Happy Global Running Day! I’m going streaking! Ok, ok, not like that. I’m working on my Streaking With The COOL KIDS run streak, and today marks Day 5! On this big running holiday, I’d love to share a little bit about the streak and why it works for me.
What Is #StreakingWithTheCOOLKIDS?
Eleven years ago, #StreakingWithTheCOOLKIDS was created by @PinkCupcakeGirl, with the intention of encouraging her followers to move their bodies in a daily and consistent way. The challenge was simple: for every day of June, participants had to walk/jog/run one mile. That first year welcomed hundreds of participants, but the initiative grew. In 2020, #StreakWithTheCOOLKIDS saw 6,800 participants from from 15 countries! This year, the ladies of @SparkleAthletic has graciously taken the reins, and we are off to a great start.
A Look At The Current Version Of The Streak
When I joined SWTCK in 2021, things seemed a little more strict. While participants didn’t need to sign up officially to participate, they DID have to engage in one consistent, dedicated mile per day from June 1 to June 30. The rules are as follows: if you don’t log your mile, you’re out. The mile must be on foot (running, walking, or jogging), and it must be deliberate and continuous (not cobbled together throughout the day). There are no makeups or double ups. It’s all very straightforward. In addition, there is a Facebook support group, where participants can share about their achievements, and in more recent years, there are even giveaways and merch! So fun.
How Long Have I Been Streaking?
I’ve been part of SWTCK off and on since 2021. It was a fantastic way to motivate myself after the lockdowns, and my injury. While I don’t have my exact stats, I believe I maintained a streak of over 500 days, before travel or illness knocked me down. I started up again last year, and covid hampered my efforts again. But after that, I’ve been back on my streak, and moved into this year’s challenge with over 170 days.
What’s The Point Of Streaking?
Streaking means different things to different people, but the point of a streak like this is to motivate people to move and provide a safe and encouraging community for them to do so. Some people just need a little push and support to get them going, and SWTCK offers both those things and more. I love how this small group continues to grow, welcoming new runners and people who are trying to improve their fitness. It’s a great thing.
Is There A Downside To Streaking?
Honestly, I think SWTCK is a great streak in which to participate, simply because of the flexibility of the activity. Running one mile a day can be a lot on the mind and body. It can also be a lot on your washing machine! But I think many of us DO get in that mile. There’s no pressure to hit a certain pace. And honestly, even if you’re sick or injured, in many cases, a mile of walking can be a great therapeutic (obviously, if walking causes you any kind of pain, it’s time to drop out).
What Are My Plans For Global Running Day?
Well, I’m going to go get my miles! And I hope to do it at the beach. It’s always great to run (or walk) somewhere particularly inspiring, and I’m excited to see where my feet take me.
Are you streaking? Are you running today?
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I like that you have the flexibility to walk during this challenge! The longest running streak I ever did was a month, and that was enough for me. I did a fitness challenge this spring that got me walking more and its stuck, which has been great. Now I find myself taking more walk breaks throughout the work day.
One mile of running, walking or jogging every day is very doable! I think even my parents, who are over 85, could participate in this challenge.
While walking is part of our daily life (to the gym, grocery shopping, etc.) it’s also nice that this challenge requires it to be a conscious, unbroken effort.
I did run today, but I’m not streaking. I’ve never done a streak, but I want to someday-whether it’s this one, or the one Kim does every year (Thanksgiving to New Years) or the one my husband did several years ago (Memorial Day to July 4th.) I think streaks are a great way to get people motivated and have fun. Good luck with yours!
I agree! I have so much fun!
I’ve never been good at streaking even short term ones like this. Good luck with your streak. And it made me laugh to think that we might have to be a certain age to know what the other kind of streaking is. 🙂
Oh, gosh yes! There will be none of that other streaking here. No one deserves to be exposed to me in all my glory!