The Streak's Obituary

It had to end at some point, but I never expected the day to be so soon.

After 407 consecutive days of running, today I could not extend the streak.

While playing Softball last night (My team is still undefeated, 2-0-1) I sprained my ankle running to third. I overran the bag and while my foot tried to stay on, the rest of my body did not...

When I first started the streak, I said I would stop when my legs wouldn't let me continue. And although the need for crutches is a dead giveaway, it is still hard to let go. Over the past year+ I have learned a lot about life, myself, and others.

As I said when I hit the year mark, a lot has happened in a short period of time. And while I would like to be really inspirational and evocative, the whirlwind of thoughts in my head is playing with my ability to write.

In a week's time I will be running again, as to whether or not I start anew or find a new goal, that remains to be determined...

The End: May 11, 2007

2007 Marathon to Test Runners' Mettle

The wind has been whipping against my building all night and as I spent from 6-7am laying in bed, I got really excited about today's Boston Marathon. I know the conditions aren't ideal and to be honest, we've been spoiled in the city on Boston on Patriot's Day the last few years with gorgeous weather and the first true signs of Spring.

This year is different with a Nor'easter roaring through the course, and mostly in the face of the runners. As I've said a couple of days ago, I don't like bandits. And I'm curious to see who will back down today.... as this marathon is going to one of the toughest to date, even with the rain supposedly easing before the start.

About 10% of marathon entrants never start. After 18+ weeks of dedicated training and for those who are official, a qualifying marathon already under the belt, I applaud the effort. And while I realize that the weather is worse than most people are used to, I hope that all put in their grittiest efforts on the road today, showing the spectators how tough they are, even the bandits, because they most of all need to show that they deserve it.

Good luck to all runners who brave the wind, rain, and whatever else comes in your way. I will be joining you outside with laces tied, but not for the full 26.2. After my year+ of running (and years before that), these are the days I appreciate, the days when you don't want to go out there and when the chips seemed stacked against you. These are the days when the run transcends the pain and discomfort.

Go Boston Runners!

Boston Marathon: I Won't Be A Bandit.

Monday is Patriot's Day, a Massachusetts holiday which means my taxes are due a day later and that a ridiculous amount of runners will pass the apartment in their quests to conquer 26.2 miles in the 111th running of the Boston Marathon.

And in my own spirited fashion, I am participating. I have the day off to watch the television coverage and cheer the competitors. I am not running, despite being asked on a almost daily basis. My reason is simple. I will not run Boston as a bandit.

Anyone reading this who doesn't know what a bandit is, the definition is basic. It is any runner who runs the race without an official number. Boston offers official numbers to those individuals who qualified by meeting time standards or through charitable organizations who are allotted numbers to give to members and contributors. The time standards can be found on the Boston Athletic Association website or by clinking this link. The size of the field is limited to 22,500 runners, although many more will hoof it from Hopkinton to Boylston St.

Despite predictions of bad weather this year, the event will still be a big deal. Almost half a million people will line the streets to watch and the various colleges will celebrate in their own fashions, a different marathon of sorts.

My First Steps to Responsibility

I'm not as immortal as I wish I was.

Ricky Bobby: Wow. I feel like I'm in Highlander!
Jean Girard: (chuckles, confused) What is the Highlander?
Ricky: It's a movie. It won an Academy Award.
Jean: Oh, for what?
Ricky: Best movie ever made.
-From Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby

And while I realize that Ricky was a little off, I have felt like I was in the Highlander at points in my life. Especially when the adrenaline & endorphins are flowing through my bloodstream.

Today I took a small step in reality, but a big step mentally. I purchased a running ID. I realized that I run every single day and more often than not, I have no identification on me (probably 5 out of 370 times).

Like so many individuals out there, I have never thought of the potential risks as happening to me. Luckily, I haven't had any serious incidents, aside from breaking my ankle on a trail run two years ago. But with cars flying around curves and narrow shoulders, the risk is there.

I ordered mine online at roadID.com for $20. It was a small cost for safety. I know Lisa is happier knowing that this father-to-be will be around to be a dad. Not to be pessimistic, but unless I am like Harold Crick, i don't think a wrist accessory will keep me that safe, but better than nothing.

