Have You Ever Felt Low for No Reason? Here’s the Truth I’ve Learnt After 1,710 Consecutive Days of Running
Let’s be brutally honest for a second—it’s okay not to feel okay. It’s normal to wake up some days, look at your to-do list, your ambitions, your goals, and feel…well, low. As someone on the relentless journey to run beyond 4,292 days, aiming to cover 40,075km barefoot around the world and raise £1,000,000 for children’s causes, I’ve experienced both euphoric highs and crippling lows. If you’re here today, chances are you’re searching for motivation, understanding, or maybe just a bit of company when the days get heavy. You’re in the right place.
Why Am I Writing About Low Days?
The world only shows us the highlight reels—screaming victories, finish lines, contagious smiles. Social media is a master of disguise, but let me peel back the curtain: even after over 1,700 days of running, fundraising, and vlogging, I still get low days. And if I’m having one, I promise you, so is everyone else (even if they're not posting about it).
But here’s the thing: feeling low isn’t something to be ashamed of. It’s not a weakness; it’s a human experience. I’m Kevin, the Runpreneur, and today I want to talk about how to deal with these dips and find hope, even if it’s just a glimmer.
The Not-So-Glamorous Truth: Down Days Happen (Even for Ultra-Marathoners)
Would you believe me if I said nothing “bad” happened on my latest low day? There wasn’t a crisis, disaster, or big trigger, but I felt overwhelmed, anxious, and honestly, a bit miserable. And you know what? That’s normal. You don’t always need a reason. Emotions don’t check calendars.
For years, I tried to fix or hide my low days for others’ comfort, but in reality, simply acknowledging how you feel is the first step to regaining control.
What Helps When You’re Feeling Low?
Let’s get practical. Here’s what I’ve found works for me—maybe it’ll help you too:
1. Move Your Body
Even if you don’t feel like it, just moving—running, walking, or stepping outside—triggers positive endorphins. You might not skip home, but you’ll likely feel at least marginally better. And that’s a win.
2. Talk It Out (Even If It’s to Yourself)
I vlog about every run, not for validation, but because it’s therapeutic. Saying how you feel out loud (or journalling) lightens the load. Sometimes, it’s not about solutions; it’s about expression.
3. Get Outside, Even When the Weather’s Rubbish
Nature—even wet, windy, and cold—has an underlying tranquillity. It’s grounding. There’s value in stepping into the world, even if it doesn’t fix everything immediately.
4. Accept That Not Every Day Will Be Amazing
If you didn’t have lows, would you even recognise the highs? Embracing the cycle is part of the journey. If low days linger persistently, seek professional help—there’s courage in reaching out.
Let’s prove together that even on our lowest days, we can still move forward.
Stay positive. Stay happy. And remember, tomorrow brings new hope.
Please share your thoughts or questions below—I read and respond to them all. Let’s keep each other going!