What I Learned from 100 Days of Running

What I Learned from 100 Days of Running

~344 miles - over 13 marathons - around 60 hours, about 2 1/2 days*

First off, I would like to say I am very nervous posting this blog. As a Registered Dietitian I want to be safe and supportive with my words and work; I never want to endorse extreme dieting or exercise that is unhealthy for anyone. I never want anyone to feel inadequate because of what they do or how much they weigh. I do believe that we are all different and we can all live healthy lives in our own, unique ways. Having said that, here goes…

I read about a “run streak” challenge in “Runners World” magazine this past Spring. You challenge yourself to run every day, at least one mile, no matter what. I was drawn to this challenge as a runner, as I did not feel up for another road race, but wanted an engaging goal to run towards this summer. I researched the run streak online and was motivated by other runners’ positive feedback about their run streaks-mostly the increase in mental focus and  endurance, and how much they enjoyed soaking up the outdoors every day. The easiest part for me was that running is not too complicated or costly - I just put on my shoes and go. No gym routine or class time, and no money spent besides shoes, which I would have anyway. Running (and walking) has also always been my go to choice of exercise and “therapy.” I’ve never ended a run and felt worse-physically or mentally, and for me that’s a gain. I don’t feel pressure about my run, either. I can go for 1 mile or 10 - fast or slow. (And just so you know, I’m not fast.) My only competition is myself (and my dog). The 100 day run streak goal kept me focused on my commitment to fitness, definitely challenged my mental endurance, and it really was nice being active outside every, single day this summer. 

It wasn’t all pretty, though. There were definitely days I didn’t want to run, usually when I  was exhausted or had a packed schedule. My legs and feet were really tired after the first two weeks and I did wonder “what the heck am I doing this for?” They must have figured out I was not giving up and eventually the aches subsided. (Side note - so thankful no injury or real pains during this time!) Some days I had to get up before 6 or squeeze it in before dark. I ran in the wind, rain, heat, and bugs. Some really tough days were vacation or beach days. If I didn’t get up and get it done in the early morning, it took all the energy I could muster to go for a run at the end of the day. To be honest, running could also be boring some days (which reinforced why I would not want to run everyday for the rest of my life - I miss yoga, weights, classes, and just walking). I knew it wouldn’t be easy to run every single day this summer, but I am so proud of myself that I met my goal! Self pride for seeing a commitment through sure does feel good!

I could have done something else with my (non-work, non-family) time this summer, but I used some of it to run. As much as it took time to run, it actually gave me more time - to myself, to think, to listen to music or podcasts, to be with other runners, or just enjoy the great outdoors. I carved out the time to put my sneakers on and run. That was my challenge, my goal - for myself. You can choose to spend your time the way you want. We all have this spare time - it’s there. In my work I frequently am told there’s “no time to exercise.” But it really is there!  I don’t watch much tv, but I looked this up, and it would have taken me longer to watch all 73 episodes of Game of Thrones - 3 days and 16 minutes to be exact. (My teen son told me he has watched all 201 episodes of “The Office,” which is about 4 days and 3 1/2 hours of tv - oh my - sigh!) 

I think that too often exercise is seen as a punishment for eating. It’s not. Exercise is for maintaining a healthy body. I ran for the challenge of meeting a commitment, a goal, and to make fitness a little more engaging this summer. I should add that I didn’t lose one pound this summer by running 100 consecutive days. Weight loss wasn’t my purpose, and that’s a whole other conversation for another time; but just so you know exercising should not be your next “fad diet.” It does support achieving a healthy weight, but should not be a tortuous way to burn calories and shed pounds like we have seen on tv shows. I ate about the same as I normally do - a wide variety of healthy foods most of the time. If you know me, you know I don’t believe in “fad” diets. I couldn’t be active without carbs, as they are definitely the fuel for exercise! I do believe one of the perks of routine activity and exercise though, can be confidence! You feel good inside and out. Nothing wrong with having your “ice cream” and enjoying it, too! (Maybe I even ate more of it this summer!)

While running a 100 days this summer, here are some things I’ve thought about and want to share:

1) Commitment flexes your willpower muscle.

willpower is mental matter that can be found and used everyday

willpower does not need to be bought - I always say “hussle is free”

willpower can help you grow, especially healthy habits, physical and mental

there are people everyday that dig deep to find their willpower just to survive 

maybe you feel like you’re surviving, but do you feel like you’re thriving?

you can survive and thrive - most have strength for both

making a commitment or setting a goal can help you find your strength 

2) Willpower can take a break.

you can plan your breaks or take them as you feel you need them

when you make a commitment, you can also plan your end, rest, or recharge time

not doing something one time is not failure - not achieving every goal is not failure - you are still strong for moving forward, for trying, for working towards a goal (once i let go of “what will happen if I don’t run one day?” I found it was easier to run everyday; yes I met my goal, I finished my run streak, but I didn’t hold on to fear about NOT finishing the run streak goal and I believe that helped me)

you can choose to share your story; either way, you’re still strong 

3) Time is there for you.

we all get the same 24 hours each day to spend the way we like 

you can still be an employee, a spouse, parent, friend, etc - these things do not take up ALL of your time 

time is a finite resource, a precious commodity of life, it won’t be here forever, but you can maximize it when you focus on what matters to you

manage your energy, physical and mental, to use your time more efficiently

when you give YOURSELF time to recharge and revitalize, you have more time and energy to give to others

4) Exercise is for health. It is not a punishment for the body for eating. 

we eat because our body wants and needs to eat food, to survive

we eat because it feels good, because food tastes good

we eat for energy

we exercise or be active, because the body is made to move 

but sit when you need to, that’s ok too

STOP the guilt, fear, and self-punishment; focus on the positive of having a healthy body and mind

You don’t have to run, but I recommend activity and exercise for good health, especially as the body ages. You don’t have to commit to anything. But if you want to, you can; it reengaged my focus and may help you, also. You may learn some things about yourself, for yourself.  You may find that you’re stronger than you believe and have more time for yourself than you think. You may find and feel that you have more self confidence, self worth, and pride! Your body and mind will show you who you are. Listen to yourself and let go of what you are hearing from the outside. The body weight and the body image you think you’re supposed to have, or what others tell you, is not your truth. Focus on the positive of living a healthy life; focus on yourself and your strength. 

The science for creating a new habit or following through with a commitment is all over the place (I checked). It may take more than a day, a month, or a year to see the change or the mental and physical progress for which you are looking. By making a commitment or setting a goal, and working towards and/or achieving that goal — you can feel your strength and confidence grow.

Again, the intentions of this blog post are to share some thoughts on what I learned from completing a run streak challenge. It is for insight and healthy support, and not a substitute for individualized medical nutrition therapy or mental health counseling. This blog is about running, not to diagnose or treat a disease, disorder, or addiction. Please also be careful if you or yours are struggling with any disordered eating or exercise behaviors, as this is not meant to encourage unhealthy behaviors. 

*(disclosure: I used “Map My Run” app the best I could  - and ran with my husband, kids, dog - around town, through the woods and weather - these time and distance numbers are pretty close, but not precise : ) I know that I ran for 100 days straight!)