Day 19: No alchohol for 66 days 🍻
This morning kicked off with a threshold training session. The session included a 10-minute warm-up at a comfortable pace, followed by a single block of targeted threshold running, and wrapped up with a cool-down phase. Here’s the breakdown:
- Warm-up: 10 minutes at 5:55/km pace.
- Main block: 4:50, 4:53, 4:39, and 4:44/km splits at a target pace of 4:40/km.
- Cool-down: 10 minutes easy jogging.
In total, I ran 6.8 kilometers in 36 minutes and 7 seconds, with an average heart rate of 150 BPM. During the threshold block, I spent about 45% of the time in Zone 3 and 14% in Zone 4. This type of focused effort is a perfect reminder that not every session has to be long to be effective. Short, intense runs like this one provide tremendous benefits while keeping training varied and engaging.
The plan for tomorrow is a recovery run, keeping it light and easy, and then pushing for a 10K on the weekend.
Reflections on Alcohol
Today, I want to revisit the topic of alcohol, something I’ve been reflecting on quite a bit during this challenge. It’s been nearly 70 days without alcohol, and I still have about 30 more to go before returning home. While I’ll likely enjoy a glass of wine for Christmas or a beer with friends, this period has given me a deeper understanding of its impact.
Alcohol, as many studies and experts point out, acts like a poison for the body. When you remove it, even temporarily, the benefits are profound. Improved sleep quality, enhanced mood stability, and an overall sense of liberation are just a few of the noticeable changes. It’s not just about avoiding hangovers; it’s about discovering a clearer, more present version of yourself.
For me, this break has been transformative. I feel less pressure to drink and more comfortable in my sober state. It’s also made me question the cultural norms surrounding alcohol and recognize how much of our drinking habits stem from social pressures. While I don’t plan to give it up entirely yet, it is still something a consider the the future.
If you’re curious about exploring this topic further, I highly recommend listening to the Rich Roll Podcast, particularly the episode from October 17th featuring Tom Holland. Rich Roll, a former alcoholic turned ultra-endurance athlete, shares his journey and discusses sobriety with Tom Holland. It’s a thought-provoking conversation that might inspire you to rethink your own relationship with alcohol, whether for a short break or a long-term change.
Stats Recap
- Total distance: 6.8 km
- Average pace: 5:18/km
- Heart rate: 150 BPM
- Time: 36:07
- Sleep score: 63 (8:23 hours)
- VO2 Max: 53
- Endurance score: 6224
Peace, pace!
