The month ends with 100 kilometers logged on the treadmill, marking another successful completion of my monthly running target. This achievement feels particularly meaningful after missing the mark in May 2025, breaking what had been an 18-month streak of consistent 100-kilometer months. The gap in May (only 75 kms done) served as a reminder of how easy it becomes to lose momentum when routine gets disrupted, but returning to form in June reinforces the importance of getting back on track rather than dwelling on temporary setbacks.
Maintaining this level of consistency over 18 months has taught me that the secret lies not in dramatic daily achievements but in showing up regularly with realistic expectations. Some days the body feels ready for 10 kilometers, other days 5 kilometers represents the sensible limit, and occasionally even shorter distances make more sense. The key insight has been learning to read these signals and adjust accordingly rather than forcing predetermined distances that might lead to injury or burnout. This flexible approach has proven more sustainable than rigid daily targets that ignore how recovery, sleep quality, work stress, and general life circumstances affect physical capacity.
The treadmill has become the most reliable tool for maintaining this consistency, eliminating variables like weather, traffic, air quality, and route planning that can serve as excuses for skipping runs. Indoor running removes the friction that often builds up between intention and action, making it easier to maintain the habit even when motivation runs low. The controlled environment allows for precise distance tracking and pace management, while the ability to adjust incline and speed means workouts can be tailored to current energy levels without having to plan different outdoor routes.
Breaking the streak in May highlighted how quickly established patterns can dissolve when life circumstances shift. Work deadlines, travel schedules, and minor health issues created a cascade of missed sessions that eventually made reaching 100 kilometers impossible despite attempts to catch up in the final weeks. The experience reinforced that consistency matters more than intensity, and that missing a few days early in the month creates pressure that often leads to overcompensation attempts later. This pattern recognition has been valuable for June, where spreading the kilometers more evenly across all four weeks prevented the accumulation of distance debt that becomes harder to repay as the month progresses.
The psychological aspect of returning to the 100-kilometer target after a miss proved more significant than expected. There was initial doubt about whether the 18-month streak had been sustainable or if May represented a natural plateau in commitment levels. However, completing June successfully has restored confidence in the approach and validated the decision to treat May as an exception rather than a new baseline. The experience has clarified that consistency does not require perfection, and that bouncing back from temporary lapses might actually strengthen long-term adherence by proving the habit can survive disruption. Moving forward, the focus remains on simple execution rather than complex optimization, recognizing that showing up regularly with appropriate distances based on current capacity continues to be the most effective strategy for maintaining this monthly target.