Today marked my 3,000th consecutive day of running.  What began as a 1,000 day countdown to my 60th Birthday has now extended to over 8 years.  It truly shows my addictive personality, but it’s also probably the most important part of the day.   Fortunately, there are many more runners just like me, with far longer streaks, at the website www.runeveryday.com.   Several years ago, I wrote a poem to commemorate these daily warriors:

 

It’s an everyday ritual,

That makes us unique.

We lace up our running shoes,

Seven days a week.

 

Some pop out of bed,

Choose a lunch hour date.

Unwind after work,

Or get it in late.

 

Inside or outside,

Darkness or light.

A day without running,

Just doesn’t seem right.

 

A single day off,

Is not our style.

Whatever it takes,

To get in that mile.

 

Yes, there are days,

When we may want to quit.

Days when we’re hurting,

And would much rather sit.

 

But we go out and do it,

Despite the urge to rest.

And after we’ve done it,

We’re at our Best.

 

In blizzard conditions,

Or sweltering heat.

Don’t ever give up,

Keep moving those feet.

 

Like brushing your teeth,

A daily run is a must.

Miss one single day,

And your streak is a bust.

 

Didn’t get a wake-up call?

Forgot to pack a shoe.

We’ve all had those days,

When we’ve had to make do.

 

Whatever it takes,

Do we push it too far?

Some think we’re crazy,

And maybe we are.

 

A challenge like this,

Is not for everyone.

There’s no finish line,

You’re never quite done.

 

Copyright 2010 johnstonwrites.com