I received my Summer issue of the United States Running Streak Association (USRSA) newsletter just after I had written Post #958: Body In Motion discussing my personal struggles with running every day. As I read these stories about fellow streakers, it always provides some inspiration about the daily mile challenge that I started over 10 years ago. The first thing that struck me was the fact that my city leads the country in the number of individuals committed to this daily discipline. I started my streak in Austin (also in the top 10) after first hearing of the organization as part of a business dinner conversation. Here are the rankings and numbers:

Portland, OR 22

Rochester, MN, Minneapolis, MN 19 

Phoenix, AZ 18

Houston, TX 17

New York City 16 

St. Paul, MN 13 

Seattle, WA 12

Chicago, IL, Las Vegas, NV, Austin, TX 11

Atlanta, Indianapolis, Pittsburgh, Raleigh 10 

I know 4 people in Portland currently practicing this “crazy” routine and was the area’s leader in consecutive days in Austin before moving here. Suddenly, I don’t feel so “crazy.”  However, both cities are known for “Keeping It Weird.” This also only accounts for only 220 runners on a list that’s grown to well over 1,450 people who have done this at least a full year.  In addition, there are 231 on an International list and over 900 retired streakers officially recorded. 

This current Streak Registry touts a new book by one of the founding fathers of the organization, Mark Covert. His streak stopped due to injuries at 45-years or 16,436 consecutive days. Never Missed was a quick read and full of good advice, but it made me realize how different my story is from most of these other athletes. In fact, I only wish that I shared the same passion and love for the sport. His thoughts on focus helped me get through this morning’s run, keeping my attention on each of the 5,300 individual steps rather than the journey as a whole. This is applicable to any aspect of life. 

Mark Covert and others like him look forward to their run everyday. I often tend to dread mine. Maybe it’s because they were once Champions and regain that competitive spirit when they lace up the shoes. I always feel like a winner when I cross the finish line, but never excelled in the sport. For me, it started as a way to control my weight. If I stop, my fear is putting on the pounds, so my motivation is very different. They run for enjoyment, while I run for vanity. I did, however, once win a blue ribbon in my age group on a sub-zero day when no one else showed up. I should also have more appreciation for the forty minute run each day that keeps me away from the day-to-day hassles of life, and gives me a chance to reflect on my good fortunes. 

I will say that I’ve been fortunate so far not to have dealt with foot, ankle, knee, or back pain as many long-time runners experience. Maybe this is because I didn’t really start running consistently until my late 20’s, while they were in many cases high school stars. I ran the hurtles in high school because it was the shortest race possible. A friend would throw pebbles at my bedroom window, hoping to get me to join him on an early morning training run. I’m not sure that I ever did. I ran my first Marathon at age 28. In keeping with the book, I did keep a daily log as he suggests and put in as much as 120 miles a week while preparing. This is not anywhere close to the “Big Miles” that Covert and his teammates churned out while training.

Runner’s World magazine was my bible as I started training to run 26.2 miles. They stressed that days off were an important part of the process. Sundays were usually an off-day for me, after longer runs on Saturdays. In some cases, I might take two days off, but never more. After I completed the Marathon, I was truly addicted to running. I felt bad if I didn’t run, craving the endorphins that came with the miles. I eventually stopped following some injuries, but started running again years later because I found it to enhance my business performance. I also discovered that it was less mentally taxing to run day after day and not struggle with which day to take off. It was easier to just get up and run every day than lay in bed trying to decide whether to do it or not. It wasn’t until 10 years ago that I learned of the USRSA challenge and decided to earn my one-year certificate. I’ve yet to stop. 

According to the rules, the fact is that anyone can maintain a running streak on as few as 7 miles a week (a mile a day). I tend to be in the 20-plus mile range, while some “streakers” average well over 50. The miles and pace don’t distinguish us from each other. The fastest and slowest all simply strive to run at least a mile every single day. It’s not a race – it’s a lifestyle. 

“The race is not always to the swift, but to those who keep on running.” – Author Unknown