2019 Birthday Run

Well yesterday was my 28th birthday and what a day it was! I tend to do things a little differently than most people, celebrations included. So it shouldn’t be much surprise that I celebrated by running 28 miles on the beach, a trend I started in 2018. 

Last year I was training for a race at the time, so overall I was in pretty good shape! This year on the other hand I was NOT! Before yesterday I hadn’t run in nearly 3 months! 

However, in 2018 I made the non-negotiable promise that I would continue to do the birthday run every year. Keyword being non-negotiable. 

I was dreading my birthday in the weeks leading up to it. Fully aware of my obligation to run and also fully aware that I was in no way ready for such a run, unsupported at that.

Full of excuses…

Excuses began to fill my head…. “you’re busy with work”… “its too hot”…“you might have a heat stroke”…“no one knows about the stupid promise you made”… “celebrate like a normal person”… “no one is forcing you to do this”… “have a beer instead”… all sorts of bullshit excuses.

By nature we are wired for survival but survival isn’t enough when you want to thrive! From experience I knew the mind will always search for the path of least resistance, especially in times of weakness. My mind was filling itself up with bullshit, trying to justify me breaking the promise I made to myself.

Thrive, don’t just survive!

So I threw all the excuses to the wind and scheduled my work day around the beach run, since after all it was non-negotiable. 

I got to Galveston a little before lunch, there wasn’t a cloud in the sky. Hot and windy, just as I  expected. I shook my head at my stupidity as I took the first of many steps away from my truck. The plan was simple, run 14 miles down the beach, turn around and head back.

Down and Back!

Long down and back runs are perfect for beginners and experts alike because they set you up for success. It doesn’t matter if you’re running 5 miles or 50, your mind will start to play tricks on you when you get tired (usually around halfway). If you’re running short loops near your vehicle it becomes much easier to throw in the towel. If your escape route is insight, you will be tempted to take it. 

Down and backs take away that temptation. The only goal is making it to the turn around point. Once you’re there it doesn’t matter how shitty or tired you feel, you are forced to get yourself back.

This is going to be an ass kicker!

I knew within the first couple of miles I was in for a brutal ass-kicking. My heart rate was maxed out at 183 BPM and I was running at an easy pace. Three months ago my heart rate would have been at 150 BPM at the same pace. I underestimated how quickly my fitness level had diminished. 

At mile six the seawall ended and I was forced to the sand. I tried to get excited at mile seven at the fact that I was 1/4 done but the excitement didn’t last long. I knew it was going to get much worse before it got better and no one was coming to save me. At mile ten my thighs began to burn due to fact I forgot to use anti-chafe cream. 

It always gets worse before it gets better…

Things got even worse at mile twelve when I ran out of water. The closest store was miles behind me and I still had two more miles to go before I could turn around. All the excuses started filling my head but I continued on. 

At mile fourteen I ate the only food I had brought, a GU energy waffle. Containing less than 200 calories. I had already burned close to 2500 calories so the waffle did little to help the huge deficit I was running on. Beginner or expert, know your body and make sure you take enough fuel with you!

Water anyone?

I asked two groups “where the closest gas station was? I need water BAD!” Both failed to get the clue and told me a few miles away. Well fuck, I told myself as I continued on, knowing exactly where the gas station was.

Birthday surprise!

 A mile later I asked two girls if they had any water, they were posing on the beach like models and I fully expected them to say no. By this time I was delirious and probably slurring my words but to my surprise they said yes and gave me a bottle. It was ice cold! My birthday was made and I didn’t even have the energy to say anything besides “thanks you probably saved my life” 

In retrospect they probably thought I was some homeless beach bum. I doubt it crossed their mind it was birthday and I was running 28 miles across the island.

At mile twenty-two when I got back on the seawall I picked up the pace, knowing there was a gas station coming up soon. I darted across the street when traffic had passed. After refilling my hydration pack with water and gatorade I was back in action! I picked up a stick of beef jerky and crackers, neither of which sounded good at this point but I knew I needed the calories.

The sugar and carbs slightly picked me up but it was already too late to recover. I just needed to suck it up and finish the day birthday run 2019, which is exactly what I did. Slowly but surly the ferris wheel on Pleasure Pier got bigger and bigger. Meaning the end was in sight!

The end is near! Keep moving!

I began counting down the streets, 81st….61st…45th… My truck was parked at 19th I could almost smell the finish after every step.

Once my truck was visible I began to rejoice and smile! I had kept my promise made the year before and I was 28 miles stronger because of it. There was temptations and self-doubt bouncing around in my head for the entire day but I had accomplished my mission. Had my plan not been a down and back long loop, I am not sure if I would have finished. Ah I take that back, I would have finished but it would have been even more mentally draining having the constant escape exit, lurking near by.

Do the Birthday Run…Own your day!!

It might not be everyones ideal way to celebrate making it another lap around the sun. Theres nothing wrong with wanting to be pampered on your birthday but when my day of the year comes around, I’m going to own it!

Interested? The Rules are simple!

On your birthday (not the day before or after), you run a mile for every year of your life. No matter what! Doesn’t matter if you’re on vacation, have to work, haven’t trained. If you can’t run, walk. If you cant walk, crawl. Just get the miles in, they are non-negotiable. 

Some people might say, “well what about when you turn 50?” Simple! When May 14th 2041 gets here ill be spending the day banging out 50 miles, non-negotiable! 

Is your birthday coming up? 

Let me know HERE if you’re stepping up to the challenge and plan to take part in the 2019 Birthday Run. If your birthday has already passed be sure to plan ahead for 2020 by checking out the Top Lessons Ive learned from running ultra-marathons. 

 Also be sure to check out our fitness and mindset page to learn more