What Happens If You Run Everyday For a Month? đź“…
It’s hard to believe, but it’s been almost 10 years since I completed my first marathon. Over the years, my running journey has seen its fair share of ups and downs—periods of consistent training mixed with stretches of complete inactivity. Currently, I find myself in the latter camp, having taken a break from running for about two months.
Setting a New Goal 🎯
To get back into the groove, I thought, “What better way to jumpstart my running than to challenge myself?” Inspired by the plethora of 30-day challenge videos and articles I've seen, I decided to embark on my own experiment: running every day for a month.
Current Status:
- VO2 Max: 52
- Weight: 84 kg
- Injuries: None
The First Run
This morning marked the start of my challenge. I kept it simple with a short, easy run of 3.5 kilometers at an average pace of 5:55 per kilometer. My heart rate hovered just below 150 bpm, which puts me at the top of my Zone 2—perfect for building endurance. The conditions were tough, with temperatures around 30°C and high humidity, even though I ventured out before 6:00 AM.
My Running Track
The island where I’m currently staying is quite small, with a loop that’s a bit over a kilometer long. This will be my track for the next 30 days. No excuses!
Keeping It Simple
I don't have a structured training plan in place. My only goal is to run every day—no discussions, no decisions. I want to keep the streak alive! Along the way, I hope to:
- Improve my VO2 max
- Lower my average heart rate
- Gain mental clarity and well-being from daily exercise
Anticipating Challenges
I expect the impact of this little experiment to be modest. While I’m optimistic, I also recognize the risk of injury from transitioning back into daily running. Even shorter runs can put significant stress on my body, especially after a hiatus. But perhaps my body will adapt more quickly than I anticipate.
Going With the Flow
As for my training, I’m not committing to any specific workouts yet. I’ll let how I feel each day guide my runs—whether I opt for tempo runs, intervals, or just an easy jog. Flexibility is key!
Weekly Updates 🗓️
I plan to provide weekly updates on my progress. Will I see improvements in my fitness? Will the daily routine enhance my mood and mental clarity?