This morning I reached the 5,000th consecutive day mark of my running streak that started nearly 14-years ago. I was only able to squeeze in the minimum mile since my son needed me to drive him to a doctor’s appointment. However, I typically tend to average about 1,000 miles a year, shooting for 5k a day. My pace in the early morning Florida sun is very slow, but I carefully trudge on.

On this particular journey, I’ve now only crossed the halfway point of circling the earth. It will take me at least another 14-years to get back to where I started. I would be surprised if I make it at age 85, so this is likely one of my final hurrahs. I also never expected to get this far, thinking that maybe one year of running every day would be a satisfying accomplishment. My name would then be listed on the United States Running Streak Association (www.runeveryday.com) site. Thirteen years later I’m still running every single day, ranked #225 in the world, and have somehow been able to avoid serious injury.

I obviously haven’t yet found the right excuse to stop, earning a Forrest Gump-like reputation. It will be tough to get my miles in during the upcoming four weeks of travel. Conditions at sea may restrict me to a treadmill and flight schedules will make it impossible to establish a routine. Run, Mike, Run! All I can say is tomorrow is another day.