A Mile A Day Recap

Well folks, I did it. One mile, every day, for one month. Not only has this mile-a-day challenge improved my running abilities and gotten me back in shape, but it's also helped me realize that I can do anything I set my mind to. Really, it sounds cheesy, but when I think back on those early mornings and those miserable pouring rain, dark nights when I still threw on my running shoes, I know that I have the willpower and strength to do anything I put my mind to.

For example, not only did I run a mile every day, but I also decided to run a 10K halfway through the month. And, I did it WITHOUT STOPPING. (Whhhattt? You are crazy good at running now Anna!) Yeah, I know, and I'm going to brag about that feat for a while. A year ago, I could barely run a 5K without almost passing out. Needless to say, a lot has changed my friends. Not only was I able to run the 10K, but I kinda liked it. Yep, I liked running 6.2 miles straight. As much as I struggled and cursed myself throughout the run, there was no better feeling then coming up on that final 1/2 mile- high fiving random strangers, music blasting at the finish line, crazy bystanders dressed up in neon leotards cheering you on... (did I mention it was an 80's 10K? The costumes and throw-back music really helped me around mile 4.) But really, once I finally stopped running I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment that I have never felt before. And that feeling is what has kept me running each day and that I hope will keep me running even after this challenge is over.

Oh yeah, want to know another thing? I just signed up for the Rock 'n' Roll HALF MARATHON in May. I'm pretty sure I've gone crazy.

read more about this goal here and here. 

a mile a day update

Two weeks into the month and I can proudly say I've run one mile every day so far. And surprisingly, it's been pretty easy. I'm excited to run each day and find cool new pictures to take from the run (I'm not sure if I like the running part or if I just the taking pictures...) but regardless it's gotten me out of the house on cold, brisk mornings, a sick day where I didn't leave the sofa until 5 pm, and evenings after long, excruciating days at work. I've never felt this sense of empowerment before (as sad as that sounds) but I really do feel like I could do anything. So far this little goal making project has really encouraged me to stay dedicated to something for longer than a week. I'm excited to find new routes with new views, push myself a little further and faster each day, and keep trying to stay dedicated to this goal. Thank you for all of your support!!

follow along on instagram @annaemarks

from where I run {a mile a day}

I have always struggled to have a work out routine. Ever since high school, where I played soccer every day, I've had a hard time finding a regimen that interests me and keeps me wanting to work out. I'm lucky that I don't have to work out for weight reasons, but as I grow older I've found that I wake up sore and tight, consequences of being out of shape. I wish more than anything that I liked to work out, but it's one of those things that I just can't do.

I recently found this lovely lady's amazing blog and was instantly inspired, in many ways besides just working out. She is so crafty and an amazing artist, and you can bet you'll be seeing some of her DYI attempts here. But aside from that she is extremely hard working and dedicated, something I'm still trying to teach myself to be. She has a whole section on setting goals for herself, and from this I've been inspired to try to set goals for myself- particularly in the working out area. Last year, she ran one mile every day for a month. Tired, energized, sick- no matter how she felt she made sure to run one mile every day.

This, I think I can do. One mile. Every day. For one month. From Nov. 1st to December 1st, I WILL run one mile a day. It will take dedication and motivation, but I feel that if I can do this, I can prove to myself that I can stick to something for longer than two weeks, that I have the dedication and willpower that I've always struggled with. Plus, I'm signed up for a 5K in the middle of November so this will help me "train". In order to stay motivated, I'm going to take a tip from Elise and photograph something every run to create a cool motivational collage. While I won't be sharing all the photos here, I'll be giving spontaneous updates and you can see the photos on instagram at @annaemarks.

Wish me luck!