Hobby
Running as a hobby is much more than just putting one foot in front of the other; it’s a diverse activity that blends physical exercise, mental discipline, and a strong sense of community. It can range from a casual activity to a deeply competitive sport.
The Weekly Breakdown That Got Me to 50km
“Hitting 50km wasn’t magic; it was math. It meant scheduling two easy runs, one speed session, and a weekend long run that topped out at 20km. This is the exact plan I followed to go from barely 10km a week to 50km.”
You're running longer, which means new problems: shin splints, knee tenderness, and sore hips. It's the battle of knowing the difference between normal fatigue and a potential injury. The feeling that your lungs are on fire and a sharp side-stitch (transient abdominal pain) hits around the 1-2km mark, forcing you to stop and walk. Thinking, "How is everyone else doing this? I can't even get comfortable for five minutes." The mental fight to push past that initial, intense burning sensation.
The complete, sudden loss of energy (hitting the wall) that typically occurs after running for 90-120 minutes, usually around 14-16km. This is where your body runs out of accessible glycogen. Learning that running long distances is as much about nutrition (pre-run food, mid-run gels) as it is about fitness. Overcoming the deep physical dread that follows a complete energy crash.
The 18km mark feels endless. Your legs are tired, but your mind is screaming louder. This is the point where you truly test your grit. Realizing that the last few kilometers are purely a mental exercise. The struggle is developing a mantra or a powerful reason why you are running, which you can deploy when your physical strength wanes.
