Thursday, October 4, 2012

The X-Files Challenge


When I was given permission to run again, my physical therapist told me to put in as much time on the treadmill as I could. I’ve never been much of a treadmill runner: A) It’s boring and B) street running is just so much cooler. My first couple of weeks back, I managed to get on the treadmill twice. I quickly came to understand why people called it the “dreadmill”.

Mid September I realized that I was only averaging one run a week (at most) on the dreaded treadmill, so I decided to give myself a challenge to see if it would motivate me. I decided to see how many miles I could run while watching …. drum roll…. X-Files! 


X-Files was my favorite show growing up (yes I’m a geek and always have been) and I’ve been wanting to watch it again. All nine seasons are on Netflix, so I’ve been taking my phone to the gym and streaming it. And yes, I did say nine seasons! What have I gotten myself into?!?

So far, the challenge has done the trick. I’m now hitting the dreadmill twice a week and hitting the street the other two days. I’m putting in some good mileage and getting to watch my favorite show all over again from the beginning! When my run is complete, I make myself stop the episode where it is and won’t let myself pick it back up until my next run. 


I am currently on episode 4 and I’ve run 16.73 miles! Keep up with my latest mileage and episode by clicking on the X-Files challenge tab at the top of the page.

What tricks do you do to keep yourself motivated?

3 comments:

  1. I once ran 16 miles on a treadmill (during a snow storm). Motivation to finish that really just required me zoning out and doing it...though the people watching helped as well. Plus, I just kept thinking "I am one bad mofo". But in general, my motivation now comes from my newborn (shameless plug of my blog therunnerdad.com here). He's amazing, and I want to be healthy for him.

    Keep up the good work!

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  2. I watched Band of Brothers while I was at the VC gym. These days, running the streets is usually accompanied by music, podcasts, or audiobooks, like most boring people :P

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  3. Modern technology is grand, is it not?

    I don't really do cardio at the gym anymore, but when I did, I just listened to music. I found it uncomfortable to look up at the TV while running. Keeping my goals in mind and seeing progress are the things that keep me motivated at this time.

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