At the end of May, a friend posted information to a 30 Day Run Streak, called Streaking With The Cool Kids. The idea was for participants to run, jog, or walk one dedicated mile every day of June.
At first, I was intimidated by the idea of sticking with a streak. I had some travel scheduled in June, and was nervous about having the time and space to log one dedicated mile per day, especially at camp in central Georgia. Nothing ventured, nothing gained, though, so I decided to try.
Why A Run Streak?
I don’t know? Breaking out of the comfort zone is something I preach, so I guess it was time. I got excited over the graphic, the accountability, and the sense of trying something new. I was encouraged by the idea that I could run, jog, or walk, and that didn’t seem absolutely unreasonable. So… why NOT a run streak?
Was It Difficult?
Not exactly. if I got up and got moving right away, it was fine. The hardest days were at Scouts camp, where I had to remember to set my watch and go for a dedicated mile walk (I walked miles and miles worth of steps each day, but to honor the challenge, I had to make a point to walk a timed mile daily). The worst was departure day, but I used my trips from our campsite to the parking lot to count for my day.
How Did It Feel?
It felt good. There were a few days where I might have just said “meh” and not laced up at all, but the goal of making it to (at least) 30 days kept me going. Moving forward is part of what helps me get through each day, so this 30 day run streak cemented how I live my life instead of compelling to do something way off brand. I embraced the consistency.
What Was Your Favorite Part Of The Run Streak?
If I had to choose a favorite part, it was the accountability. I work really well when I’m checking things off a list, and 30 days of at least one mile every day was right up my alley. In addition, I loved being part of the #StreakingWithTheCOOLKIDS movement and fed off the energy of that group.
What Was Your Least Favorite Part?
The laundry. Seriously. Making a more concerted effort to be out every single day seemed to lead to so much more laundry. And hair washing. Is it just me?
What Were The Stats?
So for the month of June (and as of the writing of this post), I logged a total of 115 miles. My shortest daily distance was exactly one mile, and my longest continuous workout was seven miles. Not too shabby! This was a shorter month because of recovery from my wisdom tooth extraction, and trail, but that’s ok. It’s stupidly hot in summer, and Florida runners know to cut it back this time of year.
Am I Going To Continue?
A few people have asked if I plan to continue the streak, and my answer is “if I can.” Will my body permit to actually run every day forevermore? Absolutely not. However, walking is excellent for my stiff ankle, and I do try to log at least 3.5 miles every day. If I’m honest, I run or walk nine days out of ten, so it’s not a huge stretch to just keep going. However, the last thing I want is to feel pressure about it, so I’m going to keep a more internal log of my streak, rather than publishing it, unless I hit some kind of big milestone. I think that’s a fair way to handle everything.
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Well done, Jenn!
Especially since June has been a difficult month for you, with the wisdom tooth extraction and the Scouts camp.
I once had a 1-year streak doing 10’000 steps a day. This proved to be difficult when travelling on long-haul flights. I remember walking up and down the airport terminal to get all my steps in.
The things we do!
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Congrats! I did a run streak in October and it went better than I expected. One day a week was a super easy 1 mile recovery run, and then otherwise I just kept up with my regular workouts since I usually run 6 days a week. Not sure if/when I will do one again though!
Good job. I will never do a run streak but one that includes walking is great. I try to walk or run everyday. I succeed most of the time.
That’s awesome, congrats! I tried a run streak (a few times, actually) and they just aren’t for me. My body just really doesn’t like it. Maybe I’ll try again. Haha 🙂
nice job hitting your goal. Run streaks are not for me but I like that this one includes walking too so that you can do it on a rest day. Accountability is a great motivation
Congrats on the Run Streak! Typically I do the one from Memorial Day to the 4th of July with Runner’s World but because of my injury I was hesitant to do it this year. Maybe I’ll try the one from Thanksgiving to New Year’s instead,. After my races this weekend I’m feeling pretty good so I think I’m well on my way to being completely healed. 🙂
Great job! That definitely took some extra work, especially with scout camp thrown in there. I’ve never done a run streak, but my husband did the Runners World Memorial Day- to July 4th last year and he loved it. (Interestingly, this year he decided to switch it up and make it a daily meditation streak- I think that would actually be harder for me than a run streak!)
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I would never make it through a meditation streak!!!! How does that even work???
I’ve done the Runner’s World Holiday Streak for several years (maybe eight?), and it’s something I look forward to every year. I do run every day, but the majority of those runs are a simple 1-miler (so I’m over and done in 10 minutes or less). I would never do a streak year-round, but for those 5-6 weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, I enjoy a short reprieve from my comfort zone. Since it’s through the winter, I don’t really get sweaty on the 1-milers, and a bonus is passing the Winter Solstice 😉
Our winters aren’t that much cooler usually so there would be lots of laundry still LOL!
I’ve never done a run streak! I honestly don’t know if it’s something I want to do. I like my rest days!
I tried to do a 6 week run streak early this year and made it about a week. Obviously it’s not my thing. Good for you for getting it done!