Today was the 4,000th day of my consecutive running streak that started nearly 11 years ago. In fact, eighteen days from now I will reach that annual milestone, barring serious injury or death. Sickness will not get in the way – it never has. As long as I can get out of bed, I will run at least a mile to maintain this streak. I’m not sure if it’s discipline or stubbornness? I’ve now lived 24,943 days, so “The Streak” only comprises 16% of my total life, although I can’t imagine functioning without it. 

After some stretching and strength exercises and taking care of the pets, it’s the first thing I do every day. I’m always anxious to get it out of the way. We’re sadly down to just one pet, so there’s no kitty litter box to clean and just one dog to care for. I’m now usually ready to run about 45 minutes after I get up every day. There’s always a sense of great relief when it is over, but it’s really the only challenge that I face in retirement since there’s no drive to the office afterwards any more. It always gives me a great sense of accomplishment, despite the straining, complaining, and grunting along the way. Some days I feel like it will never end. I’m currently stuck on 3.1 miles daily with no desire to run more than that. I also no longer participate in organized events and prefer to run alone, somewhat embarrassed about my steadily declining pace. 

Everyone that knows me no longer asks if I ran that morning. They know the answer! I’m a lifetime member of the United States Running Streak Association (USRSA), committed to continue my streak for as long as I live. My efforts pale in comparison to others in this organization that include personal running streaks of 40 and even 50 consecutive years. I’m currently ranked #215, although at one point I was #202, hoping to crack the 200 mark. As you can see, there’s still some competitive drive within me. I just wish I had known about it sooner and started my streak earlier than age 57. Apparently, new members with established discipline constantly join the organization once they realize that there are others crazed with the same obsession. It does require a fee that somehow defeats one of the key benefits of running. Once you’ve invested in a good pair of shoes, you don’t need a gym membership, so it’s one of the most affordable and convenient means of exercise. As far as I’m concerned, there’s no excuse for not doing it every single day.