48 Strong: Running a 5K Every Day for a Year (9-Month Check-In)

Hi, I’m Father Jonathan Meyer. Back on September 4th—my birthday—I made a wild commitment: to run a 5K every single day for an entire year. I call it “48 Strong,” and today I’m checking in at the nine-month mark. In this video, I share:

• Why I started: I wanted to push myself physically, mentally, and spiritually—no treadmills allowed, rain or shine (or frostbite!).

• Early struggles & milestones: Frostbitten ankles, subzero runs, and how I got past the “I don’t want to link my shoes” moments.

• Physical wins: I’ve lost 10 pounds (from about 194 to the low 180s) and sleep better than ever.

• Mental & spiritual growth: Running gives me daily time to pray, process, and offer each 5K as a sacrifice for someone else—turning pain into purpose.

• Community & creation: How running with friends keeps me accountable, and why experiencing God’s world each day (from Arkansas to France) has been a blessing.

I’ve only skipped two runs (both times I was down with a virus), and I’ve learned that the hardest part is simply taking that first step. If you’re inspired to make a commitment—whether it’s a half-mile walk or your own year-long goal—this video will encourage you to start, stay consistent, and see how your body, mind, and spirit transform.

🙏 Thank you for watching. If you enjoy following this journey, please give this video a thumbs up, subscribe for future check-ins (including the big 365-day wrap-up on September 4th), and leave a comment telling me: What’s your next commitment going to be? God bless!