It is nighttime, and on my phone I see news of yet another ultra-marathon runner’s achievement. I am not so much impressed by the long distance as by the ability to overcome the difficulties created by the mind when the body begins to give up. The thought occurs to me that I, too, could challenge myself. A month-long challenge. One lap on the first day, two on the second, three on the third, two on the fourth, one on the fifth, two on the sixth, and so on. In waves throughout the month. (1-2-3-2-1-2-3-2-1…)
The numbers don’t sound like much — one lap is 3.25 kilometers long — and the maximum distance in one day is 9.75 kilometers. More on the statistics later.
Initially, the plan was more ambitious, but I haven’t been running regularly for some time, and on the evening of the third day, the aforementioned adjustments are made to the plan.
Overall, running is easy (some would say not difficult), but I’m not one of those people who can run alone for long periods of time. I need some competition, someone to talk to.
1+
It’s the first night. I think I’ll get up on time. I’ll start with a morning run, because I know from experience that it’s easier for me when it’s cooler outside, and it’s more pleasant to start the day that way. I have to admit right away, diary—sorry, I didn’t get up (and I won’t get up other days either). The workday run has begun, and I have to save the first 3.25 kilometers for the evening. Evening came quickly, and I ran the first lap just as quickly, because what are a few kilometers? A mere 16 minutes and a wet T-shirt, bring on the next day…
2+
Another morning when sleep seems a little more important, even though I’m up earlier than usual – no time for a morning run. A busy day at work, I arrive home already tired. I have to go for a run – 6.5 kilometers ahead of me. On the second lap, I realize that my shoes aren’t right, because they’re rubbing the toes of one foot, and that won’t end well in the long run. After the run, I notice that one toe is slightly rubbed, but I have high hopes for different shoes on the next run. The run itself wasn’t difficult. Psychologically, I understand that the first few days are just a warm-up, and that helps. The third day is approaching.
3+
The run is in the evening, and it is quite warm outside, which does not help the run itself. I put plasters on yesterday’s rubbing places, but today I have different shoes, and they have a different friction point. The run is slower than the previous days, and my legs feel it too. It’s not easy, but I cover the distance. I feel that I should sleep a little more and, most importantly, remember to eat normally. Today’s distance is 9.8 kilometers.
4+
My daily sleep plan has been fulfilled, but the day itself is so full of events that I feel like I won’t have time to go running. I get home around 10 p.m. I go running around 11 p.m. The day ends with a run, it’s foggy outside and pleasantly cool. The almost full moon and clear skies make the run even more enjoyable. My legs, which were a little sore from the previous days, but otherwise everything is fine. I have to remind myself again that I need to eat better, because I feel that my body lacks energy. I usually cook all my meals myself, but I’m starting to consider buying ready-to-eat food, because an extra hour a day is worth its weight in gold. 6.5 kilometers.
5+
I feel how grateful my body is when I get enough sleep. For me, that’s at least 8 hours (not on average, but regularly). However, I feel that I need to eat more. I don’t usually think about food that much, but I use up my energy very quickly. In the middle of the day, I have a physiotherapist appointment, where I have to sweat a little — equivalent to running, which I have to try to do today between an evening dance party, where it will be hot for several hours, and that physical activity is not in my running plan. For September evenings, it’s unusually warm outside, so it’s good that the distance is only 3.25 kilometers. A few hours of wet dancing and time to go to bed.
6-
Ah, Saturday! Sleep is a friend, but energy is lacking. Today I have to go on a trip to Saulkrasti, it looks like I won’t be able to go running because I won’t have time. It’s a shame that I won’t be able to stick to my plan, but I’m happy that today I ate as much as I usually eat in 2-3 days this week. In the afternoon, we visit Auguste’s inspiration garden. At the end of the evening we play Catana board game. I don’t get to my bed until three in the morning (just like last night, regularity is important).
7+
Well rested, I start the day with the thought that I should buy vitamins. I had already listened to various active athletes’ advice on food supplements. After doing some research online, I go to the local pharmacy to buy some trial doses. Magnesium + vitamin B6 (magnesium chelate, often referred to online as magnesium glycinate, which is one of the chemical forms of the chelate group. These magnesium compounds are best absorbed by the body because they are not exposed to the first crossfire of stomach acid, which quite aggressively processes everything that gets there). Then there is vitamin D3 and various electrolytes in powder form, because during running they are thoroughly donated to charity through sweat. That’s enough about vitamins. Today’s run was 9.8 kilometers. The third lap seems a little slow, but yesterday’s rest day is making itself felt. It’s much easier. The week ended with a total of 39.1 kilometers run.
