1,000 Miles: Month 1
61.1 miles.
“Yes!” was my initial reaction.
Then came the second.
“Shit, that’s less than I should have run…”
When I first committed to the 1,000 Miles thing (yes, running 1,000 miles in 2014) I did some quick calculating.
Running 100 miles a month would put me over the 1,000 mile mark, meaning if I clocked a few months with 100 miles I would have some leeway. I then went to a calculator and figured out that what I really needed to do was hit about 20 miles a week, or about 80 miles a month. Doable, but after a month of not running I needed to work my way back up.
And so January began and Megan and I began a daily texting fest back and forth about how we were feeling, what runs we were planning on doing, etc. We both hit the 50 mile mark on the same weekend and gave ourselves a congratulatory “we did it!” Because when you’ve got a big goal, you have to knock off it off one little goal at a time.
Ok, so maybe 61.1 miles in the first month isn’t so bad after all. Sure, it’s under the 80 mile mark, but then again…. I started a week into January and managed to bust out 61.1 miles. That has to count for something.
On one run in the last month a rat scurried across my path, and then the next day I ran past a dead one. A flock of pigeons almost flew into me. But I also got to run in the snow in the woods and be reminded of what a real trail run feels like. I think overall that’s a positive payoff.
I am reminded that running, much like life, is a process. Some days are hard, but when you push through, the other side feels a little brighter. There’s clarity on a run. You’re away from emails and phone calls and you have time to think. My best brainstorming happens when I run. So maybe this year I’ll have some of my best ideas ever. It’s all about intention after all. Create the situation that puts you at your best.
When you commit to a goal, especially with a friend, you become accountable. In a way, you’re forced to get out on that morning run even though you’d rather sleep the extra 45 minutes. You have to get on the foam roller. You have to stretch. And because you do all those things, there’s a payoff. You get faster. The runs get easier. You enjoy your food more. Your Sunday brunch and French press happen at 1pm instead of 10am because you clocked a 9 miler in the morning and you’re happy to admit you feel a little smug about that.
We should be thankful that we can use our bodies. That we can push ourselves. That we can accept a challenge and work towards it. This is as much mental as it is physical.
And looking back at my photos, it was a beautiful month.
These are things to feel good about.
Get out and get after it. Onto 1,000 Miles Month 2.
From Portland to Paris: 1,000 Miles 2014 is a commitment to clock 1,000 running miles in one year. A pact between two friends living in two different cities. Follow along on Instagram and Tumblr.
blog.annabrones.com 
1000 miles is a commitment, but these are really nice pictures, with quite some differences in landscape 😉
Tobi
February 5, 2014 at 11:22
Thanks Tobi! Trying to master the “running and taking photos at the same time” skill 🙂
Anna Brones
February 6, 2014 at 02:01
Looks like you mastered that skill much better than I have yet, my pictures are always a bit blurred 😉
Tobi
February 6, 2014 at 08:43
Reblogged this on flambo1'blog.
flamboyant
February 12, 2014 at 17:48
you
my friend
are a madman
when running its almost
like operating on a different timeline to those around
you
like an argentine playmaker
playing the game at your pace
good luck
!
thanks
northernmalewhite
February 12, 2014 at 17:52
(mad
woman,
sorry!)
northernmalewhite
February 12, 2014 at 17:52
yes, moderately mad 🙂
Anna Brones
February 13, 2014 at 07:40
LOVE this! Such an inspiration. I’m currently training for my first half-marathon and you’re right, it is just as much (if not more) mental than it is physical. The motivation and maintenance is the hardest part. Please keep it up! Your post has made me that much more excited about my own run later today. Thanks!
Jillian
February 12, 2014 at 18:07
Glad to hear it Jillian! That’s what we’re hoping for – inspiring other people to get out!
Anna Brones
February 13, 2014 at 07:40
wow! a superhero if ever there was one!
pls drop in at filmcamera999.wordpress.com if you have the time
filmcamera999
February 12, 2014 at 18:24
I love your pictures, and what you say about commitment is so true. I’m also a runner and can relate to your entry 🙂
Miss Joy
February 12, 2014 at 18:31
Very nice and inspiring. I wish I could force myself outside to run in this horrendous winter. Maybe this year isn’t my year, but next year will be.
Best of luck in your running.
dzawacki
February 12, 2014 at 18:34
Beautiful photos and a lofty goal! Good luck, looking forward to following your experience. The journey is way more impressive then the finish line.
