Our November challenge was all about distance but now it's time for something different! January is about frequency and consistency. It's certainly not going to be easy, especially for those of us dealing with changing weather and little daylight. It can be hard to stay motivated at this time of year, especially for those of us that don't have any races to work towards. So why bother? Because we double dare you!
In running, a "double" typically refers to a training day in which someone completes two runs in one day. Most elite runners incorporate "doubles" into their training regiment and there are loads of benefits to them. However, "doubles" aren't just for the elites anymore! A quick internet search will provide plenty of information about the pros and cons of the good ole "double". This challenge is all about the "double"!
Double Trouble Challenge
The Basics:
-Choose a distance (2.5km/5km/7.5km/10km)
-Choose a 7-day continuous stretch Between January 1 and January 31
-During that 7-day continuous stretch, you must run/walk AT LEAST the distance you signed up for (2.5km/5km/7.5km/10km) TWICE EACH DAY!
-To clarify, you must either run/walk 2 x 2.5km (5km total), 2 x 5km (10km total), 2 x 7.5km (15km total), or 2 x 10km (20km total) for each day of the challenge.
-The first run/walk of the challenge is your "benchmark" run/walk, so make it count! All of your other runs/walks will be compared to this one (more on this below).
The Specifics:
-Each day, one run should be completed in the a.m. (12:00am-11:59am) and one should be completed in the p.m. (12:00pm-11:59pm).
-There must be at least 2 hours in between your two runs each day.
-Feel free to run further than the minimum required amount if you are up for it but the results you post for your run must be consecutive kms.
-You can run indoors, on roads, or on trails; whatever you prefer. Mix it up for a good time!
The Twist:
Of course there is an extra twist to this already twisted challenge!
Earlier we said that "The first run/walk of the challenge is your "benchmark" run/walk, so make it count! All of your other runs/walks will be compared to this on." Well, here is why that is so important to this challenge:
-Your "benchmark" should be close to your top speed for the distance you registered for. Run/walk it as fast as you can safely do so!
-Every run/walk after your benchmark run (for the rest of the challenge) must be within 50% of your benchmark time. We will provide a calculator for you to determine the exact range you must complete each of your runs/walks in. For example, if you run your benchmark run in 30 minutes, every other run must be completed between 15 and 45 minutes (if your benchmark run is truly run/walked at close to top speed, it is unlikely that any of your times will be much faster than the benchmark). It might seem easy at first but it is hard to remain consistent when running/walking twice a day. It will get even more challenging when you have to run/walk in poor conditions!
Frequently Asked Questions about "The Twist":
1) Won't I be slower if I run my benchmark on the road but some of my runs are done on trails?
-Yes, the trail run will likely take you longer. Plan accordingly.
2) Won't bad weather make me run slower?
-Yes, bad weather can effect your time. Plan accordingly.
3) Won't some people just purposely run/walk their benchmark run/walk slow so that it is easy for them to complete the challenge?
-Yes, some people might do that. For that reason, prizes won't be awarded based on time. We will be more creative with our prizing. Also, who wants it to be easy? Most of us don't want the challenges we participate in to be easy. It's all about pushing YOURSELF, right?
Extra Challenges for those that are little "extra":
For those of you that are looking to push yourself even further here are some additional personal goals that you might consider for yourself:
1) Complete the challenge for 10 days or even all 31 days, instead of 7.
2) Run more than the minimum distance.
3) Complete all of your runs within 25% of your benchmark time. How about 10%?!!
4) Run at least one of your runs, or all of them, in your pyjamas (if you do this extra challenge, we want pictures!)
5) Try to complete all of your runs/walks with a negative split (second half of the run is faster than the first half).
The possibilities are endless!
Race Kit:
Of course there is a race kit and it will be shipped right to your door. Shipping is included in the registration fee.
You will get a very cool race medal, a multi-purpose tubular headband, and some cool stickers 'n stuff! Who doesn't love some good swag?
There is also the option to participate in the challenge without the race kit. We will add photos of the race kit as we get the items but, rest assured, it will be cool stuff! You can find a little more information in regards to this on the "Race Kit" page, which can be found in the toolbar (top left of this page).
Prizes:
As usual, we've got some prizes to give away, however, this time the prizes aren't necessarily going to be given out to the people that run the fastest or the furthest. Some prizes will be awarded randomly and some will be given based on some "surprise" challenges along the way.
Registration fees
Prices are inclusive of mandatory charges, items, and fees
2.5km Challenge (5km per day) Closed
Online registration closed-
Run 2.5km in the morning, 2.5km in the evening, and repeat for 7 days in a row!
-
CA$35.00
Early Bird
Dec 1 – Dec 14 -
CA$39.00Dec 15 – Jan 23
-
5km Challenge (10km per day) Closed
Online registration closed-
Run 5km in the morning, 5km in the evening, and repeat for 7 days in a row!
-
CA$35.00
Early Bird
Dec 1 – Dec 14 -
CA$39.00Dec 15 – Jan 23
-
2.5km Challenge (5km per day)- NO RACE KIT Closed
Online registration closed-
Participate in the challenge without the race kit.
-
CA$10.00
Early Bird
Dec 1 – Dec 14 -
CA$15.00Dec 15 – Jan 23
-
5km Challenge (10km per day)- NO RACE KIT Closed
Online registration closed-
Participate in the challenge without the race kit.
-
CA$10.00
Early Bird
Dec 1 – Dec 14 -
CA$15.00Dec 15 – Jan 23
-
7.5km challenge (15km per day) Closed
Online registration closed-
Run 7.5km in the morning, 7.5km in the evening, and repeat for 7 days in a row!
-
CA$35.00
Early Bird
Dec 1 – Dec 14 -
CA$39.00Dec 15 – Jan 23
-
10km Challenge (20km per day) Closed
Online registration closed-
Run 10km in the morning, 10km in the evening, and repeat for 7 days in a row!
-
CA$35.00
Early Bird
Dec 1 – Dec 14 -
CA$39.00Dec 15 – Jan 23
-
7.5km challenge (15km per day)- NO RACE KIT Closed
Online registration closed-
Participate in the challenge without the race kit.
-
CA$10.00
Early Bird
Dec 1 – Dec 14 -
CA$15.00Dec 15 – Jan 23
-
10km Challenge (20km per day)- NO RACE KIT Closed
Online registration closed-
Participate in the challenge without the race kit.
-
CA$10.00
Early Bird
Dec 1 – Dec 14 -
CA$15.00Dec 15 – Jan 23
-
Contact information
- Event contact
- Jeff