DONE with the Boston to Bar Harbor Challenge

PHEW! That was a long challenge, but a good one. 

I began the Boston to Bar Harbor 750 Mile challenge way back on August 21st, and wrapped it up yesterday, January 31st. 

Whoot! Medal monday. 

I had a very strong start, as not only was I running, but we were in the height of hiking season (AND I ran Virtual Boston during that time.) There was a significant speed bump for a couple weeks in September, as I dealt with some work/horse related issues that took significant time and energy. After that, I was back on track. The Half-K-A-Day November challenge gave me the miles I needed to get back on, and then ahead of schedule. 

This challenge was slightly harder than the previous one (Baxter, to Baxter, to Baxter) even though the required weekly mileage was exactly the same. Without our weekly (or so) hiking miles, it was just more challenging to stay ahead. No big deal, a challenge is supposed to be challenging! Honestly, I only wanted to complete this one on schedule, and I managed to wrap it up close to 3 weeks early. 

The thing I noticed about this challenge, and the 202 winter miles one, if the fact that there are some VERY active seniors out there, who CRANK out walking miles. Literally, hundred mile weeks of walking along in South Carolina (or, similar.) I have to admit that I am very impressed, and hope that I am still zooming along like that when I am in my more adult years. 

I have been enjoying the distance challenges very much, and think that not only are they affordable, but they offer me some good motivation during a weird time. 

The next one on my list is "only" a 400 miler, but is unique, as it offers the option to do the miles any way- walking, running, cycling, skiing of any type, rowing, and "other". I plan to get all my miles running or hiking, and imagine that anyone cycling this challenge will be done in a couple weeks! 

As we move into February, I'm looking to create more structure and variety within my running miles. I have done a great job chugging out junk miles for the past couple months, and definitely feel that I have hit a very predictable plateau/slump. So, time for some hills/speed/long/easy days instead of just fiddling along. 

I'm also planning to add some basic strength work- just a little- but 2 days a week for 20 minutes should be manageable, even for the laziest of people (me). 

We have a miserable week of weather on the horizon (after a fairly miserable week last week!) So it looks like the treadmill is going to be my friend for awhile. 

If nothing else, the sun is staying out longer every day, and I can now easily get out for a run after work (unless I work late, which is always, but I just wear my blinky flashy vest!)

It's like 4:30 PM and not quite dark!

Stats:

Miles run: 32.6

Warmest day: I feel like it got up to 35 at some point?

Coldest day: High of 14 on Sunday with windchills to -35 (and low actual temp of -4 on Sunday)

Snow: We got a sneak attack 3" Rude. 

Place in Challenge (s) on Sunday night: 

Boston to Bar Harbor: FINISHED!  110/573 I jumped up 19 places this week, and finished 21 days ahead of schedule.