David Flores is a 40 year old (as of today!) from San Luis Potosí, Mexico and has a 9 year old son and an adorable golden retriever. He set a goal to run 10 kilometres every day for 40 days and end on his 40th birthday – how awesome! David’s been very active over his lifetime with a focus on his favourite activities that included biking, playing football, and going to the gym. At 32 years old, David started running because of a diagnostic he received; hyperthyroidism in a diffuse goiter. The doctor recommended that he did some exercise and now he runs for the passion of it. He’s completed 3 marathons, 15 half marathons, and every Sunday he does a long run of around 10k or so. David is amazing and I’ll let him share his experience in his own words 🙂

What made you decide to start your consecutive running challenge, how many kilometres did you choose to run, and why?

Well, I like challenges, order, and to finish something I start, and finish it well. That’s why instead of just setting a goal of 30 days, I decided to add another 10 days to my challenge. My main motivation (I must confess) was Emily and her consecutive 74 day race – half marathon! When I saw her on IG I was really surprised and said: “I have to do something similar”. I decided to go with 10 kilometres because 5 was a bit too easy and 15 was too many so 10 was a fair middle ground!

How much running did you do before deciding to do the challenge?

Before the challenge, I would run a minimum of 5 kilometres around 3 times per week and every Sunday would run 7 – 10 kilometres. I’ve also completed 3 full marathons (1 in Aguascalientes and 2 in Mexico City and 15 half marathons.

Did you have any self doubts? If so, what were they?

Yes, I feared I would injure myself or get sick.

How did the challenge impact your life? 

The challenge had a very positive impact – in realizing that we can all achieve what we set out to do. Our mind is very powerful; we must apply a lot of discipline, patience, effort, sacrifice, perseverance, and above all passion. The word that I heard the most during the challenge, when I told my classmates was: “are you crazy Monzy” (Monzy is my nickname).

Are there any other areas of your life that improved after the challenge was complete? 

Yes, I noticed I was more punctual, better at organizing and / or planning daily activities, and garnering more focused attention on the task at hand.

Any other comments on your experience? Would you recommend #RUN30 to others?

I would definitely do it again! In fact, I do not want to stop but my body feels a little tired.

I might to it again next year (in the spring or summer). I have a 3-year-old Golden Retriever doggie (Misha) and was surprised that she endured the 10km races – she accompanied me 7 times. 🙂

Of course I recommend this challenge to anyone whether it is 3,5, or 10 kilometres. It’s a matter of choosing a distance and carrying it out. We all need that “plus”in our lives, that “give a little more” every day, in every activity … striving is what makes the difference in the results!

Happy birthday David and congratulations on your success – hope your day is awesome!

Ready to begin your own consecutive running challenge? Sign-up for your RUN 30 | Consecutive Running Challenge here.