As I wrap this up, I realize that I filled this post with a lot of Will Ferrell references. Which is ironic, as one of his most famous movie roles had him running down a street drunk with nothing on at all. But he has run a couple of Marathons.

Solitary Sidewalks No More...

Spring is here...

And with that, all the would be runners and treadmill trotters start to emerge from their cocoons. This development puts me in quite the quandary. As an avid runner, I encourage others to start, but at the same time, I get a little bitter. Where were all these people when winter was here?

I go through this same cycle every year and despite the fact that I know my attitude is irrational it still irks me. How can you truly run, experience the wonder of the run when you are bottled inside, your scenery never changing. The risks are removed, the pleasures limited, and the climate controlled. Many of these same people will return indoors in three months, when it is too hot for them and air conditioned gyms make it easier.

And yet right now these fair weather runners are clogging the trails and walkways. I know longer can get to my meditative state as I dodge these newcomers, immersing myself in the quiet splendor of a good sweat as the wind bites my face.

And with all that said, I know I have more bark than bite. I still urge people to get out there and run, but I add that you should make it more than just a nice weather activity. Run within yourself, but remember that a challenge leads to great ideas, inspires others, and pushes the limits of the body.

Thanks for listen, sometimes you just need to rant...

Year One: Run and Done.

I wrote a quick post this afternoon, while I was still rocking an endorphin high fueled by a great sense of achievement as I reached a goal I set for myself 365 days ago, running every single day.

In the past year I have run a total of 1044 miles (2.86 miles daily average) in temperatures ranging from 0 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit and from 4:30am to 11:00pm. In that time I have run in paradise and in hail storms, blizzards and pouring rain. Recently I ran with a 101 degree fever (please don't tell my wife).

I also got married, found out I was going to be a dad, started a new job, and I still ran. I had bad days, where I went out angry only to feel worse because I couldn't enjoy myself. I realized that I needed the runs to calm my nerves, expend excess energy (still love alliteration), and celebrate to myself. I needed them to feel crazy and alive.

Throughout, I have had the support of my fantastic wife, who even though my running seemed like an obsession, still supported my eccentricity. Those days where she advised against it, she still let me go and was there when I got back with a smile and a cold glass of water.

I want to thank the individuals who joined me throughout the year and hope to run with all of them again. First and foremost, my wife, Zuzu and my brother, Rory. I also want to thank Scott, Tom, Tim, Carolyn, Steve, and Jeff for their company.

Tomorrow won't be any different, I will lace up my most important accessory, my New Balance's. Just about every day I wore a pair. I started with my 1023 and until I hit 200, rotated them with my all-time favorites, 751s. Eventually they had to be retired and I have shared the miles with a pair of Zips (8053?) And while I am happy to continue, I am sad to think that eventually my 1023s will have to be relegated to yard work.

I have never urged anyone to join me daily, for each his own. But I have hoped that more individuals will run. We can start the new Revolution!

0 days, x runs... Year Two begins...

Nervous Tension

Well, tomorrow, if all goes according to plan, I will have run 365 days in a row. The Irishman in me is nervous, as if Murphy's Law will come into play. The basic tenet: Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong.

But, I have made it this far, I think one more day will be okay. In fact, the Murphy's mentioned above is Sod's Law, Murphy's Law is Sod in action.

I can't dwell any longer, but why not make tomorrow your first day... join me on the roads.

1 day, 1 run...

The Streak hits 350

I realized that I hadn't tallied up how many runs left I had until I hit the year mark, and as I did, I realized that today is my 350th day of consecutive running.

The milestone came upon me without me even knowing it. To celebrate the occassion, I will give my top five tips to dressing for the run.

1. Clean socks are softer and make your feet feel much better.
   
2. Running shoes only last so long, treat them and your feet right.
3. Dress for halfway through the run. You will be cold at first, but that's better than sweating through a sweatsuit, it will only get heavier and freeze. (If the temperature gets there)
4. On a hot day, a sweatband is a great addition to the arm, clear the eyes out.
5. Don't go naked.

I may be a streaker, but I haven't streaked!

Get out there and start running, the weather in the North is getting there. I am currently in Texas, so it feels pretty nice here.