8+
A new week – new adventures. The week begins with a visit to the physiotherapist. A busy day. It seems like there’s plenty of time for running today. I run 6.5 kilometers. It’s not too difficult, but if you keep up the pace, you can’t call it an easy walk. Since the start of the run, I’ve already completed 13 laps. Every turn is familiar now. I start to notice the details. The number of poles and road signs. Soon I’ll have to start counting the number of steps between objects.
9+
A relatively easy day. The week is already underway, and I have a very short distance to run according to my plan. Today, I run faster from time to time, knowing that there is only one lap. The distance is covered, and I’m not really tired, because I’ve only run 3.5 kilometers. The blisters on my feet from the first few days of running have already healed — good shoes are very important. The blister plasters are thrown somewhere on the shelf so that they can rest too.
10+
Today’s theme is rain. I thought that summer was rainy, but not a single running evening has been rainy. I can feel the heat slowly receding, but it doesn’t bother me at all when I’m running. I ran 6.5 kilometers. I’ve completed a third of my planned days. I still have many kilometers ahead of me, but the most important thing is that my daily run is getting easier.
11+
The rain theme was touched. I mentioned it yesterday, and today it sprinkled throughout the entire run. You can’t really call it rain, but some moisture is falling from the air. Everything is cloudy, and it seems to be getting dark faster. Today is a long distance. I ran 9.8 kilometers. After the first lap, it’s hard to tell if I will have enough energy, but on the third lap I get a second wind and cover the entire distance at a moderate, steady pace. The last laps are incomparably easier than the first ones — I can feel my body starting to adapt.
12+
The day begins with oversleeping, but not a delay. This happens on days when it’s raining outside. The last few days have been like a hamster wheel — work, work, evening, and then it’s time to run. The plan is two laps. It shouldn’t be difficult, based on how I feel. The first lap seems relatively easy, but on the second lap, thoughts creep in that it’s not so easy after all. Looking at the statistics, today’s run is the fastest of the two-lap days, probably because I feel mentally exhausted in the second lap. During the run, I think it would be nice to stop and just walk. I’ve run 6.5 kilometers.
13+
A good night’s sleep always comes with a good energy boost, but yesterday’s thoughts about running are still with me today. I really don’t want to go running. My sports accessories haven’t been washed yet. The day begins slowly. In the evening, I go to the store to buy additional running clothes, because the washing machine runs almost every day. I reluctantly go for a run. Today, it’s only one lap, which isn’t much, so I run faster than usual. I run 3.25 kilometers at a relatively fast pace. More ads for vitamins that can magically improve your daily life start appearing on the internet. Silly claims in almost every advertising sentence, because there is not a word about organizing the basics of everyday life – eating habits, sleep, or physical activity. Half of the planned number of running days is approaching, and I already feel that running itself is noticeably easier. My biggest opponent is my own mind. Coming back from the store, I listen to songs on my headphones, and between songs, I hear an audio recording from the radio. It’s only four seconds long, but it’s funny and relevant to the topic: “Good morning, lazybones, it’s time to wake up and challenge yourself…”
14+
A leisurely weekend and lots of sleep. I choose when to go running, but it’s still only in the evening. I buy some energy gels at the store during the day. I taste them well before the run and eat one right before the run. The first lap, seemingly unhurried, ends quickly, and the second lap doesn’t seem difficult either, but I feel the lower part of one leg is a little tight. I think it’s not easy for my legs with such a sudden and regular load. We’ll see how it goes, there’s still more to run. Today I ran 6.5 kilometers.
15+
The day when I should have run half of the total plan. Due to one empty day, it will only be tomorrow. Today is cardio day at the physiotherapist, and my legs are getting a workout too. I have an evening run ahead of me, but I’m not thinking too much about whether it will be difficult. I buy some more energy gels – I’m experimenting with flavors. I eat one just before the run, drink some electrolytes, and go for a run. The first lap is like a walk, but the second is mentally tough. Surprisingly, the third lap is easier than the second; I guess the energy is working. The total running time is no surprise either — it’s the fastest of the days when I have to run three laps. Today I ran 9.8 kilometers.
16+
There are days when work takes precedence and I skip lunch. Today was one of those days, but in the evening I feel that I won’t have enough energy for my run, and my hunger is making itself felt. I try not to eat too much, because I don’t want to postpone my run too late. I eat a light snack, go for a run soon after, and yes, unsurprisingly, I feel the meal during the run. I have plenty of energy, but it’s not easy to take deep breaths while running. The run itself is fast and easy from a workload perspective, but my stomach is full. I’ve run 6.5 kilometers. Today I’ve reached half of the planned distance, now it’s time to run back.
