It’s no secret that my running has sort of been all over the place this year. Back in January I was so excited to start training for a half-marathon which was supposed to take place in May. I made it through about 6 weeks of training before it was postponed (the new date has yet to be made official). I’ve been doing virtual races during COVID-19 but some weeks I run alot (for me) and others I feel less motivated and don’t run as much. So I thought this would be a great time to focus on a new running challenge for this summer.
Last week I signed up for the Race Across Maryland. The goal is to run 250 miles between June 15th and August 31st (60 days). This is if you are running “west to east”. There is also an option to run “north to south” and do 100 miles in the same time frame.
So why did I pick this challenge to focus on? While it was a mostly spur-of-the-moment decision, there were some reasons it felt right to me right now.
I don’t have to focus on speed
Between the heat, stroller runs, and lifting heavier this is just not a good time for me to work on getting faster.
It will give me some structure to each week
Some days I just sit around like “how much should I run?” I like to have a distance in mind before I go out so I know how much time I need. This will give me some guidance. I usually run 5 days per week and I’ll need to run about 30 miles per week.
It is challenging, but doable
I was almost going to sign up for the “100 mile” race but then I figured I might as well challenge myself. I know I’ll run 100 miles in 60 days, but I’ll really need to be intentional to hit 250.
I can include walks
I usually walk for about 2 miles with the stroller whenever its nice out, and I can include these miles too. I will probably log them on an app rather than use my Garmin so I don’t mess up my running data. I no longer wear a fitness tracker but miles accumulated from regular daily activities don’t count anyway.
It supports local businesses
According to the website, “In an eye on helping Maryland’s small businesses get back on their feet, we will take some of the proceeds from the event and buy gift certificates and other “stuff” from local mom and pops, bars and restaurants and use them as prizes and rewards and help those Maryland companies. Your job will be to use your prizes and gift certificates and bring a friend or two when you do!”
Finally, its a virtual challenge. It’s something to work towards, but I don’t have to do this if I’m finding the mileage is too much or I need a break. It might also motivate me to get out for walks on days that I don’t really feel like it.
[Tweet “I have a new challenge I will be focusing on this summer! And it doesn’t have to do with speed. @milebymilerun #runnersroundup”]
Have you ever done a challenge like this?
Would you opt for the 250 miles or 100 miles?
How often do you get outside for walks?
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Running across the state sounds like a fun challenge! I would probably opt for 250 miles too, since it is good motivation to build mileage. I looked for one for Indiana a few weeks ago and didn’t find one, I should look again!
It seems like so many states are starting to offer them! Hopefully there is one you can do in your area.
I don’t know if I could run 250 miles in 60 days–but I wouldn’t opt for 100. Sounds really motivating! I’m doing an Illinois challenge and the distance is 210 miles in 60 days.
It will be a stretch for me but with the walking I should be fine. But I do want to challenge myself a bit!
I signed up for the one across NYS.
At first the 500k option but that’s only 3 miles a day.
I just switched to 1000k.
Yikes. But I do walk a lot. Wish me luck.
Oh wow!! That sounds like alot but I bet you will be fine with all your walking.
I think you’ll like the challenge. I’m doing my state, but it’s much longer and goes on for a full year, I kind of wish it was shorter and more focused, but hey I live in a big state. In theory I could do it with running alone but I’m also counting walking just in case something happens and I need to back off running. I never really tracked walking before, but we’re getting about 10 miles a week in from dog walks and IMO it’s a really good recovery activity.
That’s interesting that yours is so long! I like the time frame of this one. I’ve been walking alot more but I havent tracked my distance. I think I am going to track my runs and walks separately so I can see how much I end up with by running alone.
You may have seen that I’m doing the Iowa challenge. We had three options, and I registered for the middle one (249 miles in 70 days). The longer challenge was for 315 miles, which I can easily hit with all of my walking miles added in, but I’m hoping I can pass the 249 with just my running miles. But, yeah, it’s virtual LOL, not a big deal what my final numbers end up being 😉 Good luck!
That sounds like a great goal! I am also hoping to do this with running miles alone but I’ll probably count some of the intentional walking miles too because they will add up.
I am not sure if I could hit that mileage right now w the summer heat. I like any challenge that gets us out and moving. Motivation is a little harder right now. I do daily walks quite often and my RunBet challenge helps me with weekly goals of that. Looking forward to following along happy running
The heat will definitely make it more challenging! If it gets really bad there is always the treadmill…
Nice challenge! I love that you signed up for the 250 mile one. It’s always to stretch the goals a little!
Great that you can include the walks as well.
I’m sure Grayson will enjoy it!
Haha I probably should have consulted him before signing up:) But yes, it will definitely be a good challenge!
I love all of these running across the states challenges that are popping up. There is one for Vermont too. I may have to look into signing up for one. Love the idea that you can include walks too as we spend a lot of time walking our dog too.
I think many of us have been walking more over the past few months! I would like to get most of the mileage in through running, but I’ll track my walks too just in case.
I think it sounds fun and very motivating! There’s a similar thing for California but I didn’t sign up, but now maybe I will.
I just needed something to work towards right now, so this seemed like a good option!
I admittedly really don’t like walking. I do it but I’d much rather not. 🙂 Congrats for taking on a new challenge!
Haha I don’t really like walking much either- Id much rather run for exercise. But lately, being stuck home all day with a toddler, those walks are necessary. And I find that I’m walking so much I might as well start tracking them.
I love these virtual challenges! I am part of a two-woman team running 1000K, representing the length of Florida’s east coast. We have until 10/31 to complete it and I think it’s going to be a great motivator for both of us!
Good luck and have so much fun!
Oh that sounds really fun! That’s a lot of miles so its nice to have until October to get it done!
This is very similar to my challenge for the month of June! It’s nice to include the walking miles too. Although I already need to scale my running back a bit because I’m feeling sore! No surprise because I ran almost 40 miles last week. Oops! 🙂 Good luck with your challenge!
40 miles in a week is amazing! Its been many years since I did that. Right now I usually am in the mid 20s, sometimes closer to 30. I’ll need to do about 30 a week if I only count running miles. Should be fun!
I like that you chose 250 – I would have done the same just for that extra challenge and as you say, to be more intentional about doing your runs. This is brilliant and will definitely motivate you to get out there!
I figured if I was going to do it, I might as well make it a little challenging! Luckily I can include walks if I need to!
I love the idea of a challenge for some structure. The run across/up NY didn’t appeal to me, but I thought about doing the subway one. Good luck “exploring” Maryland
It’s funny- for Runbet I’ll let it go in Garmin, but not Strava. I figure Garmin is already full of garbage data since I never changed out my shoes. I”ve been more intentional about exercise too v accumulating steps
I just have Garmin and strava linked so it all transfers over. The NY subway challenge sounded interesting!