Running 100 miles

October 2020 goal: run 100 miles
Progress: 50 miles down, 50 more to go

First and foremost, let me just say that I absolutely hate running. As a former soccer player, I remember our off-season days and having to do only fitness/running. That notion and resentment towards running is still there.

In the last days of September, I was searching for a fitness goal. I recently finished the insanity workout videos, and was looking for a challenge. What should I do?

Partially inspired by David Goggins who is an ultra marathon runner, I started looking for running challenges and came across a challenge-100 miles in one month. (Side note: if you haven’t yet read “Can’t hurt me” by David Goggins…it is a must)

100 miles? Could I do this? Do I want to do this? eh…maybe later. Maybe when we’re not in a pandemic. Maybe when I get the proper shoes. Maybe when I’m in better shape. Maybe when I don’t have to work 12 hour shifts. Maybe…maybe..maybe. Excuse after excuse as to why I shouldn’t and wouldn’t.

Days went by and I couldn't stop thinking about the challenge. Would I learn something new about myself while doing it?

As with any month, I like to write down my monthly goals. I found myself writing it down…100 miles. Alright…fuck it. Let’s do it

What have I learned so far?

• Planning out the way to approach it is key—roughly 3.3 miles/day before work is how I’ve been getting it done. I was never a "morning work out" person...TRUST ME. But I've found myself getting more and more used to waking early and knocking it out
• Some days & runs are better than others. One day you'll have the best run or pace, and the next day you’ll be struggling to complete one mile. This is normal
• Don’t get side tracked by other metrics. Have your goal in mind. I have to continually remind myself that my goal this month is distance—covering 100 miles. Whether that pace are at my best mile time (7:30) or worst (11:00)
• Motivation is not always present, sometimes you just have to power through it & remain consistent even if you don’t feel like it, even if you’re tired, even if your mind is saying “why TF are you doing this?”
• You’ll get people who will try to dissuade you. “Why? Why would you even do that? That doesn’t even sound healthy." Forget it and get on with your goal
• Mindset is absolutely everything. During runs, you’ll have limiting beliefs, you’ll want to stop the moment you feel uncomfortable, that’s where the real growth happens
• Making time to rest & recover is just as important
• It helps to have a friendly competition! My friend and I are betting on who gets to 100 first…currently leading (lol) but there’s room for a comeback

Gear:
This is in no way sponsored, it is simply what I'm using & what I love:

• App: Strava--tracks my metrics such as pace, elevation, miles and counts down my monthly goal
• Shoes: Asics Gel Kayano 26--can I just say how much I freakin love these shoes. I also have another set for work lol. I bought them with the healthcare workers discount on ASICS
• Insoles: I have incredibly high arches (former ballet dancer) which means finding shoes that fit me is probably the hardest thing ever. I got custom insoles from RoadRunner Sports and they def worth it
• Shorts: Nike Tempo Running Shorts and Lululemon Speed Up Short Long 4''. No riding up while running is the key to these two
• Socks: Bombas--cushion where you need it. I know, I know...a bit pricey. But my feet are worth the extra love & no blistering so far
• Sports bras: Alright guys, stop reading. Ladies...we all know a good sports bra is absolutely needed. I also hate padded bras...like why? So anyway, best bras so far have been: Nike Victory Sports Bra (medium support with removable padding) and Lululemon for (medium/high impact with removal padding)

Do you have a fitness goal? Any gear you recommend for a newbie runner? Let me know below