My 2.6 Challenge: Week 2

I’ve just finished week 2 of my 2.6 Challenge so thought I’d write a blog post to document my runs over the past week.

I started the 2.6 challenge on Sunday 26th April, in a bid to raise awareness and funds for the Scoliosis Campaign Fund. Like many charities, the Scoliosis Campaign Fund been affected by the cancellation of fundraising events due to COVID19.

The 2.6 challenge was launched to save the UK’s charities, and the idea is that people can do any challenge associated with the numbers 2 and/or 6.

As part of this challenge, I decided to run 2.6 miles every day, fro 26 consecutive days.

I am now at the end of week 2. I have completed 15 runs so far, on 15 consecutive days. I’m finding that it is now becoming a struggle in the sense that my calves are very tight, my legs and joints are hurting and I’m just tired.

I’m not used to running everyday and I usually have a rest day in between so it’s getting tough now. But I’m forcing myself as it is all for an important cause. If you’d like to sponsor me, you can do so here.

I’ve documented my week 2 below, you can also follow me on Strava and Instagram to keep up with my progress!

Or, check of week 1 of my 2.6 challenge.

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SUNDAY 3rd May – DAY 8

Today was HOT HOT HOT and so after the 8 mile run I did the day before, I thought I’d just stick to the 2.6 distance today. I ran down a country lane I hadn’t ran down before and managed to get quite a good pace, considering the heat. So overall, I was pleased with that. I tried to add a bit more on but I was too tired, so walked about a mile home after the run.

I’m really enjoying exploring the local area and finding new country lanes to run down, so peaceful and pretty. Plus, I saw some lambs!

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MONDAY – DAY 9

Today it was hot again, but I was determined to do a slightly longer route, so I managed 3 miles round the county lanes after work. It’s one of the first runs in a while that I managed a consistent pace without stopping due to people. So I was happy with that. I much prefer the country lanes for that.

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TUESDAY – DAY 10

Tonight I did a simple 2.63 miles round the roads that I live after work. Less scenic but I just wanted to get it done tonight.

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WEDNESDAY – DAY 11

Tonight I slowed it down a bit as my legs felt tight and managed to round it up to 3.10 miles (5K).

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THURSDAY – DAY 12

Today I managed to fit in a run in my lunch break, which I don’t usually do. As I’m working from home at the moment, it gives me a bit more time and freedom to do things like this though. Also, it only takes me around 24 minutes to run 2.6 miles so it’s easy to fit in a lunch break. It was hot again today, around 21 degrees and sunny so it felt tough, but I needed to do it after a stressful day.

It instantly made me feel better and allowed me to get on with the rest of my day feeling less stressed. It also meant that I could chill with a couple of large gins and video chat with my friends guilt free that evening!

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FRIDAY – DAY 13

Today was bank holiday in the UK (VE Day), and again, very sunny and warm! So after a bit of a lie in, I decided to attempt a longer, slower run today round the scenic country lanes. I managed a 6 mile route which took me around an hour, so I was pleased with that. It was nice to get out for a bit longer and enjoy the scenic surroundings, as well as have a look at all the VE day bunting. Much nicer and more relaxing than cramming in a run round the housing estate just to fit one in!

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SATURDAY – DAY 14

After the 6 miles yesterday, I decided to do only what I needed today. Plus, it was even hotter than yesterday today! I really struggled today, with the heat, heavy legs, tight calves and a severe lack of motivation. I REALLY didn’t want to go out and run today and was craving a rest day. As I struggled my pace was a bit slower but, at least I got it done and I was proud of myself for not giving up. When I got back, I made sure I did some yoga to try and stretch out my tired legs.

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So that’s two weeks and 14 runs down, I’m over half way now with 12 runs remaining. Lets hope my calves can cope!!

I’d love it if you could sponsor me, every penny helps 🙂 remember to

 follow me over on Instagram and Strava if you’d like to keep up with my progress. 🙂

Stay safe and keep going!

Louise X