I know that nowster did RED January, can't remember who else did.
RED months and run streaks don't appeal to me, because I'd beat myself up for failing if I didn't manage my target, however good the reason. But if you love the idea, why not give it a go? π
If Iβm honest, Iβm not sure I would be disciplined enough!π Itβs more that I feel mentally so much better after a run, I wondered if it might be worth a try. Just thinking through the proβs and cons at the momentβ¦π€
I havenβt done it Sandra, but I know the focus on the official website changed in the last few years to an activity everyday rather than running everyday. I think Oldfloss did it on that basis.
The minimum run duration I set myself was 10 minutes per day, and the minimum I actually did was about 12 minutes. The maximum I did was a half marathon distance. I'd follow a longer run with a short one.
The benefit was that it became easier to do it as the weeks progressed.
I havenβt ever done RED as I always take a rest day. However, I do run 5 or 6 times a week as I find that works best for my mental health. Iβm convinced Iβve only been able to do this because of low intensity. Most of my runs are easy runs & I currently use a heart rate monitor to make sure Iβm not pushing too hard. Paula Radcliffe used to train like this on easy days. My only injuries that have stopped me running have been when I was running 3 times a week.
I often do this when i am on holiday and have rather more time than usual. It is nice not to face the question 'Shall I run today?' and therefore there is no faffage. ju-ju- famously did a streak over a couple of years. Her advice to me was to mix the runs up- some longer, some shorter.When I have done it I have really enjoyed the running buzz and my fitness quickly picked up. However, I probably haven't kept it up for longer than 3 weeks max.
That's exactly how I did it this January. Huge variations in the lengths of the runs. For example, I'd follow a 2 hour run with a 12 minute one the next day.
I did RED January in 2021 and ran every day with no problem. My shortest runs were around 3k from memory. I didnβt fancy it this year, but I always walk my dog and do daily yoga, so I suppose by default I did!
Hmmmπ€ - hesitating at the moment ! π I am doubting my commitment! Gonna stick with my current alternate days for a bit longer and see if maybe the mood takes me at a later date. It was just something I wanted to know more about and to hear others experiences. If I do decide to do it, it might be something to consider for a month, maybe during the summer holidays when I βm not working..!π
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