13 October 2024
I’m proud of my running. I don’t think it’s hyperbole that when I say that it saved my life and set me on the path I’m currently on. At some point I’ll go into more of that, but when I talk with other runners the attention usually goes to races. Races are fun, but I don’t do as many as I used to. Just the act of lacing up and going outside is reason enough for me to prioritize running in my life. For me, it’s easier to get out every day so it’s not a question of if I’ll be doing a run but when will I get out for the run. This concept is called a Running Streak, and is championed by the Streak Runners International, Inc. and United States Running Streak Association, Inc. Their website is found at runeveryday.com.
Currently, I’m not a member of either organization because you must sustain a run streak, defined as running at least one mile within each calendar day, for at least one year. I’ve never been able to make it. Today, I’m in the middle of a run streak and I was curious where it ranked in my all-time streaks. I downloaded my RunningAHEAD Training Log and spent some time looking through the 2,542 days where I’ve logged a run.
Before I went out and run for 240 straight days, my previous longest streak was a mere 7 days. I can pinpoint to this streak when I went from hobby runner to this is critically important in my life. It allowed me to build the habit. Unfortunately, I made a lot of mistakes during this streak. It ended shortly before I was going to start my training for my first marathon (Chicago 2012) due to an overuse injury. I avoided all other forms of exercise and my IT Band on my right knee caused any running to be unbearably uncomfortable. I ended the streak after almost 8 months.
Stats:
I have no memory of this streak. I do not know why it ended. I don’t know why I was inclined to start it. But, here it is. My second longest streak. 3 solid months in 2017.
Stats:
Another streak I have no memory of! Wow, I guess the 240 day streak overshadows everything else. It’s interesting that I didn’t do any streak extenders on this one.
Stats:
I’m consciously in the middle of this streak. It’s been going great so far. I had some issues with my knee earlier this year but I’ve since re-calibrated my physical activity. I’m doing a lot of strength workouts geared towards runners. I do yoga. I do other strength activity. I’m running at a relaxed pace and utilizing the streak extenders more. It’s my hope that I can keep this going for quite some time. My average miles is pretty reasonable for the strain I’m putting on my body. If I increase it, it won’t be by much and I’ll do it quite slowly.
Stats:
I classify a streak extender as a day where I ran at least 1 mile, but less than 2 miles. Essentially, it’s the only “rest” day you get when you’re doing a streak. ↩