15 days, 15 runs...

A Streaker Recognized

On the cover of this month's Runner's World Magazine (April 2007) is the number 14,071. The press time number of days that Mark Covert has run consecutively.

Mark holds the record for the longest consecutive daily running streak as noted by the U.S. Running Streak Association. He overtook the old record on July 30th, when he ran for his 13,885 days.

It's nice to see a streaker, especially the leader of the pack, getting national coverage. His dedication is an inspiration to many runners, even those without the same daily goals. Mr. Covert has run after hemorrhoid surgery, and a broken foot. He has also run on the days when his parents passed on and his children entered the world.

I suggest reading his story in full, pick up an issue.

26 days, 26 runs...

Apologies to Influenza

To my loyal readers (hopefully, I've earned a few at this point), I apologize for the apparent lack of activity lately. I was suffering from the flu this week and as much as my mind wanted to blog, my body won the argument. And I slept most of the time.

And while they weren't the most fun (or smart) runs, my streak has survived my illness. I haven't gone out yet today... but will be shortly. Now that my energy has returned, I hope to finish a post I began working on early in the week. Stay tuned for this evening.

27 days, 27 runs...

Winter's Tease

The weather today was an anomaly for Boston in the winter. Especially compared to how it has been the past week. Today I ran in 40 degrees and felt overdressed. Yesterday, the temperature was considerably less. I could take the zero away. I won't add the wind chill to the formula. Single digits and it felt every bit of the 4 degrees, frigid and blustery.

And it's hard to adjust on a dime to wearing less clothing. I wear a hat and gloves when it dips below 50 degrees because my ears get cold in the wind. And as the mercury drops another 10 degrees, I start wearing long sleeves. When the thermometer dips into the 30s, I start to wear the running tights. I progressively add thicker layers as the cold further chills the air. The ground has become permafrost.

But as the temperature moves up its tough to measure how you'll feel outside. Especially when it is one day thing. Your body want to be comfortable as it has become for you if you dress accordingly. Sweating has become a foreign feeling and it bothers you. Yes, I still sweat, even in the single digits, but it doesn't feel the same as building a hard sweat when overdressed.

I look forward to wearing shorts and a tee, but I'm not ready yet. There's still more skiing to do.

37 days, 37 runs...

The Lighter Side of Running

Running day in and day out makes you think about the fun side of the sport. Racing is a big motivator for some, for others its the endorphins, but for some bigger "challenges" are needed.

These challenges are more than a running streak, or a fun run... these people are those who make running fun for them. The beer mile is a race unlike any other. The rules can be more elaborate, but the gist is: drink a 12oz. beer, run 400 meters. Repeat 3 more times. Don't vomit. For more check out the quintessential site for those interested in participating or learning more. Beermile.com. Look at the FAQs for rules and history. Or sign up and get started.

Other runners seek the chase and the camaraderie of the Hash House Harriers, a self-titled "drinking club with a running problem." The Harriers have a fascinating history, founded in 1938 by a group of men in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. What has evolved is a international group of 1700+ chapters of men and women playing the classic game of "Hares & Hounds" with beer as a powerful incentive. The 'hares" head out and leave a trail (and several false ones) for the "hounds" to follow, and at the finish, the golden brew.

I like to wait until I after I've run to drink a pint, but I wouldn't mind doing a beer mile soon. And for those of you in the Boston area, might want to think about joining the Boston H3.

Both promote people running and anything that makes others join me in the quest to be outside is aces with me.

Disclaimer: Free Scribbles does not promote underage drinking. The excessive consumption of alcohol has been known to have negative effects. Don't drink and drive. A number of other activities are however promoted highly (wink, wink).)

42 days, 42 runs...

Valentine's Day Storm 2007

Since Monday I had been waiting for the storm to hit Boston on Wednesday. Snow Day? 12+ inches of powder dumped on the city? Yes, please, let me find my shell and shoes.

The thought of running in this weather, like running in sub zero, was very exciting. Why? Two reasons came to mind. First and most importantly, the solitary nature of running. Second, the insanity of the idea.

