The month of August comes to an end with my total running mileage standing at only 84 after 31 days. This accounts for seven days of travel when my morning runs were shortened to just over a mile by the need to proceed to the next stop. It’s the absolute monthly minimum to achieve 1000 miles a year. I will face the same situation is September trying to get miles in on the boat deck or treadmills of the ship that will take us to Alaska and Hawaii. I will also experience some very cold mornings and will need to pack gloves, a hat, and insulated pants. “The Streak” has now reached 4,994 consecutive days and counting. 

As I approach the 14-year mark of running every day, I marvel at how I have kept on going despite the daily struggle of simply taking that first step. I’m sore and tired while the last thing I want to do every morning is sweat and strain. Yet, I’ve somehow managed to keep “The Streak” alive. It has become a necessary evil in keeping off weight, lowering my blood pressure, and getting me going every day. For motivation, I keep referring to the quote, “You don’t stop running when you get old, you get old when you stop running.” I continue to chug along at an embarrassingly slow pace for this very reason.

I was reminded that I will miss the annual Tomahawk 5k at the neighborhood Braves stadium this December because of our trip to Kauai. They are also organizing a “Howl at the Moon” 5k that I will miss at the end of September due to the Alaska cruise (I probably wouldn’t do it anyway because it starts at midnight). There is also a half-marathon in the works, but I’ve resigned myself to a maximum of 5k, although this is clearly a sign of getting old. My legs are already jelly-like in getting through the third mile, let alone a 10k or half. Staying healthy to continue is my sole priority, so why risk it?