486 Running This Year

I turned 37 on July 2nd, and that night I started what is called a runstreak. I am planning to run every single day for the entire year. Some days that may only be a single mile, but overall I am working toward a TEN MILE run in November at the Gateway to the Delta run in Batesville, MS! At the moment, the thought of running ten miles is terrifying. I have only ever done 4 at one time, but I know I can do it with the proper preparation.

I have already made it 21 days! That is three weeks of running each day. My scale is down a consistent 5 pounds! It isn't a lot... but I have 49 more weeks to go! Maybe by my 38th birthday I will be to my goal weight.

There is added fun to running each day though... right now I am waiting on a grab bag of calf compression sleeves from Pro Compression. I can't wait to see if they can help my poor shins. And soon I need to start the Great Running Shoe Search. I know that doesn't sound so hard to most of you, but when your foot is a size 11/11.5 it makes it all so much harder.

Overall I am loving my runstreak. It forces me to at least take some time to myself each day. Even if it is only for 12 minutes... what?! I'm just not that fast yet! I am getting a little faster though. Slowly faster. Along with my year of running I want to get my mile under 10 minutes. And when I reach that goal I will set another.

That is one of the great things about running... you constantly get to reevaluate and set new goals for yourself. And those goals don't only have to be for faster or longer.

I always see the quotes about how it doesn't matter how slow you go as long as you are going... and it is so true. Just get out there. One block. One mile. Just two steps further than you went yesterday. Just try.