heavier than I was at my peak last year – as that comes off I think I can keep getting faster and faster.
Its important to share the results as it’s clearly worked for me so far and has been worth the effort. I was worrying about what do I do now? Do I revert to less training (I was worried if I break the streak it’ll be like when the rubber band snaps when you are struggling at the back of a group on a ride)or do I keep running every day? My Tri club have been very supportive that the January effort has brought results; however almost unanimously they believe rest is critical. Anyone had any personal experience out there they could share?
The reason for posting now is that yesterday I flew home from America then immediately went on holiday with my family – by the time we had arrived at our destination it was pitch black, no street lights. Reluctantly I let things go without a run. I’d managed 45 days without a break.
Guess what? Today is run streak day one. Sigh. 🙂