Introducing 26in2026... But, what is it?

So what is all this 26in2026 nonsense about?

Well, I'm always thinking about how to challenge myself whether it's from personal perspective, a work perspective, whether it's some sort of crazy challenge pushing my body, pushing my brain... and this year I decided, like I have done in the past with 52Peaks, is to do some activity that involved running again. But not the ordinary type of running.

As it was 2026 this year, it sounded like there was a nice ring to it. I also felt there was some kind of method to my madness or at least method to my thinking...

What if I could combine my running with getting fit again and make that something I'm going to do that's challenging, something that gets me out of the house, something that's actually in the "real world" rather than on a screen (considering my day job is typing on a keyboard and looking at digital things ALL DAY), and something sparks joy in my brain.

I did a quick calculation (as you do) and I realised that I could probably get away with running quite a lot every month. Now, having not run really consistently for a couple of years, I didn't really know what I was getting myself into...

So the 26in2026 challenge was born. I'd be running 26 times a month every month no matter how long or how short they were. I mean these had to be actual runs - so it wasn't as if I was running to the fridge, or running to check the mail... it was a real run getting my shoes on and being outside. Whether it being myself with friends, in a group, with the kids. A run was a run, and if I made it out, I was gonna log it.

And that is exactly what I've done.

There's been a few speed bumps along the way in March. I got sick and so actually didn't do my 26, but I have an extra runs in other months to try and keep on top of the total tally.

But "Why have I only just started putting it all online, Mat?" Well, you're totally right!

Firstly, I don't really like putting myself out online. But having learnt from my challenges like 52Peaks when I'd actually finished it and hadn't really told anyone about it... I felt like I could have gained more momentum and joy from it. I realised after doing things like that, that people were actually kind of interested in the journey, and you know it was fun and enjoyable for everyone involved.

Secondly, I wanted to be a bit accountable and make sure that I actually finish this thing.

Thirdly, I'm always creatively thinking about the Internet how to talk about things how to connect with people and I thought this was a really good way of doing it.

But, "Why am I doing it under the slightly more fun than doom scrolling banner?" I hear you say.

Well - on that, I think this kind of real world activity actually has legs, and I think that taking people out of their doomscrolling putting devices away and really connecting with humans gives us a better chance of winning this thing. Especially when it's all talk of these next few years being quite crazy in terms of AI, machine learning, the world, global landscapes etc. etc.

But enough of the doom and gloom. Really this is just supposed to be FUN! It's a fun challenge of fun project and I just wanna share the world so here you can enjoy the journey.

I'll be updating this website. I'll be going on videos and keeping track of what I'm doing. I'll be recording podcast and you can also keep track of all the stats and the nerdy stuff that I'm doing too.

With that all now said - go and enjoy it... and if you feel the need to go do it and it might hopefully be slightly more fun than doomscrolling!

Mā te wā

Mat