The Benefits of Running Every Day for 100 Days

Fitness enthusiast and blogger Keltie O’Connor undertook the challenge of running every day for 100 days, and the results proved to be remarkable. Initially aiming for 30 days, O’Connor surpassed her goal and ran for an astounding 122 days. Impressive, isn’t it? Here is an overview of her insights gained during this running journey.

Firstly, O’Connor uncovered the significance of heeding her body’s signals. As an individual who had not consistently engaged in running since her college basketball days, she commenced her challenge without specific time or distance targets. Rather, she focused on establishing the habit of daily running, irrespective of the distance covered. Some days she completed a 10k run, while on others, a mere 200m. O’Connor’s key takeaway was realizing that running shorter distances daily allowed her body to recover, consequently enhancing her performance.

One of the major obstacles O’Connor encountered during her challenge was coping with shin splints, a prevalent running injury. She stressed the importance of stretching the calves, working on hip mobility, and investing in suitable running shoes to prevent and alleviate the discomfort caused by shin splints. Additionally, O’Connor found that fueling her body with the right nutrients, particularly carbohydrates, played a vital role in preserving her muscle mass and overall performance. She emphasized the necessity of a sufficient intake of carbs in her diet to sustain her energy levels and buttress her hybrid training regimen.

Upon completing her 100-day running streak, O’Connor unearthed a newfound passion for running, deeming it a source of motivation to train more rigorously and effectively. She acknowledged that this was the first time she had felt such a compelling urge to partake in physical activity since her basketball days. O’Connor’s central message was to seek out a form of exercise that captivates and propels you, rather than simply engaging in it out of obligation.

In summation, O’Connor’s 100-day running challenge furnished her with invaluable insights into the significance of heeding her body, managing running-related injuries, and the role of nutrition in sustaining her performance. Her experience underscored the importance of identifying a workout routine that genuinely invigorates and motivates. Ultimately, whether or not running should be integrated into your fitness routine depends on personal preferences. If one finds enjoyment in it, the rewards can be profoundly fulfilling; however, if not, there are numerous alternative activities to explore. O’Connor’s journey stands as an inspiring testament to the transformation that can transpire when one commits to a fitness challenge.