Carrie
February 12, 2014 at 18:59
awesome pictures! thanks for sharing. i really like your ideas while running. totally true. do you run with music? if so, what do you listen to? some friends of mine are ANTI-music. they say you have to listen to your body and think about your run. sometimes i agree. sometimes i love the music.
joeschmoe2000
February 12, 2014 at 19:09
Nope, no music. I used to run with music a few years ago, but then I found that it closed me off to the outside world. No music lets me get out and enjoy my surroundings in a different way.
Anna Brones
February 13, 2014 at 07:39
Wow, thats a great commitment, all those miles in one year. Fantastic photos as well!
Paul Bowler
February 12, 2014 at 19:23
I’m writing not running – maybe you will be my inspiration.
Sally Lewis
February 12, 2014 at 20:24
Inspiring.
56vase
February 12, 2014 at 20:39
Reblogged this on 56vase and commented:
Inspiring to get off the couch.
56vase
February 12, 2014 at 20:39
I love this! I want to join in! I know it’s February but it’s do’able right!?
chony1989
February 12, 2014 at 21:36
Yes, do it! The point is to inspire people to get out and get after it, no matter how many miles they do 🙂
Anna Brones
February 13, 2014 at 07:38
Great, I am going to do it! Hope to keep following you and will keep you updated on my progress as well! I work on kilometres, so it’s around 1610km 🙂
chony1989
February 13, 2014 at 13:59
Beautiful photos and amazing accomplishment!
extraordinaryaalborg
February 12, 2014 at 22:41
Wow. Way the go. hope you will make it to 1000. I can currently just hope that one day my mind will be strong enough, to be able to run long distance runs. Love the photos too.
theshockofrunning
February 12, 2014 at 23:01
Feel like running again. “Create the situation that puts you at your best.” – sounds inspiring.
ZERO
February 12, 2014 at 23:24
Be inspired!
CultFit
February 13, 2014 at 00:00
I love it. Great attitude. Keep it going. It’s so much easier to lose motivation and slip out of the habit. Reading this made me want to start running again, but it’s way too cold here!
Marie
February 13, 2014 at 02:02
Reblogged this on The International Blogspaper.
incaunipocrit
February 13, 2014 at 06:02
The finish is always more important than the start.
Soul Walker
February 13, 2014 at 06:19
Thats a good thing and thought you’ve put into it.
I guess i need couple of these miles for me too!:-D
ashishkdubey73
February 13, 2014 at 06:48
When running involves scenery like this– it is all I can ask for. Unfortunately I can’t run due to my back, but I plan on going biking this weekend, through some greenery.
Damyanti
February 13, 2014 at 08:59
Biking is an excellent option! As long as you get out, it doesn’t matter what you’re doing 🙂
Anna Brones
February 13, 2014 at 11:51
This is a great challenge and so worth every step. Good luck! Love the pics and the insight.
Red
February 13, 2014 at 16:57
Wow! When I saw this post I quickly thought no way, 1,000 miles – that’s nuts! I thought that only because I’m not a runner ;). You can do this… good will and determination. I’ll add that I looked at Map My Walk app to see how much I walked and biked in a week and I’ve been averaging between 21 – 30 miles a week, that’s pushing it too.
Kudos to you for setting a high yet attainable goal! Keep on running……
Maria
Still Times
February 13, 2014 at 23:02
Maria- Yes! 21-30 miles a week no matter what you’re doing is great. Keep it up!
Anna Brones
February 14, 2014 at 10:00
Those pictures are beautiful! You look like you have some stunning runs. Keep up the hard work it will be so rewarding for you, great idea!
NataColls
February 14, 2014 at 00:02
Inspiring and pretty pics
Crushedheartless.wordpress.com
crushedheartless
February 14, 2014 at 02:51
wow
directpaybiz01
February 14, 2014 at 09:22
Beautiful photos and great positivity! You can definitely do this. Good luck with your running and blogging!
jesserie44
February 15, 2014 at 00:00
It’s good to know there are others out there with similar goals! I set myself a “Run 1200km” target for 2014 (close to 750 miles) and I too was a little short on the first month. Reading your post was inspiring! I think there will be months that are better than others; remember you’re just starting out and eventually you’ll be running further the fitter you get and that’ll make up the lost miles. Congratulations on your first month! I wish you all the best with it; I’ll be following your blog journey! 🙂 P.S. I like the pics.
stephenvsblog
February 15, 2014 at 08:05
Stephen – thanks and good for you! Yes, it’s true that as time goes more miles become easier. Good luck on the 1200km!!
