I have a history of inventing random physical challenges for myself just to see if I can do them. One day in the summer of 2021, I went to the Creighton Prep track and ran 10 miles. Some days I will be on the treadmill in the KFC and decide to walk for an hour and a half.

Every year on my birthday, I run as many miles as my age minus ten (I am already looking forward to my nine-mile run this April). I never train for these challenges, nor do I focus on my speed or performance during them.

I do them simply because I love the endorphins, the feeling of victory at the end, and, of course, bragging rights.

In her Time “Person of the Year” interview this past December, Taylor Swift revealed that in preparation for the 66 shows of the Eras Tour she would run on the treadmill while singing her entire set list (which amounts to 2 hours and 47 minutes) every day. As a dedicated Swiftie and casual runner, I knew I had to attempt this for myself. On December 29th, 2023, I headed out the door with nothing but my air pods, Hokas, and three hours to spare.

If you were not lucky enough to see the Eras Tour in person or in theaters, the concert travels through the different songs of nine of Taylor’s eras, or albums. Each era has up to seven and no fewer than two songs included in the setlist.

Running through the different musical eras of your all-time favorite artist sounds fun in theory, until you are six miles in, the ten-minute version of All Too Well comes on, and you realize you are only halfway done. I didn’t realize prior, but this was the most difficult challenge I have attempted yet.

Not only did I underestimate how long three hours of running actually feels, but I also foolishly chose to do this on a day where the high temperature was around 35 degrees, and I was already developing a cold.

While struggling through Folklore, the longest and slowest era of the set list, I found myself cursing Taylor, wondering why she would make me do something like this? Then, I remembered that she does not know that I exist, that I was making myself do this for no reason, and I could stop at any time.

Even though this challenge broke me down from the inside out, I was sore for five days after, and I could not bring myself to listen to Taylor for at least a week, I can confidently say I would do it again.

The feeling I achieved when I rounded towards my house at the end of the Midnights era cannot be replicated. I was overcome with gratitude, emotion, and energy. This might have been due to my extreme state of exhaustion, but I choose to believe it was because of the magic of running and Taylor Swift.

I think everyone should incorporate these random challenges in their lives on a regular basis. Stepping out of our comfort zones and doing something difficult is the best way to keep life interesting, especially during the dark winter months.

It is also valuable to learn just how capable we actually are! So, as this semester begins, I implore you to take advantage of opportunities to get creative and do strange and challenging things. Read 50 books, run a relay to council bluffs, or have a pull up contest in the KFC. The possibilities are truly endless.