Challenges, Accepted ✅
I just LOVE challenges... How about you?
If there is one thing I love, it’s a good challenge. Whether it is professional, personal, or athletic, if there’s a game involved, I’m all in.
Earlier this school year, I did a no-sweets (desserts, treats, candy, chocolate, etc) AND no beer/alcohol for 6 weeks. From Labor Day Weekend until October 13th I went DRY.
In years past, Carly and I have done a “no-spend week” where we challenged each other to not spend any money at all.
Athletically, I challenged myself to do either strides or strength training on the day of an easy run. This meant that 3-4 days out of the week I was doing either sprints or strength work, which was 3-4 days more than I was doing previously. It kept me engaged, kept me focused, and I hated disappointing myself, so I kept up the work. And you know what? It worked!
These challenges are simple but really effective for me. I don’t know the science behind why they are so motivating for me, but whatever it is, it works.
Last week, I challenged myself to run 30 miles this week. For some, this is a big number and for others, this is the first half of their week. Either way, I was excited to shoot for this goal. I made sure my weekly runs were a bit longer than usual and by Sunday’s workout, I knew I was well within reach of hitting 30.
After an 8-mile run, I knew I had just done it. I checked this one off and admittedly I was proud of myself. I don’t normally care about mileage or pace, but I did set a goal for myself and I did chase after it, so I was excited.
Until I checked my weekly stats - in the shower no less - and to my surprise, my watch said 29.96!
I don’t know how you’d react, but my first was to laugh. I got so dang close! I thought, for only a split second, about getting out of the shower, lacing back up, and jogging the 3 houses I cut my run short just a few minutes ago…
But instead, I chose to be good enough with good enough.
Does my body know the difference between 30 miles and 29.96? Would running .04 miles make any bit of a difference?
No, and no. So, while I did want to run a certain number of miles, I’m fine with settling for a shade less than what I wanted.
For me, there isn’t a need to force mileage when mileage doesn’t need to be forced. I feel good about my progress and the steps I’m taking to be stronger and faster (strides and strength work).
It’s just another week. Sure, it would have been nice to run 30 miles, but at the end of the week the numbers are what they are and they don’t tell the whole story anyway.
On to the next week, everyone!
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