The idea of running 8 miles a day for 8 days straight, and getting 8 hours in bed each night, sounds intense. It is. But that’s kind of the point.
Lagoon’s third annual 8x8x8 Challenge isn’t about perfection. It’s about what happens when you show up for yourself - consistently, intentionally, and with a community backing you up.
Over the past two years, I’ve been blown away by the stories. People waking up at 5am to run before work. Logging 8K walks on vacation. Putting their phone away at 9pm to protect 8 full hours of sleep. The physical accomplishments were inspiring - but what stuck with me most was the mindset shift.
Because the real win wasn’t just crossing a finish line. It’s becoming the kind of person who makes time for sleep; keeps promises to themselves; rises to the occasion; and changes their process.
Here are some quick insights into why a big challenge like the 8x8x8 might be the best thing you can do for yourself right now.
Do Hard Things (On Purpose)
There’s real science behind choosing voluntary discomfort.
It’s called hormesis - the idea that small, intentional stressors (like cold exposure, interval training, or yes, running 8 miles) help your body and brain adapt and grow stronger over time.
While studies have shown that hormetic stress can lead to improvements in cognitive function, immune response, and stress resilience, the psychological benefits go deeper. When you push through something hard - and finish - you rewire your belief system. You earn dopamine through effort. You learn that you can do more than you thought. You become the kind of person who doesn’t shy away from challenges.
That’s what makes the 8x8x8 Challenge meaningful. It’s not just about this week. It’s about who transformation we’re all working on with our sleep and fitness goals in mind.
Why Consistency Wins
The 8x8x8 Challenge isn’t about your fastest mile or your deepest REM score. It’s about stacking effort, daily. Showing up to move. Showing up to rest.
When it comes to sleep, consistency is one of the most powerful performance enhancers. A 2020 study found that athletes who maintained a regular sleep schedule had better reaction times, higher heart rate variability, and faster recovery times than those who didn’t.
When your sleep timing is consistent, research shows:
- Deep sleep increases by up to 27%
- HRV improves, signaling improved recovery and cardiovascular health
- REM cycles stabilize, supporting emotional and cognitive resilience
So the cycle goes that consistency improves sleep quality, and quality sleep drives performance.
But the truth is that most people think they can’t get consistent sleep. They’ll say life’s too busy. There’s too much going on. Kids, work, stress. And they’re not wrong - good sleep is a challenge. But it’s a challenge worth taking on.
Just like running 8 miles requires effort, planning, and a recovery routine - so does sleep. You have to protect it. Prioritize it. Work for it.
When you do, everything else gets better.
Is Running 8 Miles a Day Too Much?
It depends. If you're undertrained, maybe not right away. But with true sleep, your body can go farther than you think.
In one large-scale endurance study, runners who consistently slept 8+ hours nightly reduced their injury risk by 60% compared to those who slept under 6 hours. Other research shows improved VO2 max and endurance tied to better sleep cycles.
This Challenge isn’t rigid: you can opt for 8 k walks, 18 mile bike rides, or your own version of “8” - the idea is to move sharply and sleep deeply.
The Power of Community
Finally, there’s a reason that group challenges work. A 2015 meta-analysis found that social accountability significantly improved adherence to health behavior change - especially in physical activity and sleep routines.
That’s what we’re building with 8x8x8. The Lagoon crew is doing this together. We’ll be in your inbox with updates. You’ll see us on Instagram cheering you on. You’ll feel the energy of a like-minded group showing up, day after day.
While the hardest part is getting started - the easiest thing to do is to keep going when we’re all doing it together
What You’ll Win (Besides Grit)
Everyone who completes the challenge gets:
✅ $50 off any Lagoon pillow
✅ OR $100 off purchases of $200+
✅ AND a shot at winning a free Lagoon pillow + an Oura Ring
Not Ready to Join?
No pressure. You can still support your recovery by dialing in your sleep setup. Start with the perfect pillow - one that aligns your body, keeps you cool, and helps you stay asleep longer.
Take the 2-minute sleep quiz and find your perfect match.
And remember doing hard things makes you better. And sleeping well is the key to giving you the mental and physical fortitude to do so.
Let’s do this.
