May 1st, 2013 is when I started my running journey. Granted, it wasn't the first time I had thrown on a pair of running shoes. Running and I had crossed paths before. But I never stuck with it long enough, or often enough to see any results with it. I always deemed my poor running skills as a result of just not being good at it.
However, last year, I read an article about a guy (sorry, forgot his name!) who had run a mile EVERY day for the last TWENTY. YEARS. Every single day. Even when he had a knee injury, even if it was storming outside, even if his shoes had holes in them; he ran. I couldn't believe it. So I decided that if he could run at least one mile a day every day for two decades, I could do it for a solid month. That's all I needed.
I have now decided to celebrate my anniversary of running every year by continuing the One Mile MAYhem challenge for myself. Some people have asked, at this point, it should be easy, right? I've run a bunch of races, including a half-marathon. What's the big deal about one mile a day? It's not the distance that matters; it's having the motivation and making the time to get out there. Which is one of the reasons why I do it. Our society has developed a long list of excuses why they can't make it out to exercise. It takes me 10 minutes to run a mile on a bad day. Some people might take about 13. If you walk it, it shouldn't take more than 20. If you can not find 20 minutes in your day for some alone time to go for a walk or jog, then I suggest you reconsider your lifestyle and make that time.
Don't get me wrong, it is HARD. I have resorted to sometimes running during my lunch breaks, running at 11 at night, or 5 in the morning. I have run while I was sick (like this week!), run with a stroller and a crying toddler, run in crappy shoes. But I make it happen because the message is not just trying to get a mile in, but to remind myself that I am important; my health is important.
I thought this year would be easier, however, I did not take into consideration that I was doing this One Mile MAYhem challenge while also training for my next half-marathon. So that has presented its own challenges. But it has also made me more grateful for my dedication to the sport and to myself. I found myself complaining one day and quickly stopped. One, because it was my decision to do this challenge and I could technically stop whenever I wanted. Two, because running is a luxury for me. I don't get to complain. There are people who don't get to run at all; who literally don't have the physical ability to run and would love to be able to. So I should count my blessings for my tight calves, shin splints, and tired eyes. I'm getting stronger through it.
For some reason, I have also been thinking about the people I met in Rwanda a couple of years back. I was working at a university for a couple of weeks where many of the students informed me that they walked 5 miles to school; every day. 5. MILES! That's 10 miles of walking, at least 5 days a week. Which is another reason why I try to keep my complaining non-existent. There are people in this world who are logging 50 miles or more a week to get an education; the least I can do is happily run my 7 miles a week without complaint. They are too bad ass for me and I could never compare to their hard work and dedication; but I certainly use them as inspiration for my runs.
While I understand that this daily running can't work for everyone, I highly suggest you find your fitness motivations...ASAP. It will save your life in more ways than one. Don't say "I'm too out of shape," "I'm too old," "I don't have time," because that's all bullshit. Just get out there and try. I bet you'll surprise yourself...