Running is a lonely sport, one person puts one foot in front of the other and repeats for an extended period of time or distance. But these days, where others tuck in, are the days when one can meditate while moving. Less cars are out, and if you are lucky, there is a park or trail nearby. A place where the other runners go, but not today. Today, the land is clean and pure. No other feet have trampled the turf. The runner is King of the World.

Even, the purist in me needs to have some competition, and the thought of training for an upcoming race (I don't have anything scheduled) when no one else in their right mind would is enticing. It is a test for my body and spirit.

The Valentine's day storm wasn't nearly the wading in snow experience I was expecting, but the freezing rain pelting my cheeks was exhilarating. I urge you to try it sometime, or do a polar plunge, something to make you feel alive. Or at least go skiing this weekend.

43 days, 43 runs...

Wicked Wednesday... 50 to go.

It was a tough day. I'm on a tight deadline and was scrambling to get a project done. I got stuck in a meeting until well into lunch. And my run got pushed to the back burner. And burn it did.

My endorphin levels were waning and the day dragged on. Not to mention Wednesday night is my favorite, Lost has returned and my friendly neighborhood comic store is openned late and full of freshly printed issues.

But as 8:30pm approached I had yet to lace up... but the wait was not longer. Sure it was pitch black and cold, and I am sure that the wind would bite at my face. But we all know the streak takes some effort.

These are the tough ones. The runs that couldn't fit in my schedule, the ones that made me antsy. But as soon as I stepped outside, I felt at ease. Ready to go. I hit the streets ready to do a quick 2 mile run around the reservoir. Before I knew it I was detouring down the street and tacking on some minutes. I only ended up adding another half mile, but it felt good.

I know its weird, but I finally feel strong while I'm running. I feel more at ease and comfortable and despite the winter zapping my muscle, I still think my times are better than the milder fall. It only took the first 300 days to build up a comfortable base, even though I still have a bunch of bad days, but its the good days that keep me going.

And afterwards while logging the run, I realized that today was 315, which means I only have a trivial 50 to reach my initial goal of one year solid! I'm very happy and hope to surpass my goal and continue running as long as I'm able..

And because I'm ramped up, I am going to countdown at the end of each post.

50 days, 50 runs...

Pre.

"A race is a work of art that people can look at and be affected in as many ways they’re capable of understanding."

-Pre

I have had barely any time lately to write down what I am thinking and it is killing me. I have finally caught on to the blogging bug and want to write as much as I can.

And while I have discussed running quotes in a previous post, I wanted to pick a good one to start with and work on. The fact of the matter is, when I run, I like to think of shatter not only my own understanding of my body but others' perceptions as well. Not only of me, but of themselves, the human body is resilient and adapts. That was is the same attitude that Steve Prefontaine ran with. He didn't care about winning, even though he did that a lot. But he cared even more about emptying his tank in the effort.

While my day to day runs are not a race. I know that I have been burning the candle at both ends and am feeling it. The cold weather and the day after day running is wearing me down to some extent, but when I go running it all seems to fade away. I need to do it. I need to shake off the cobwebs of a lack of sleep and a stuffy nose and just go.

Well, it's late and I have another long day ahead, join me on the roads tomorrow, you may not feel it at first, but at some point, you'll be happy you did. If you need help check here.

Running in the Freezing Cold

Today in the Boston Area it was was 6 degrees with a windchill of -6 or -9. Needless to say, it was cold outside... but I had my streak to see to. And I was excited because I had the roads to myself. Who else would be crazy to go out in this weather and run? ... I like that thought.

After a good four mile run, people asked if I survived. That's a tough question to answer. But then, someone commented about how running in the cold was unhealthy for me, more so than running every day. Well, it's just like me to disprove a statement.

Let me preface my argument by stating that I am aware of the hazards of running in cold weather: The increased chance of ice, dangerous driving conditions make the shoulder more threatening, decreased visibility from snow, hail, freezing rain (already dealt with that this winter), sand or salt kicking up from the streets. Finally, there is the chances of frostbite (after reading this I am pretty certain I got first degree frostbite, oops!) and hypothermia.

But my friend's statment was that breathing in too much cold air was detrimental to the lungs, causing damage to both the immune and the respiratory system. And many others comment about how they feel their lungs burning if they walk up stairs outside.

