I received this note in recognition of my on-going running streak that started on December 29,2008:

“On behalf of the United States Running Streak Association (USRSA), I want to congratulate you on completing 12 years of your current running streak! Great job!” – Mark Washburne.

“The Streak” of now 4,384 consecutive days started in Austin, Texas after many years of on-and-off running and racing. It’s kept me sane through the years, as well as served to bridge the difficult transition between working and retirement. The first thing I do every morning is lace up my running shoes. I no longer have access to a treadmill, so outdoors is now the only option for the one-mile required daily minimum. As any runner knows, the first mile is always the hardest, so typically I try to get in 3.1 miles or a 5k. My philosophy: “A 5k a day keeps the doctor away.” If I’m not feeling well, the run always seems to make it better – even hangovers!

Tomorrow is also the 4th anniversary of my official retirement. I’ve faithfully followed the exact same morning discipline, although an hour later now in retirement – up at seven and out the door rather than 6 a.m. when the job might have interfered. The last twelve years have involved living in three different time zones and sometimes included international travel. It would be too easy to miss a day if running was not the first priority every morning. In addition, I religiously make sure that my shoes and clothes are carefully laid out the night before to avoid any excuses. I’ve also somehow been fortunate to avoid injury and serious illness. Acupuncture experts, Chiropractors, Physical Therapists, stretching, orthotics, and Advil have kept my legs churning these twelve years.