Day 30: The Final Day 🏆
It’s Saturday morning, and I’ve just finished the very last run of this 30-day challenge to run every day in November. Right now, I’m feeling a mix of relief, pride, and a lot more that is hard to organize. But above all, I’m happy I stuck with it. This challenge wasn’t just about physical ability—it was a test of mental strength, and I’m glad to say I passed.
There were definitely moments where it got tough. I can distinctly recall two mornings when I came close to quitting. But I pushed through, and for that, I’m grateful. Some days were really rewarding, and others were an absolute grind. Running-wise, I wouldn’t say I’ve made monumental improvements, but I do feel lighter on my feet and more comfortable at lower heart rates. The key takeaway? Consistency.
Getting out there every morning, even when I didn’t want to, that is discipline and what matters. Starting each day with something challenging had a ripple effect—it set the tone for the rest of the day. I’ve also realized how impactful a simple morning run can be on your overall mindset.
Sleep and Nutrition: Areas for Growth
One area that didn’t see much improvement was my sleep. In fact, last night, I had one of the worst nights of sleep this month—something I’ll need to work on moving forward. Fueling was another weak point. My nutrition during this challenge was far from optimal, with several weeks of inconsistent meals, especially in the evenings. Running on an empty stomach, especially after long periods without food, was tough. I could feel the fatigue before I even started some runs.
Lessons from High-Intensity Running
Something I’ve learned is that running faster at shorter distances is a whole different beast compared to long-distance endurance. Pushing myself at higher paces has been humbling, and it’s highlighted how much room I have to grow. My goal for next year is to complete a sub-1:30 half marathon, and this challenge has given me a good foundation to build on.
Maintaining Momentum
One of the biggest challenges after completing something like this is avoiding complacency. There’s a temptation to relax and stop pushing yourself, but I’m determined not to fall into that trap. Even though I’ll likely take a rest day tomorrow, I want to keep the momentum going. It’s important to at least maintain the fitness I’ve built and not let things slide.
Endurance sports are unforgiving in that sense. Take a few weeks off, and it feels like you’re back to square one. So, while I’ll focus on recovery, I’ll also make sure to stay consistent with my training.
Today’s 5K Test
To wrap up the challenge, I decided to push myself and see how fast I could run a 5K. Garmin predicted I’d finish just under 22 minutes, but my final time was 22:51. Here are the stats:
- Distance: 5.02 km
- Average Heart Rate: 158 BPM
- Pace: 4:33 min/km
- Splits: 4:56, 4:27, 4:24, 4:23, 4:27
- Total Time: 22:51
- Sleep Score: 68 (6h 54m)
- VO2 Max: 53
- Endurance Score: 6391
This run was tougher than I expected. I had hoped to get closer to a 20-minute 5K, but it was a good reality check. It’s clear I have a long way to go before I can hit my goal of a sub-1:30 half marathon, with its demanding 4:16/km pace. But that’s okay. Having room for improvement keeps things interesting, and I’m looking forward to the journey ahead.
Reflections and Thanks
Looking back, I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished this month. From day one, where running even a few kilometers felt like a chore, to now, where it’s become a habit—I’ve grown, both mentally and physically. This challenge has reminded me of the value of persistence, even when the progress seems slow.
To those of you out there with your own goals and challenges: keep at it. There will be good days and bad, but the consistency pays off. I’m not built for speed, and running faster doesn’t come naturally to me, but that’s what makes it so rewarding. Pushing yourself to achieve something you once thought impossible is one of the most satisfying feelings in the world.
Thank you for following along with my journey. Best of luck with your own goals, and remember: discipline is the bridge between where you are and where you want to be.
Peace, Pace!
