Run Streak Day 100 - The Adventure Begins

I just finished running a mile.  It was no mere mile, it represented my 100^th day of running in a row.

You may recall that I’ve mentioned streaking before. I’ve completed a few Holiday streaks, running at least one mile every day from Thanksgiving to New Years. Those streaks kept me motivated to run during a time of year where running is sometimes the last thing I want to do. It’s after the fall race season, it’s cold, the days are short, and the Holidays are busy. But once committed to doing it, I have never regretted it.

It was this fond memory of these month-long run streaks that compelled me to set a much larger goal: run at least one mile every day for a year. The final day of the streak will be on my wedding day, September 26^th.

This goal was inspired by an article I read in Runner’s World. It told the streaking stories of numerous runners from all walks of life – the woman who maintained her streak as she battled cancer, the man who has been running 8(!) miles every day for 45 years, the person who holds the longest known streaking record: 52 years! But it was one story that really caught my eye: a man who committed to running every day for the year leading up to his wedding. Hey, my wedding is almost a year away!

I’d been trying to think of some way to incorporate running into the wedding. Running is obviously a big part of my life, and it’s also been a big part of Jin’s and my relationship – running races together… traveling to new places for running events… we even met while both training for the Baltimore Marathon!

I’d considered a few options. A race weekend bachelorette party? No, not all of my bridesmaids or friends enjoy running. Wearing running shoes at the wedding? Nah, for once I want to tap into my elegant side. Schedule the wedding on a race weekend? Wedding dates are difficult enough to schedule. Get married in the middle of a marathon like the couple I saw in Chicago?! Um no.

Finishing a year-long streak on our wedding day was the perfect solution. I’d been wanting to do a longer streak for some time, and the way I’m wired, I need an end goal in mind. I was already picturing the final run on the morning of the wedding as a fun, casual event with any guests that wanted to join.

Jin was fully supportive of the idea, and so it was decided. On September 27^th 2019 I ran my first mile of the streak. I had only two rules:

1. Run at least one mile every day

2. Take at least one picture on every run

It’s crazy how naturally it became a part of my routine. At first, I mostly did dedicated, or intentional runs (i.e. set aside some time, go out and run a few miles, come back. Simple). 

Then I started to work the runs into daily tasks and errands. (i.e. run to the store, run to the gym, run around the block with my dog, Xena). More recently, I’ve used it to explore different areas of Boston, or just to try new running routes in general.

The pictures I take are typically of whatever I found most notable. Or sometimes it’s where I drew my inspiration from that day. Sometimes it’s simply what I was wearing. I’ve found that the act of taking a picture has prompted me to notice details that I otherwise wouldn’t have. I’ll admit that sometimes where I choose to run is motivated by getting a more exciting or unique picture. I’ll also admit that sometimes I just run up and down the hallway in my condo if I had to work late that day or the weather is just abysmal. Hey, a mile’s a mile, people! But there definitely have been days where as much as I want to just stay in the cocoon of my house, I venture out into the elements, motivated by the prospect of a more memorable run. Whatever it takes, right?

Perhaps some of the most memorable runs so far have been while traveling. I’ve gone on runs while traveling in the past, but never every day of a trip. I expected it might feel like a burden, or I might be nervous about getting lost in unfamiliar places. But in reality it’s been exciting – planning out my route each night, getting to run multiple routes, and seeing more of the area. Running can truly be the best way to explore a city. 

The crème de la crème so far was running in Cuba. Running is not really a part of the culture there, so I got some strange looks for sure. I also had no internet or phone service so I really had to wing it on the routes and pray I didn’t get lost (I might have gotten lost once or twice). But I wouldn’t trade that experience for anything.

I’m excited to see what the next 266 days bring (it’s a leap year!). I have more travel plans coming up this year and a handful of races this spring – including marathon #15! I also have so many more routes to explore in Boston. I can’t wait to share them all with you.