Anna Brones
February 15, 2014 at 13:37
Wow! Just wow! What a goal. I follow with interest and admiration!
quinny2310
February 15, 2014 at 13:22
`Makes sense to me. Running gives you distance, literally, from life’s……well the stuff that you come up against. Keep on running.
franv32
February 15, 2014 at 19:29
61.1 miles is a good start to the year, particularly with a week off. Tons of time to make up lost ground and get some beautiful miles in. If I might suggest, pick a destination race somewhere to keep the motivation up somewhere in the late summer (when the beach is calling with cold drinks and late nights).
jseanw
February 15, 2014 at 19:43
An excellent idea! In fact was already mulling it over 🙂
Anna Brones
February 17, 2014 at 13:55
I love this post! I’m not a runner, but I love the goal setting and the inspired way in which you are approaching it. Your photos are great and add a nice dimension to your posts. You’ve inspired me! I’ll be following along as you reach your goal.
lynnjake
February 15, 2014 at 20:27
I have been in and out of running recently and can’t seem to get back into it. You reminded me of how freeing it feels to get to the longer distances and how enjoyable and effortless running becomes when you can keep a regular schedule. I hope you come up with some (good and bad) crazy ideas with every milestone 😉
munchaholic
February 16, 2014 at 23:31
“I am reminded that running, much like life, is a process…There’s clarity on a run.”
This is what will take you through (and beyond) 1000 miles. This is what my friends and colleagues–the ones who don’t run–don’t understand, or don’t (or can’t) tap into. It’s like meditating on a Japanese koan: you may never have that “a ha!” moment, but it’s the search, the “process”, that matters. Good for you.
Aristotle Sarantis
February 17, 2014 at 21:23
Good luck with your running! You can do this!
Reason To Play
February 18, 2014 at 03:09
Beautiful photo and message. Good luck. I have aspired to hit 1,000 but have never made it yet.
musingrunner
February 18, 2014 at 03:24
I could not agree more. In a world commiserated with instant gratification, the slow build up of a pay off from physical exertion is heralded. Just one run-a-holic’s humble opinion
MissFit
February 18, 2014 at 06:18
61 miles in a month is great! I am training for a 5k and looking to get back into running so you have inspired me. Thank you!
Katie In Love
February 19, 2014 at 05:43
Great job! Keep at it! I love the pictures too.
Stacy
February 20, 2014 at 23:57
Alhigrt alright alright that’s exactly what I needed!
Justice
May 20, 2014 at 09:53
very well work done…keep going…i liked it…its nice…as am a new blogger in this world and i wrote just 1 blog (story) (http://mindtechnorms.wordpress.com/2014/02/13/when-god-granted-tittus-to-go-to-earth-for-1-day-part-i/) and unable to find my viewer as like you, can u please help me by reading my 1st blog what wrong with my writing…is really something wrong with my writing or am just expecting too early…your helpful comments will really inspire me… and please follow me…
MindTechNorms
February 21, 2014 at 06:52
You got some nice scenery to run through. I do a fair bit of running and cycling and both are wonderful exercises.
drumbinnisbrian
February 21, 2014 at 12:16
Those photographs you took are just beautiful, made even more so by the fact that they’re black and white 🙂
Faolan
February 21, 2014 at 15:40
that’s amazing, you’ve inspired me to call a friend out, let’s see if we can catch up to you~!
theairerazorvirus
February 21, 2014 at 17:50
Reblogged this on Escape from Pa.
theairerazorvirus
February 21, 2014 at 17:50
Great post & great advice. I liked “Create the situation that puts you at your best.” Thanks!
lauzlau
February 22, 2014 at 06:02
Reblogged this on luishectorp and commented:
mi no hablar mucho ingles! pero deseo compartir este trabajo de Anna con mi hermana y vere de hacerlo aunque me tome mas de una milla .
atte.
el añejo
luishectorp
March 4, 2014 at 16:53
[…] that moderately crazy look in my eyes. And I get excited when I sit down to write about it (proof: Month 1 and Month 2 […]
1,000 Miles: Month 3 | anna brones
April 9, 2014 at 15:33