50k done, 50k to do.

[YorkieRunner]

Halfway through January 100k challenge.

I don’t know what has been more challenging the running or the weather!

To be honest, the running has been fine, the persistent rain and more so the wind, has been challenging.

Whenever, I seem to be running, I always feel I am running into it as opposed to with it 🤷‍♀️.

I have basically run a couple of 6.5K, the majority are 5K with a few 3k just to break it up.

After December’s gluttony and lack of running due to ice, snow, festivities etc, etc, I have needed the challenge to kick start my discipline.

2 more weeks to go and as long as the weather gets no worse, hopefully, it’s in the bag!

[MissUnderstanding Administrator]

Congratulations on going for such a big total and it looking achievable. I’ve not ever had a month as large as that!

Just for the benefit of our newbies who might be reading this-you’re an experienced runner now? It looks like the couch to 5k programme got you into running in a really good way!

I wonder whether you might like to check out our Bridge to 10k community? There are a number of posters doing RED January and other challenges over there at the moment…

healthunlocked.com/bridgeto10k

[YorkieRunner in reply to MissUnderstanding]

Good morning MissUnderstanding, first of all, thank you, second, am I an experienced runner, I suppose so, although I really wouldn’t class myself as that. There are such greater runners on here and I always feel in awe. I run 3-4 a week, between 5-6.5 km usually, so the 100km wasn’t a massive step up. I’ve done the C2-5K three times in total, the last 6 months ago after having Covid for the second time.

[MissUnderstanding Administrator in reply to YorkieRunner]

Brilliant. This board has such a variety of people at different stages of their running journey that I think it’s important for newbies in particular to see that you haven’t just graduated and gone straight for a challenge like this. Running three/four times a week regularly is a great place to be and I’m sure you’ll have loads of runners in awe of you! It sounds like you’ve picked something reasonable to stretch and motivate you at the right level for where you are. Just take care that you’re increasing your run time gradually and not suddenly ramping up what you’re doing. Really good luck to you.

[YorkieRunner in reply to MissUnderstanding]

I have been running for 3 years in March, the first two years, totally on a treadmill and since last March, outside. Therefore, I still feel new to running outside as it took a lot of adjustment, primarily down to anxiety but also it felt like a whole new discipline to run outside. The weather is a lot to contend with especially at the moment plus during last year’s heatwave, pacing myself and for me, it felt like totally different muscles being used! I enjoy the forum, it feels like ‘every day’s a school day’ as there is always something to learn from other people.

[Folkylass Graduate]

Wow congratulations! Hi YorkieRunner, that’s an amazing achievement. I’m doing RED JANUARY Challenge, something that I’ve never done before .

I have only 16 days left and I’m honestly amazed I’ve got this far. However determination has played a huge factor in all of this and the excitement and eagerness to get up each morning and get out and also the support of this lovely forum. I also have done some fast walking workout fitness UTube videos just to ring the changes.However I do prefer the running though😂😂

You should pop over to the Bridge to 10k community and take a look 😀😀

Once again well done 👍👏👏

[YorkieRunner in reply to Folkylass]

Good morning Folkylass, I have been reading your achievements with great interest and have googled the Lesley Sansome walking workouts online. They do look rather fun! I do enjoy my lazy rest days and don’t think I could commit to something everyday, so fair play to you. Thanks for your reply and good luck for the rest of the month 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

[Folkylass Graduate in reply to YorkieRunner]

Thank you YorkieRunner for your kind words.Your right about the weather it is a lot to contend with. I also had a treadmill …had being the operative word. I sold it two years ago. I wanted a better quality mic for my singing ( I play guitar folk ,sing and record) So I decided that the treadmill for me was like a crutch and it was like a get out clause if the weather wasn’t too good but in fact I found it was just an excuse not to go out running. So sold it ,bought my mic, and I have never looked back so …as they say.😀.Good luck to you too.

[SueAppleRun Graduate]

Oh wow well done you, 🙂 this wind and rain can't last forever

[YorkieRunner in reply to SueAppleRun]

Good morning WillowandSola, thank you. Is it me, or really is this month’s weather exceptionally wet and windy??? I don’t remember Januarys normally being quite so bad. The wind is an absolute challenge. I’ve been running along the seafront the last couple of days and it feels like someone is holding onto my shoulders and pushing me backwards 🤣🤣.

[Late-Starter Graduate]

Well done Yorkie, great going. I have not heard of a 100k Challenge before. I've just Googled a bit and seen a few things it might be. Please someone tell me more! It sounds as if it may be the sort of thing that will motivate me more.

[YorkieRunner in reply to Late-Starter]

Good morning Late-Starter, it was a challenge between my son-in-law and myself. He said over Christmas that he would like to do it and I, without thinking, said oh yes, I’d like to do that too. I did think was it a bit much, but I run 3-4 a week anyway so it really isn’t much more. I was going to do 6.5 k, four times a week but i don’t like anything too regimented and just run to according how I feel on the day. I have run during the first week - 6.5 k, 4.5K, 5K twice and 2k twice ( car was in the garage, hence little runs!) Second week, 6.5k, 5.5K, 5K twice and 3k. I do run on consecutive days but I find, I run better on the second day for some reason then have a rest day and run consecutive days again.

[Late-Starter Graduate]

Thanks YorkieRunner. So it was a personal challenge for you with your son-in-law. I run on alternate days, so I would need to do an average of just short of 7k for 15 days in a month to achieve 100k in a month. That's just about doable for me. I donate a bit to animal charities each month. I'll set myself that challenge to donate a bit more for February! Thanks for idea and best wishes to you for the next two weeks of January.

[YorkieRunner]

Yes it was. Yes, I worked it out to 6.5K every other day. January has 31 one days so it bought the daily total down a little. Yes, I was also looking at doing a charity challenge for February so it allowed me to see if it was do able. I am away for a week in February but always run when I am away so it will be manageable. Thank you. Unfortunately it has a lot to do with the weather, if it is too bad, I run on the treadmill at the gym which I now find really hard going. Apparently we are in for a cold snap for the coming week, as long as it doesn’t snow, I’ll be ok. Happy running to you too!