SUMMER CHALLENGE I: STREAK RUNNING

My 2017 summer running streak. Taken by PKSenagore May 10, 2017. All rights reserved.

[Updated from May 22, 2016]
ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A PHYSICAL CHALLENGE THIS SUMMER? One that doesn’t involve training for a race because it’s what you do all other months of the year? A challenge that doesn’t require learning complicated workout routines? An activity that won’t strain your exercise budget? Are you a walker wanting to get into running on a very low level to test your body’s ability to handle the extra impact?
 
Try streak running!
 
The official website of the Streak Runners International, Inc. and US Running Streak Association, Inc., defines a running streak as the running of “at least one mile (1.61 kilometers) within each calendar day. Running may occur on either the roads, a track, over hill and dale, or on a treadmill.”
 
The CHALLENGE can be to run every day of the summer, from Memorial to Labor Day. Or whatever time span you choose.
 
You can become a member of this official organization, SRI/USRSA, for $20. The groups sell singlets and T-shirts through the website link, clearlybranded.com.
 
If you extend the challenge beyond the summer and streak for a full year you are eligible to have your name placed on the SRI/USRSA running streak list. And then on the retired list once you stop.
 
The website also links to an article by member John Strumsky, “Caution: The Dangers Of Streak Running”. It defends the activity, provides an opinion on minimum fitness requirements, and offers advice on how to remain a healthy runner despite the absence of running breaks.
 
Streak running was one of my summer challenges last year. I did it to experience what Earned Runs was asking of others who chose this goal.  Initially I did not like this daily run at all, and whined about it in blogs.  The most difficult aspect was fitting one mile in when traveling.  An early flight could mean leaving for the airport by 3 or 4 am. Upon arrival at my destination it might be late afternoon or evening before a change into running clothes/shoes was possible especially if a meeting was scheduled, and a run managed.
 
One night when returning home for a trip. I finished my mile just before the stroke of the clock at midnight. Then started the next day’s run because of a full schedule and more travel.  It was weird. BUT when one of those travel days was my undoing and I missed a run, thereby ending my streak weeks before Labor Day, I was so disappointed in myself.  I had not anticipated receiving a daily boost of pride, a sense of accomplishment, when that single goal was met. I very much missed it when this personal challenge was busted.
 
This year I started with the resolve not to complain and to look forward to a 1 mile run. March 22 was my first day.  Hopefully I’ll do better in the Summer of 2017 than 2016.
 
RUN HAPPY!

http://www.runeveryday.com/

http://www.runeveryday.com/news/TheDangersofStreakRunning.htm

www.clearlybranded.com/showrooms.htm