17+
It’s an easy running day, as the distance is only one lap. However, I have to visit the physiotherapist during the day, and my sleep was not optimal, so I take a short nap in the evening before the run. After the nap, I have energy, but my motivation has not yet awakened. I get dressed slowly and unhurriedly and go for a run. I decide that this time I will take it easy and not rush, but as the statistics show, my average running times are getting faster and faster. Of course, the progress is only in seconds when measured per kilometer, but it is still steady progress. Today, I ran 3.25 kilometers.
18+
Rainy autumn days are here, even though the whole summer was similar. At times like this, I feel like sleeping more — another evening of snoozing. The weather is no obstacle to going for a run. Of course, if there were heavy downpours, I would wait, but otherwise, precipitation does not play a decisive role. Today’s run is quite late. The run itself is very steady — looking back at the speed changes in the run statistics. Once again, I hit a breaking point in the middle of the second lap, but then I got my second wind. Only two laps today, as I finished the run without really getting tired – I’ll need the reserves for tomorrow. 6.5 kilometers today.
19+
For some people, this running pace is an everyday thing, or even just a warm-up. For me, as a non-runner—at least I’ve rarely done it regularly—this kind of load is not only a physical test, but also a mental one. It’s been less than 20 days since I started running—today, running the last 100 meters, I felt a relief that I definitely didn’t feel in the first few days—I could continue, but the plan is the plan. Today I ran 9.8 kilometers. On the second lap, as usual, negative thoughts creep in, but the third lap is like the first. I can’t wait to see how I feel after 30 days.
20+
The day begins with a bike ride. By evening, I will probably feel the effects of the exercise. Today, the hours pass more quickly than on other days, and evening arrives quickly—time to go for my daily run. My legs feel a little tired at the start and running is difficult. The first lap is slow, but the second lap, regardless of whether I run two or three laps, is a mental lap – my body empties itself before starting to use any hidden reserves. It feels like I’m dragging myself along and the pace is very slow, but every day I realize that the average time is getting faster and faster, as if my body wants to run in one difficult mode, but as the body begins to adapt, the pace increases. I am happy that tomorrow there will be only one lap. Today, 6.5 kilometers.
21+
The week can be ended with “everything easy.” A short run. Light snacks. Great weather. YouTube is starting to show me more and more videos of various challenges. For now, mine will suffice, because the 30 days are not over yet. I have to say that today it was only 3.25 kilometers. My running pace is starting to stabilize — progress is more noticeable over longer distances, where greater endurance is required.
22+
Outside the window, autumn chill. People in T-shirts are practically invisible, resembling winter clothing instead. Monday of the busy week flies by in a rush — work, physical therapist, hairdresser — it’s getting dark outside, but there’s one last thing to do — go for a run. It’s a very pleasant time for running, not cold, not hot, and I can leisurely run the planned two laps. “Leisurely” only in my mind, because the pace is fast. Today is a rest day with eating. During the first days of running, it seemed that I needed more and more, which can be guessed from the notes for those days, but now it’s good if I eat something minimal. Today’s distance is 6.5 kilometers.
23+
A day with a question – did it fly by without me noticing? It’s already dark outside, but I still have to go running. I haven’t eaten anything today – just some candy and coffee at the office. Eating after running. Today is another long run day – I wonder how my energy will hold up. On the first lap, I flew like a seagull. According to the statistics, it wasn’t very fast, but it felt very easy. The second lap was a little slower, but at least it wasn’t difficult. The third lap was steady and another PB (personal best) in my September marathon. Although only by a few seconds, it was very steady progress. Only one week left in the challenge. Today, 9.8 kilometers.
24+
Autumn is coming to Latvia, but today starts with heavy rain. It’s so dark outside that I have to turn on the lights. The second half of the day remains clear and sunny, because I have to go running. It feels chilly outside, and I consider wearing my long running clothes for my next runs. No surprises during today’s run, everything is calm, fast and stable. Rhetorically, as the last days of the challenge approach, one might ask – how to live on? Run from time to time or not run at all? I will address such existential questions later, but for today, 6.5 kilometers will suffice.
25+
A short running day. Today I’m going running in long pants because it’s so deceptively cold outside. I could probably get away with running in shorts, which are more comfortable. I eat practically nothing during the day, as I have enough energy for the run itself, but shortly afterwards I feel weak and crave energy, sleep, food, and other wonders of nature. After the run, I plan to eat properly, not only for today, but also for yesterday and tomorrow. I didn’t even really feel the 3.25 kilometers I ran today. The weekend is reserved for additional physical activity, so today’s eating plans are bigger than usual.