While many might feel the bitter bite, others can sustain their pace in minus 20 degrees fahrenheit. I don't know if I can, never tried, probably never will. The body warms the air before it hits the lungs, preventing the freezing effect that many fear. Because certain hearts pump stronger or faster than others, the blood circulates through the body, keeping the entire body safe from the ice creeping inside. While the skin and extemities are still susceptible to harm, it can be reduced through proper planning. Layering and maintaining a strong core temperature are two important keys, and wearing a hat will help keeping the heat in.

Returning to my rebuttal, one can maintain safer intake temperature by wearing a mask which warms the air that enters the lung. Sure, I can't handle a mask (I will wear one when skiing or running into a sharp headwind, but can't maintain even a bandana for more than 10 minutes)

But I believe that the most important thing to running in the cold is having the right mentality. That mentality can be several things: Tenacious, Prepared, Determined... as most people would think: Crazy.

In the end, I am willing to do whatever it takes to accomplish my dreams... and I am smart enough to know how to prepare to be crazy enough to see it through.

keeping it going. (valuable runner's world resource)

300 and counting...

Today I accomplished something that I've never done... 300 consecutive days running at least 2 miles. I salute those who have set the mark and hope that I can work towards their lofty height... Run Every Day

Sometimes the trip has seemed to fly by and other times it drags out. I swear that the period of time between 250 and 300 seemed to stretch on for eternity. It's an interesting notion, the fact that I can count every day by runs. But some of those days are more significant than others. My wedding, the first day at my new job, and a few others spring to the front. Then there is the days where I ran just to run, I was unmotivated and didn't want to lose the streak.

But then I think of the toughest runner that I never met. Pre. He has inspired so many runners both in his own generation, and in the many that have followed. Every individual who laces up and treads on asphalt, mulch, grass, snow... even cinders wants to draw the qualities that Pre embodied. The sheer tenacity, style, and Rock Star persona of a man who would never lose.

So I decided to suggest reading some of his and other runners' great quotes and adding two that have helped me through the slower periods. Not sure if I can credit them to anyone... like to think that they are timmy originals.

If you don't think that you can, you're wrong.

When you remove the ability to accept excuses, you acheive (insert goal here).

Until next time.

Personal Discovery... Long delayed.

I was traveling for work a couple weeks ago, before Christmas, and started to work on an entry while flying, but never got the chance to publish. I would like to continue on with those thoughts...

...I find that airplanes have really become a bit of a staging point for thoughts. A time where I can’t do all the other things I need to do, so I have the time to jot down thoughts.

I was updating my daily running log and started to go deeper than I usually do and now that I have an outlet to really stretch my writing “chops” I want to expand upon what I was hitting on in my log.

I began with the normal notes that I make, temperature, weather, time of day, distance and time of run. As I was elaborating, describing how I felt during, I started to think about the fact that it was so cold outside and way to early to be running. Then the comments that others have made began to come from the back to the front of my brain.

I have been identified as a “running freak” and people have cheered and jeered at me for running every day. While some people make comments because it is not their lifestyle, others because they are envious, the whole thing comes down to one question: How do I define myself?

Sure, people’s perception of me certainly adds flavor, but the reality is, I am my own person and I have to accept the decisions that I make, good or bad. Yes, I am a runner. But I am also an advertiser, a designer, and many other things. But it really struck me today. My most prominent identifier to the many people that I interact with on a daily basis is, I am a runner. I may have taken it to a level that people can’t comprehend or think is obsessive, but I don’t feel that is the case, I have become very in tune with my body and have to practice moderation.

But the reality of the situation is, I like it. I am at my very core, a runner. Whether I be running from something, running to something, or taking a break from my day. Even I don’t have the answer. It all revolves around my run. I can’t complete a day without “suiting up” to quote Barney from How I Met Your Mother Granted it does not involve me putting on a suit and tie but rather lacing up my New Balances and hitting the roads. I have scheduled it my work calendar. My colleagues know that come lunch time, I will be gone and off the radar. On those rare chances where I can’t go at lunch, sure enough I probably disappear for a half hour, returning, hair wet and occasionally still sweating. (I do take a shower)

Last Friday, I made a mistake, and it was what I would consider a large one. I was eased by many claiming that it wasn’t a huge one. But even if that was the case, I will not make the same one twice. And while their kind words did help. It wasn’t until I “suited up” and pushed my body to its limit that I was able to see past the mistake. I took a long lunch, and while some might use the opportunity to chat with a friend, have a coffee, whatever a stress reliever is to some. I opted to run 11 miles, which I don’t often do, in fact, I hadn’t run over 7 miles in a year’s time.

