RED January (fucked it already)

[Happinessischeeseontoast]

So I was going to run every day. Just super short ones to get into the habit of changing and getting out in the bad weather/dark. Anyway, been stuck in with the youngest all day and then had a humongous roast dinner and several glasses of wine. Still feel like a whale now and disappointed that I've fucked it already.

We swore no takeaways for January and got a McDonalds in for dinner. Failed on the first day.

Draw a line and start again tomorrow.

I don't think new year's day counts! Just get started and don't be so all or nothing is my advice.

You’ve got 30 days left in which not to fuck it. How are you going to make sure you get out tomorrow?

I think the main point of these things is not simply to do the task, but to learn about yourself. I've not heard of this one, but surely you've not fucked it up by missing today? Anyway, you could always add a day on at the end for each one you miss?

It's a bank holiday.
Start tomorrow or when normality resumes. Tick the days off.

I want to do Adriene's 30 day series... but I'm planning on doing it by the end of March which is much more realistic for my routines.

The mega roast did me. We usually have them much earlier in the day but I forgot dp would be at football with DC so it was put back. So then I told myself that I would just have half and then finish it later. Instead I secretly ate a plates worth while cooking and polished another off with the family and downed several glasses of prosecco.

Thanks I like this! Unfortunately I have to be all or nothing as I absolutely hate the start and so consistency is key for me. I was running regularly until a few months back until a heavy cold did the rounds at home. Somehow the time lost when dealing with unwell me then unwell DC never reappeared so it's partly about carving it out while getting my mental mojo back.

Think in quarters! All the successful people do!

So by the end of Q1 you want to have run x amount of times. Be realistic, everyday isn't realistic. Stuff happens. Instead say you want o have run 60 times in Q1 for example.

Go out for a brisk walk now. It still counts and you'll feel better for it

I'm like you, all or nothing. Tbh, I'd do something ridiculous like head out now for a quick 20 min jog. It's either that or lie in bed thinking about how you've not been for a jog 🤷‍♀️

Lots of months only have 30 days. Just start tomorrow and pretend it is one of those.

Having said that, I hope your weather forecast is better than ours.

Today is day 0.... Tomorrow is day 1 of any NY / January challenges. A 30 day streak is a nice round number

I was in the bath when I was pissed off last night so there was no way I was going to turn things around but today was day 1 and I did it YAY. It was as quick as a flash but I changed routines around to make that time and that was the main thing.

Oh well done!

I'm trying RED this year too - hoping to run every day, but some will be v short trots out just to keep the streak going.

I am really struggling with motivation at the moment, so need the external "all or nothing" to keep me going!

Excellent!

Getting out is the hardest bit! No that's a lie actually the hardest bit is when your lungs feel like they're going to burst. A lot of mine will be very short and I'm hoping the DC might like to join in sometimes and I won't feel too put out at going slower/shorter because I'm just getting back into it anyway.

When do you usually go? I only find time in the evenings which isn't a great time mentally when you just feel like dossing.

I was going to do that too. Then I caught my foot on the coffee table leg on Christmas Eve, fucked my MCL and now can’t run for EIGHT WEEKS!

Gutted.

Ouch Luna that sounds awful!
(Was your first question to your doctor "When can I run again?" )

@Happinessischeeseontoast - prefer mornings, so I can feel smug all day! And because it's harder for Life to interfere IYSWIM - there's less chance something will crop up. And getting up into running kit does help with motivation (well, less so during hols, but I think once termtime starts it could become more of a routine)

Yes it was!

Oh no @LunaNorth I hope you're on the mend soon. So annoying when you're mentally ready but physically not!

Well day 3 went well so I think I've officially unfucked my day 1 now and feeling good for it.

@AuntieStella hope you are getting out. I envy that smug face and wish I could accomplish ANYTHING in the morning.

I try to keep the smugness off my face! (But yes, I have already done my run today)

I think the morning habit came about because when I very first started running, it was after my youngest was old enough to go to school alone. So I used what had been the morning school run to do C25K.

@Happinessischeeseontoast

I was wondering how you're getting on.

I still have my streak - garmin keeps nagging me to have a rest day, but I'm wilfully ignoring that, as my challenge this month is more the mental one (rather than trying to get fitter, for which I would be much more likely to follow garmin suggestions!)

@AuntieStella I fucked it 😁 but I'm still running so I'm happy I've kept some consistency. As soon as I say I'm going to do something everyday the curve balls come flying so my half an hour window to get out disappears

But three times a week is ok with me! Your username is making me feel like a child confessing 😁

Good on you though you're smashing it!! The mental challenge is far harder than the physical

Would it help if I told you that my username shows that I like lager?

Whereas your makes me think of being scrunched up in front of the fire, cosy at about Sunday teatime in winter. Yum!

Getting myself out there, every day, even though some of them are really short runs and next to none of them are either fast or hilly, has been the important thing for me. I'd slipped towards running less and less - partly because i was doing another sport twice a week, but also winter laziness - and really felt I needed a good kick up the backside! Your weekly mileage may well be higher than mine, and your training more productive!