I Committed to Running a Mile Every Day for Over a Year — Here’s How It Transformed Me

In June 2020, I made the decision to run a mile each day. Just one mile. The pandemic had left me feeling confined, and balancing work and parenting from home was overwhelming. I craved some time outdoors and a personal challenge. I set a goal to run a mile every day until my birthday, which was just a week away. What started as day seven quickly turned into day ten, and then a month became three months. At that point, there was no way I could stop before reaching day 100. Before I knew it, I hit the 200-day mark, and now, I’ve been running a mile daily for more than a year.

Initially, I hoped to embrace the identity of a runner. My partner is a passionate runner, always discussing routes, personal records (PRs), and his latest shoes. Yet, I found little joy in those aspects. I attempted to time my runs for speed, but it only added stress. My focus was simply on completing a mile, no matter the pace. That daily commitment became my personal record. I’ve stuck to the same route 90% of the time and haven’t invested in new running shoes. After covering over 365 miles, I can honestly say that running itself isn’t my passion. What I truly cherish is the satisfaction after a run and the determination to avoid making excuses. The unwavering commitment to my streak has been my driving force.

Facing the Elements

Running daily means I tackle all weather conditions and unique circumstances. I’ve braved situations I never imagined, from donning a headlamp to run after putting my kids to bed, to sprinting in a 45-mile-per-hour windstorm, dodging fallen branches. I even ran in a blizzard, telling myself to “run like a penguin.” I’ve donned everything from tank tops to parkas. I ran through the transition back to in-person work, my youngest’s first day of kindergarten, Halloween, New Year’s Eve, and even on vaccination days. Most significantly, I ran on the day I decided to quit the streak.

A Difficult Decision

Before any family member was vaccinated, both my kids faced quarantine after a potential coronavirus exposure at their care facility. A week later, my youngest tested positive, while the rest of us were negative. That phone call from the doctor brought on a wave of fear for my five-year-old, and the uncertainty of our own health loomed over us. We masked up, isolated, and felt trapped within our own home. The best-case scenario involved my daughter experiencing mild symptoms, while we remained negative, confined for 20 days. Conversely, we could all fall ill with unknown outcomes.

Feeling scared and overwhelmed, I chose to prioritize my daughter’s well-being. With little under my control, I decided to end my running streak. Throughout the day, I reassured myself that this choice was okay. I tried to push running from my mind and even moved my sneakers out of sight. Later, my older daughter asked if I would restart the streak someday. Honestly, I couldn’t see beyond that day. After over 200 days, could I really start back at zero? That realization hit me: I still had a choice. I wasn’t sure if I’d be too sick to run in a day or week, but that day I felt fine.

Finding a Way

I rearranged furniture and toys to create an indoor running route. I set a timer for 12 minutes. Masked up and with Bruce Springsteen playing, I got moving.

My five-year-old must have heard the thud of my sneakers because she appeared, masked, on the top step, clapping every time I passed. Step by step, she descended the stairs, her applause echoing. My other daughter joined in from the kitchen, banging a spoon on a pot each time I ran by. My husband held our dog back to prevent a chase. I snapped photos mid-run to capture the moment, reminding myself of how our family came together during those challenging times. Even amidst our fears, we were strong and supportive, united in the pandemic, the running streak, everything.

I continued to lap around the house during the isolation period. Each run turned into a highlight of our monotonous days. After three rounds of testing and 20 long masked days, my husband and older daughter remained negative for COVID-19.

A Family Affair

What began as a personal goal evolved into a family affair. My kids counted the streak days and prepared for my one-year celebration. My husband, an experienced distance runner, became my biggest supporter. When I ran in a snowstorm, he noted he’d never done that. On those early mornings when my alarm rang at 5:30 a.m. for a run before work, he’d proudly remind me of his admiration before drifting back to sleep. He also introduced me to podcasts, which became a great distraction during my runs. Over time, I listened to more than 100 hours, with favorites like The Moth and Dolly Parton’s America.

Throughout the year, I felt my legs strengthen and my endurance improve. More importantly, my confidence and self-perception transformed. I set a goal and achieved it. While I may not have splurged on new running shoes, I did invest in hiking boots. Those miles have opened my eyes to the joy of physical challenges, revealing that exercise is largely a mental game. Next month, I plan to tackle Katahdin, the highest peak in Maine and the conclusion of the Appalachian Trail. By all accounts, I will be sore, which may signal the end of my running streak.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the journey wasn’t solely about the distance run, but rather about the act of setting and achieving a goal. In my 40s, juggling kids and a full-time job, I discovered who I could be when I let go of excuses, delved deep within myself, and embraced the possibilities that lay ahead.

For more insights on this journey, check out one of our previous posts here. If you’re exploring your own fertility journey, you can find valuable information at Make A Mom, a great resource for couples. Additionally, for further guidance on pregnancy and home insemination, visit this excellent resource.

Search Queries:

Summary:

A commitment to running a mile daily over a year transformed not just my physical fitness but also my family’s dynamics and support system during the pandemic. The journey became a source of strength, confidence, and bonding, illustrating the power of setting achievable goals and embracing challenges as a family.