And as I kept going and going, I pushed past the anger I had for myself. That feeling of guilt and upsetness and the nauseating tightening of the stomach. The r...

...un cleansed me of all energy, because after a while there is only one thing you can do. Put one foot in front of the other until you make it home. And I still had the day to finish. But I persevered as one could tell, since I am tackling this much later in time.

But letting these thoughts sit for a small amount of time has given me greater clarity. People choose the identifiers for each other based on what they are not. By that I mean that where I work, everyone is a advertiser and everyone is a designer, but not everyone is a runner. Yes, there are some cyclists and people who go to the gym and runners throughout. But they are not the one who see me as a "runner" they see me as a "fellow runner" But my goal of going running everyday has drawn attention to myself... hey who doesn't like attention. And I am torn by the notion of one day my streak will end and I can't say that I have run XXX days in a row... and the fact that it is a difficult thing to do, pushing the body everyday without complete rest.

I salute all who have exercised everyday for however many years, never missing a day. And I urge you all to find something that you love and benefits you and try to do it every day...

December and the cold is setting in...

Well I haven't written a post in a while. Who knows what thoughts I lost in the meantime. The one thing I discovered was that there was an organization for people who run every day. They have a really clever web site name... runeveryday.com. Okay, it's not that clever... but as someone who wouldn't even scratch the surface of those who are part of the organization... I know that you don't have to be clever to put one foot in front of the other and repeat every day. Rules for counting your streak as official are running one mile within every 24 hour period. Some documentation will also have to be provided for it to be official... although I have to imagine most streakers keep a running logs like myself.

I am happy to have run 251 days in a row... I have to say the 251st was one of the more difficult, today was the first time that the temperature dipped below 30 degrees F. But, I like the notion of being one of very few people out there. It's the attitude of knowing that you are working harder than the competition. Anyway...

I wish the Running Streak Association had a cool tee shirt or something... I'll wait until I rack up a year of non stop running until I think of joining... until then... Make Mine Marvel.

Runner's World Survey Results

I've been busy lately and haven't had the chance to post in the last couple of days. However, I just got the chance to read Runner's World's 2006 Survey results. (I would link to them if they were online... you'll have to pick up a copy of the December issue to read them in full detail.

I have to say that I am surprised by some of the results. Chariots of Fire is the number one favorite movie, followed by Prefontaine. I'm not shocked by Chariots taking the top spot. It's hard to argue with an Academy Award winning picture. But, Prefontaine? Do people not know about Without Limits, the Prefontaine biopic starring Billy Crudup? I've seen both and have to say that, while it takes some liberties with parts here and there, the racing scenes are much more captivating, using orignal footage from 1972 and Billy plays a much more convincing Rock Star of the 70s, for help check out Almost Famous as well. And I can't forget Donald Sutherland's portrayal of the legendary Bill Bowerman. He manages to convey the man with a hard nosed attitude and yet still show the compassionate side of the man who helped found Nike and mentored many young men into adult in his tenure at the University of Oregon.

Speaking of Nike, I was pleasantly surprised at the results of what Americans wore when running. Asics was the top shoe brand, followed by New Balance, Nike, Brooks, and Saucony. Its refreshing to see that the readers of the magazine are runners who want fit more than flash. Aside from Nike, the other four brands don't run massive campaigns or entice the top runners with multi million dollar sponsorships. They design and produce top quality shoes that meet the needs of the average joe runner and the elite athletes. It ties in to another result: 80% of respondents purchase shoes based on fit.

Again, pick a copy if you are interested in running. The methodology of the survey: Conducted over a 3 month period, worldwide respondents: 10,005, US respondents: 2,975. spilt approx. 51% Female, 49% Male.

Please rent both Prefontaine and Without Limits and tell me which one you think is better...