I tend to keep a close eye on the #RUN30 hashtag on Instagram, following awesome runners from all over the world who have completed or are in the process of completing their own consecutive running challenges. One runner in particular caught my eye; Veronica De Meijer. She’s a 42 year old from the city of Naarden in the Netherlands and married with two kids. She caught my attention for two reasons; the first was the distance she chose (10k)  and the second was her amazing pace she was able to sustain over the duration of the challenge (around a 5’00 – 5’05/kilometre). Even more impressive was the fact that most of her runs we’re over 10 kilometres – usually between 11 – 15. She even participated in the Amsterdam Marathon, completing a half marathon (21.1k/13.1 miles) in an incredible time of 1:42:58 during the challenge! Veronica is a fabulous and confident runner and an inspiration to us all. I’m excited to share her story 🙂

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

I decided to do the # Run30 because I love running. Running for me is everything. As a meditation, you feel relaxed, learn to focus your attention, and get to know yourself
better. Running can bring you a lot. Not only does it help you to come to rest, it also brings you more balance and gives you insight into who you are and what you want. Running has brought me many beautiful things and friends.

The 10 kilometers seemed to combine a good distance with my life. I am married and proud mother of two children and work 5 days a week.

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

I run an average of 4 times a week and around 150-175 km’s per month.

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

I didn’t experience any self doubts with myself.

How did the challenge impact your life? 

I pushed my limits with this challenge and have an extra incentive to train again as soon as possible.

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

After I finished the #RUN30 challenge was complete, I decided to continue to a new goal of #RUN70, and am now trying to complete a #RUN101; running consecutively for 101 days.

Any other comments on your experience?

#RUN30 was a super experience for me; my running improved and I got faster. I would highly recommend the challenge to others. Running regularly (on a daily basis) is a lot easier for me than running several kilometers every three days. It takes time to build improvement with running and it’s important to start the next training when you are well rested. Join local events and races and most important – ENJOY! 🙂

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