Kia ora!

Wow, what a month to kick off documenting each run every day (on the YouTube channel at least).

There's been snow, there's been hail, there's been sunshine, wind and rain too.

Anyhow...

This time around, I wanted to talk about the ups and downs that come with running, especially the mental side of running. Yes, yes, yes... there is ALWAYS a factor that has to take into account the classic trifecta of fitness, talent and physiology ...but a lot of it, I think, comes down to mental clarity and strength.

Here's what I mean about mental clarity...

When I go into a run with a positive attitude and focus on the outcome - I actually finish it and I enjoy it, or at least I get through to the next day without much friction.

But, on the other hand, when my head is cloudy, my energy is low, or I start the day already thinking negatively about the run, the odds drop pretty quickly.

Being mentally strong and also being both mentally and physically CONSISTENT (in a repetitive kind of way). Somehow, just keeping on going seems to be the key (for me at least!) and it's how I have the ability to 'just do it' for such a challenge. It even helps when the goal is simply just getting the miles or getting faster or just getting through the day...

...now don't take my word for it... as I don’t want to come across as some self-help guru. I just feel as though my journeys and physical activity have always benefited from happiness and positivity and that mental switch. A switch where I'm able to either 'turn off' from the day and switch into the running (or click into a different brain so I can see the outcome of the run i.e. I finished it), then I usually am able to either perform better or I can then just complete what I started.

This month has been tricky with all the cold weather, and I didn't think that I was going to push myself to run every day. So has there been something else that's excited me a bit more in August compared to a flat July?

I do feel as though documenting this has pushed me a little bit further. So it's probably that. Building things in public is tougher on you to quit, or to stop and so putting myself out there has actually changed my mindset and allow me to push through when some days I would’ve said "NO WAY" and probably not done a run.

Here’s where we are so far with the nerdy stats…

and there’s more nerdy stuff on the site too.

So thank you to everyone who is following this and for those of you who have reached out, it really means a lot and it’s giving me a real positive mental attitude for the whole of this crazy 2026 challenge.

So onwards for the rest of the month, smashing each run out - one by one. Thanks for reading my rambles.

Let’s go!

Mā te wā

MD

P.S. Got a challenge of your own you've never told anyone about? Reply and tell me. That's exactly what I want to hear about.

P.P.S Know someone who needs a reason to get off the couch (or just watch someone else do something slightly more fun?) Send them here to subscribe.