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

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...

Great Glades!!

I was up north this weekend and while we bypassed skiing on Saturday due to the wind. I did my daily run, just two miles. The wind cut across my face. It was so strong our house shook under some of the gusts, but still I pursued the streak. However, it was too much to spend a day on the mountain. Got to play the Wii, which is pretty awesome!

But Sunday was another story. Had a great day at Bretton Woods. There I dug a little deeper and hit the glades as the day went on. For those of you who don't know, glades are ungroomed trails riddled with moguls and trees. It's not for the faint of heart, and when taken slowly is a painful workout.

Bretton has some great glades, for (glade) rookies or skiers who haven't done it in a while, they really soften the transition. Off the West Mountain, some smooth shallow ones cover the higher part of the mountain. I recommend Lizzie Bourne Glade. And off of Two Mile Rd. lies my favorite run of the day. Enchanted Bear rolling into Minahan's Ridge and finally Hemlock. Enchanted Bear offers a wide pathway with some smooth carves in between the trees. Hemlock was more challenging, at one point being 12 ft across, skied off and steep. Finally, we came out at the bottom, exhausted and sore.

I felt it today on my four mile run. My quads and calves were sore and tomorrow will be worse.
Free scribbles reminds skiiers and snowboarders to be responsible and play within your abilities. Always good to be challenged, but no when to be safe.

Check out the site and the slopes, I'll have more substance tomorrow.

31 days, 31 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...

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.

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.

225 and counting...

So I am very excited to have gone running for 225 days consecutively. It has helped me acheive a certain balance between overzealousness and control. Some days I feel great and want to go 5+ miles and other days I have to restrain myself and do the minumum 2 miles.

What I've learned thus far.

• When you remove the excuses to say No, you acheive greatness.
• Wear comfortable and cushioned shoes. And rotate day to day.
• Not every day is going to feel good during the run, but you'll always feel happier after.

Anyway... I am proud of my accomplishments thus far, and I urge people to find something that they are passionate about, something to be active about, and maybe every day doesn't work for you, and injuries might get in the way, but be healthy and the endorphins will reward you.