2021 Running Challenge Completed
Thanks to the minimalistic shoes, I did return to running in 2017. Since then, I have been slowly increasing the number kilometres and the pace. From 1km to the 10km that I run now every time I go out. It took me +18 months to run 5km without pain or causing injury, and now I can run 14 km, as I did yesterday, without issues. It was hard work, but now I am proud I did it.
The most important thing is that I regain my vitality. I have more energy, can accomplish more, and feel better in general. I already knew that my body needed this type of exercise to perform at its maximum, but now I see it every day in action. Eating well and exercising equals a far better performance throughout the day. And I have to add also, a better sleep.
Today is a special day because I did complete my 2021 running challenge. At the beginning of the year, I planned to run 1200km in total. That meant 100km a month or around 24km a week. In the following picture, you can compare it to the previous year.
But things do not always go as planned.
Some difficulties
In February, I did have a minor accident. I did fall and hit my head. I had to stop running for a couple of weeks. Also, because the head was involved, I took extra care on running to detect if something was wrong. But everything was OK, and in some weeks, I was back to normal.
In June, I had surgery on the right shoulder to recover lost mobility. That went excellent, but I had to stop running for two weeks more.
Even with these two issues, I did manage to cover my distance. That was possible thanks to the push during the last four months, as you can see in the graph.
Minimalistic shoes and set up
I want to share a couple of complementary facts. First, I did all the run with minimalistic shoes, of course. I mostly wear the Vibram 5 fingers, the V-Run model, but on some occasions, I did use the Trail-Run model.
The second is that I loved my simple set-up for running:
- Vibram 5 Fingers V-Run. They have more than 1600 km today!
- Polar H10. I like a bit more of the precision that the watch gives me.
- Apple Watch Series 3. It is old, but it works perfectly, and it holds my running playlist. Someday I’ll explain the workflow to get the most of this device.
- Powerbeats Pro. Incredible pair of headphones. The sound is excellent, and they do not move at all.
It could be even simpler If I do not use the H10, but I feel more secure wearing it.
Next year
The most significant challenge for 2022 is to establish a good routine. I ran a lot this year, but I did not have a regular practice. Somedays I run in the mornings, others at lunch, or in the evenings. Things work much better when I run in the morning. So, this year I’ll work to settle a base morning routine that includes 1 hour of running. The following is what I would like to achieve:
- 2000Km that is 166km a month or 40km a week. It is a significant increase, but I can do it without problems if the correct routine is in place. Also, I will need that if I want to run any race.
- Strength training once a week. I’ll try to sacrifice one running day for some gym work to increase leg power.
- 10Km in 40m. I hope this one will result from the two previous points (fingers crossed).
- Two races. I wouldn’t say I like races very much, but I’ll give it a go.
I know that it won’t be easy, but I know I’ll feel even better if I manage. The key to success, as always, is the process and the persistence. Wish me luck!