January was an incredibly long month, but I succeeded in my challenge of running every day!

My overall mileage was 115.1 miles, which takes me up to the Scottish borders… I think I’ve earnt a wee dram! 😉

Even though I did the same challenge last year, I’ve still learnt lots this time…

Tiredness

In my second week, my legs were very tired and heavy. I expected this and used the foam roller on a daily basis. I also used magnesium oil spray to massage into my legs twice a day. Magnesium is great for tired muscles.

My legs recovered and they didn’t really feel tired after that, maybe they were getting stronger or maybe I was just used to it!

What I didn’t expect was how tired the rest of my body felt. I was exhausted all over it felt like, but I also felt mentally tired. It’s asking a lot to push yourself to go and do at least 2 miles in all types of weather! I wasn’t expecting this, so it is something to be aware of in future.

Awareness of Form

Last year I visited running specialists FixMyRun, who revealed that I was overstriding. This is something I’ve been focusing on and I’m feeling pretty confident about it.

I have however neglected another part, which is my right arm swinging out rather than backwards and forwards. As our body is all connected, by swinging my right arm all over the place means that my left leg kicks out to the side rather than backwards to push on. It’s not quite as exaggerated as it sounds, but just to help you visualise a little.

With me running every day, I began to feel the effects of this as my left inner thigh ached sometimes after a run. Easily fixed with the foam roller, but it’s definitely a warning sign that I need to remember to work on!

Some of you (most ahaha!) will probably have no idea what I’m talking about, but keep an eye out in the next few weeks for a post about it in more detail.

Not Enough Variety

I had long runs, short runs, parkruns, slow runs, fast runs…. but there was no real structure or planning.

I am running the London Landmarks Half Marathon at the end of March and whilst I’m happy I’ve got the distance sussed out, I worry about my speed and pacing. Fortunately, there’s still plenty of time to train for this. I plan on adding more interval runs and a bit of fartlek to keep me going 🙂

Being too hard on myself!

I kept putting myself down when I was slower than I usually am. I appear to have forgot some key things:

• I was running every day
• I live in a hilly area, takes a lot out of you
• Not every run has to be fast!
• I was running every day!!!

I hadn’t realised I’d feel so annoyed at myself, but this is a good reminder that I have achieved a great thing and to be kinder to myself.

Overall, I loved doing RED January. I will definitely be doing it again next year! Who’s joining me? 🙂 You can find out more here.