26+
End of the work week. The weather is sunny and warmer than the previous days. The run was a bit rough, because about halfway through I felt a cramp in the inside of one leg. I can run, but it’s not pleasant. I also ran out of vitamins a couple of days ago — I’ll have to go and stock up today. The pace is good overall — I ran 6.5 kilometers. Today was probably the most timely run of all the days. But the day isn’t over yet—tonight is dance night, and tomorrow is a longer hike. It’s very likely that tomorrow’s run will be postponed, and now I’ll have two days to make up for. Time will tell.
27+
After yesterday’s micro-trauma from running, the day begins not with a postponed run, but with a postponed hike. I don’t think the hike would have been too difficult, but weighing up all the pros and cons, there were more cons in the early morning, so I stayed at home. I slept well and rested my legs. Since I didn’t go hiking, I should have gone for a run, but today, psychologically, it was so difficult to do so. I went for a run anyway, very sluggishly and with difficulty, but not physically. I dragged myself through the first two laps, thinking about when it would end. At the end of the third lap, my mind switched off a little and my running pace increased significantly. I ran 9.8 kilometers. I feel a little sore from yesterday, if you can call it that. After the run, I feel satisfied that I didn’t skip a day of running, but sad that I didn’t go hiking.
28+
The day begins with a dip in energy. I think that Friday’s high energy consumption reached its peak today. A sleepy day. Only after my evening run do I feel revived; if I didn’t have this plan to run, I think the evening would pass in a daze. Just like in other areas of life — you have to spend to gain — this time it’s about energy. My running pace has stabilized, the load is optimal, sometimes I can run slower, sometimes outside my comfort zone. Another week of running challenges has come to an end. All the most difficult stages are behind me, both physical and psychological. Just a few more days and I will be able to summarize the statistics. Today’s distance is 6.5 kilometers.
29+
The finish line is already in sight. Two more days and the whole plan will be completed. In the end, everything always seems easier because the greatest difficulties are already behind. Today’s run is only 3.25 kilometers. It’s autumnal and chilly outside — both I and the other runners are wearing jackets, with only a few still trying to get by with T-shirts. The day is essentially very simple.
30+
September is over, and if everything had gone according to plan, today I would be going to the store for a cake, but one day is still missing and the celebration will only be tomorrow. Today’s run is 6.5 kilometers. I feel that I’m running a little too fast during the first few kilometers, but once my body warms up, my pace is optimal. Running and classical music still dominate the content offered on YouTube. Looking at the world records in running, I have been walking very slowly for a month – healthy, but slow.
31+
The day has arrived. Just 30 days of running. After the run, listening to Vivaldi and eating Viennese chocolate cake, I can write down my final notes on the challenge. Today’s run is calm — only 6.5 kilometers. A couple of days of rest, and then I’ll try to run for time, which was definitely not the goal for all of these 30 days.
In conclusion, I can also discuss statistics and observations.
If I compare this running intensity with globally available data, it is in the top 10 percent of active people, i.e., very active, and running was not my only physical activity. The beginning was relatively difficult, adapting to regular running, choosing the right shoes (suitable shoes), vitamins, eating, and sleeping. Each component had its advantages, and if I missed something, I felt it, if not immediately, then after a few days.
While the initial focus was on eating, the second half of the challenge emphasized psychological factors, as physical factors go in the background.
Is such an intense workload necessary? Of course not, it is excessive and takes time and energy away from other things. On average, I spend 35 minutes a day running, but you also have to add getting dressed, washing, resting after the run, and all the little things add up and the total time increases significantly.
As I mentioned at the beginning, my main motivation was the difficulties that my mind would create when I wanted to give up. I only stopped once during a run to walk a little, and that was on the first day when I had to run three laps. At the beginning of the third lap, I needed a short break. After that, no matter how difficult it was, I continued running. On average, I ran 6.5 kilometers every day. It still doesn’t sound like much, but the emphasis here is on the fact that it was every day, even when I really didn’t want to.
I ran more than 190 kilometers, which is 60 laps on my chosen route. I also spent more than 16 hours running. My average running pace was 5:04 min/km. Dividing it into 4-day blocks, my progress was from 5:24 min/km to 4:43 min/km. As I mentioned in several daily entries, my body wanted the same level of exertion in all runs, so the pace increased slightly with each run until it stabilized in the last 10 days.
After such challenges, it is easy to appreciate those moments when you can simply do nothing and enjoy the moment you are in.