I ran for 14 days straight and this is what happened

Hot off the high from my 30-day health challenge last month, I was eager to keep the health kick momentum going. Having done workout videos all month long, I switched things up by visiting my old friend - the Nike Run Club app.

If you've been here for a while, you'll know I've been an avid user of the Nike Run Club app and Nike Training Club app when the pandemic first started. These two apps truly helped me immensely when it came to finding a new fitness routine back when COVID-19 first hit.

I don't like to run when it's cold outside, so it's safe to say that with the heatwave we just experienced in the Pacific Northwest, we are in full summer mode.

Now, it's been a hot minute since I used Nike Run Club, but I wanted to set myself the goal that I knew I could achieve to give me the confidence boost to jump back into cardio:

The goal of running 50km in July.

So, how did I do? I reached 50km in two weeks, baby! Is this an impressive statistic? No, not at all. But, it's reassuring to me to know that I am capable of doing it. Here is some proof:

Unguided vs. Guided Runs

There are two main ways to use the Nike Run Club app- unguided or guided runs. Unguided means you go your own pace, listen to music or podcast and run as long or short as you like.

This was the first time I've gone running since my move, so this was a really great way to get to know the neighbourhood. I got to run through new neighbourhoods and explore side alleys and admire houses. Dare I say, it was quite easy to romanticize these runs. Because of this, it was also easy to default to unguided, easy runs while I take in the new surroundings.

I'm an unguided run kind of gal (I don't do well with authority). I never got into guided runs because, truthfully, they sound really hard. I'm realizing this about myself, that I tend to not go for things that are difficult to protect myself from failure (anyone else does this?? DM me on Instagram and we can bond over this😅).

I want to change that.

Guided runs are programs where a coach talks through the run and coaches you along, saying things like:

Keep going, there's 30 seconds left at this pace, or

I'm going to count you down, and then I want you to run at your mile pace for 45 seconds.

I do want to challenge myself with more guided runs. In the past 14 days, I went on ONE guided run. It was so difficult, but I felt really great afterward. I realized I need to go after the challenging things because that's how we grow. If I never allow myself to fail, that also means I don't allow myself to learn and grow from it.

I find I have this moment in many workouts that are difficult. Typically around the halfway point, I contemplate stopping. I almost never stop. I may go a bit easier, or take a long water break, but I always finish the workout. This stems from the part of my personality where I have to finish something when I've started.

If you haven't yet, give Nike Run Club a try. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

This app is what makes running bearable. I am not a natural runner. I much prefer the gym and weights and workout classes. But, using Nike Run Club allows me to track my progress, and make every run count towards me becoming a better version of myself every time I hit 'Start Run'.