CONSIDER BEGINNING A 2021 WINTER STREAK

CHALLENGE YOURSELF TO BOOST FITNESS UNTIL SPRING BEGINS.
 
EARNED RUNS ANNUALLY PROMOTES A NUMBER OF SUMMER CHALLENGES.  One of them is a “Summer Streak”.  The challenge at first was to run at least one mile every day, then expanded to a run or walk streak, then morphed to a streak of ANY activity that could safely be performed daily, from Memorial Day to Labor Day, the unofficial start and finish to this season.
 
I inadvertently started a walk streak January 3, 2019. The next several days were forecasted to deliver full sun, and possibly clear sunrises and beautiful sunsets. I walked twice a day to enjoy both.  By January 7 that year, I had the beginnings of a streak and decided to continue as long as possible.  On January 10, 2020 the idea of a formal Earned Runs streak materialized. 
 
In 2020, starting a WINTER STREAK CHALLENGE again seemed like it might be an appealing activity, particularly for those not interested in training for a spring race. It proved to be a terrific motivator to me to get out each morning and set my biological clock for better sleeping.
 
Why spend the winter months on a run streak? The cold dark season may not provide much inspiration to accomplish other more aggressive fitness goals, especially those involving the performance of consistent outdoor exercise. A streak is comprised of daily small victories that build to a larger one. Each effort contributes more than just one session to the achievement; missing a single day halts the trajectory toward successful completion. There's pressure to not interrupt progress.
 
In 2021 the idea seems even more appropriate as ‘work at home’ days seem to merge into one long monotonous stretch in which visits to the gym or studio may prohibited due to Covid-19 restrictions.
 
I think winter is the perfect time to lay down a challenge to adhere, either indoors, outdoors, or both locations, to an uncomplicated exercise program that doesn’t require a huge mental effort.  Just commit every day and physically to ‘do’ that one activity! Walk or run, or spend a set time on a stationary bicycle, elliptical machine rowing machine, or stair stepper. If swimming is your thing, get in the pool daily (if you have access). Or promise yourself you’ll perform a mobility routine (MYRTL’s) each day. If push-ups are intimidating, do a handful (5) each day. Consider a one 1-minute plank session. You get the idea….
 
Start today, or set January 18, or 19, or 20 as DAY 1 if advance arrangements are required, and end with the equinox, March 20 (the first day of spring in the northern hemisphere and fall in the southern hemisphere) in 2021. That’s a 60 to 62-day streak!
 
If the life around you is complicated now, consider choosing this simple, no-brainer, streak challenge for what remains of the winter season.  At it’s end, you’ll have accomplished at least one fitness goal if you stick with it.
 
RUN & MOVE HAPPY!