30 Day Exercise Trial

[mikemann1991]

Beginning on June 10th, I am going out running for 30 days in a row. The only requirement each day is that I put on my clothes and shoes and walk to the edge of my driveway with my cell phone/stop watch ready. May I say that I have NEVER sustained exercise for more than say, 7 days in a row. I'll update this post tomorrow for you.

Wednesday, June 10 [7:43]
Success. I didn't worry about overworking myself because I've practiced this sort of run a handful of times already this summer. But in those cases, the goal was unofficial - just an idea - so I'd be pushing it but not continually. My strategy is to time my initial run to 181st Street (time is next to the date), then to go on as I feel. It'd make sense to go further distances each time. We'll see. Thank you for the input, everyone.

[vilbara]

Good luck! Unfortunately I've failed on my similar challenge because of sickness. Nevertheless it was 100% worth doing it:
30 day trial: Train at least 25 minutes a day

Have you considered mixing running with some other type of exercise?

[eruso]

Good luck! Hope you're not too sore

[Tripacer]

You should be careful going at it too hard at first. Running is a high impact sport and could cause damage if not done correctly. Check out a running program like the one I did over 3 years ago. It was called the C25K program. Translated is "Couch to 5 Kilometers" in 10 weeks. It puts you on a scheduled regiment of walking and running until you are running for a full 30 minutes straight (approximately 5 K) in 10 weeks. Try the forum base I currently use called Kickrunners.Com. Really good place to start. I am 43 years old, did a marathon last november, average around 35 to 43 miles/week running, I am now back in the army (reserves this time) after being out for 20 years. In a nut shell, I am in the best shape of my life. This is due to not burning myself out and also going into a routine slowly and injur free. GOOD LUCK! Do it right and the outcome is immense.

[Guy665]

Best of luck!

I try and exercise for a minimum of 30 mins 3 times per week and I really feel the benefits of it.

Just remeber to go easy at the start.

[Eric Roosevelt]

Originally Posted by Tripacer

You should be careful going at it too hard at first. Running is a high impact sport and could cause damage if not done correctly.

Yes, running can hit the joints pretty hard in my experience. It's also good for you though. It's possible to reduce the impact on the joints, especially if you keep a good posture and choose the right type of shoes.

And don't forget to stretch, mikemann1991.

[mikemann1991]

Originally Posted by vilbara

Good luck! Unfortunately I've failed on my similar challenge because of sickness. Nevertheless it was 100% worth doing it:
30 day trial: Train at least 25 minutes a day

Have you considered mixing running with some other type of exercise?

Yes, weightlifting. Hmm.

And thank you!

[mikemann1991]

Originally Posted by Eric Roosevelt

Yes, running can hit the joints pretty hard in my experience. It's also good for you though. It's possible to reduce the impact on the joints, especially if you keep a good posture and choose the right type of shoes.

And don't forget to stretch, mikemann1991.

It helps me to "fall into" my run, and to stay light on my feet. Today, I repeatedly realized my shoulders were tense and relaxed them. By then, running is comfortable! Not to say I'm doing a light jog. I mixed in a couple sprints, actually.

[mikemann1991]

Thursday, June 11 [7:40]
Faster time. Beyond there, I took a familiar route, but did not maintain my run as I did yesterday. I did one sprint on the way back. I'll be sure to plan tomorrow like I planned yesterday, because currently today is without a to-do list. Without knowing what I want to do next, I feel less motivated. Measures will be taken to ensure today doesn't go to the dogs

[mikemann1991]

Friday, June 12 [7:17]
I'm proud of this, considering I had 5 hours of sleep and ate nothing but chimichangas and baked chocolate chip cookies in the afternoon yesterday. I could compare myself to some and feel high and mighty, others and feel like a total newbie so what's the point?

[mikemann1991]

Saturday, June 13 [6:59]
Woke up unwilling and wondering, then did it anyway. Improved time. Didn't actually plan today until I woke up, and even then, there are loose ends, but the day is young. I am fixing up a new schedule to stay on track. It's not perfect, and I love it.

[HenryJDaniels]

Congratulations on your new program and your adhesion to it

With your maintaining of willpower, it'll only grow, and damn it feels good!


However, as some other posters have pointed out, you may want to consider some other exercise options, if available.

[mikemann1991]

Sunday, June 14 [6:54]
Oddly, 6:54 PM is the time of day. Slept over elsewhere last night. Ate exorbitant amounts of Italian food, cake, and scones. I drank too, honestly. All is well. Yes, will consider variation, but probably nothing very different until after 30 days. Insert naive smile

[mikemann1991]

Monday, June 15 [7:01]

[mikemann1991]

Tuesday, June 16 [8:45]
I realize the dangerous fluctuation my trial is taking, yes. But here we are. I ran at night. I broke my toe earlier, thus the slower time. I countered it with the longest route yet. I feel good. I thought to myself while running and passing by people, "Act or be acted upon. Assert yourself and create an impression of your choice on people, or they'll make one up for you." I also put deep into question my habit of hesitating, of double-checking the archives, of holding back from really living.

[mikemann1991]

Wednesday, June 17 [8:18]
Put on medication for bronchitis. Toe's not broken, but sprained. Run executed in the final hour.

[mikemann1991]

Thursday, June 18 [7:43]
Fastest time yet with a bad toe. This is the lone good habit I hung on to today, and I am very glad to have done so. Everything else was mush. Earlier today, I was being suspicious and irrational. More impulse based, thinking "who gives a ****." During the run, I convinced myself that as my most optimistic attitude was ephemeral, so was this. I go up and down and up again. So clearly I still have a chance in life

I recorded my time well before midnight.

[mikemann1991]

Summary: 9 days. This was a complete success. I was out with interesting people into the wee hours of the morning. Coulda woulda shoulda, didn't, didn't mind. I'm starting again.