285 Days
Read time ~5 minutes
By: Tyler Woodard
On July 7, 2019, I was challenged to start a run streak. My friend had been on one for almost three months and I knew this would be a great way to keep each other accountable. His challenge was simple; run at least 1 mile a day until whenever you don’t feel like running anymore. Challenge accepted!
I upped the ante a bit by making my run streak meet a minimum of 2 miles a day. The inspiration for this? My assistant high school coach ran a minimum of 2 miles at one point in his life for 15 years straight! 15 years! Are you kidding me!? That’s 5,475 days in a row. If he only ran the minimum that means he would have covered 10,950 miles on just the minimum. INCREDIBLE!
There have been some really long run streaks. Ron Hill, accomplished one that lasted 52 years, 39 days. The longest-running female is currently Lois Bastien. Hers is at 40 years and counting. More amazing streakers can be found here, Official USA Active Running Streak List.
My streak would last for 285 days. That may not be long compared to others, but I learned a lot from it. My personal takeaways were:
Better health and fitness
Learning to be more consistent
Never quit mentality
Running accountability
I encourage run streaks. It’s a great way to stay active and hold yourself accountable with your running friends and family. Runner’s World has issued a challenge and one that you should tackle! More information can be found on their run streak here, #RWRRunStreak.
However, if the run streak makes you more injury-prone then don’t do it. I ran a lot of miles one month and kept trending up these miles. My body, particularly my calf, let me know about it. Unfortunately, I ignored these signs for about two weeks. One day after I finished an easy run my calf blew up like a balloon, It was very swollen and painful. I called my physical therapist and she told me if I keep running without treatment, only letting it heal by resting, then I would not only prolong the injury but potentially be facing a far worse one.
Taking her advice, I shut it down. I took my first much-needed off-day since July 7, 2019. My run streak ended on April 17, 2020.
Here are some ways you can keep streaking and stay injury-free.
Streak through your down training cycles. Even after your big race when you are pulling back the mileage just get the minimum.
Incorporate strength training
Stretch often
Easy miles is the best way to keep streaking. Not every mile has to be hard!
Starting a run streak can be done by anyone, it just takes the first step. Ask a friend to take the challenge with you. They will be a tremendous help on the days you feel like quitting - and trust me, we all have those days.
So now the question is, what are you waiting for? Get out there and start your streak!
If you haven’t signed up for our 177.6K Virtual Freedom Run what are you waiting for! Uncle Sam is ready for you!