The last two weeks have kicked my butt. I keep saying: "wow, it's already November," but we are midway through the month.
Thanksgiving and the holidays are right around the corner!
An easy and uneventful run from over the weekend
A few weeks ago, I woke up and felt unexpectedly sore. I didn’t plan to rest, but I knew it was the best option that day. I couldn’t even imagine running a quarter of a mile, let alone 1 mile. So I rested. I drank coffee, sat on my couch for an hour, then went about my day. The next week I ran the Run Local Santa Barbara Half Marathon and was finally back under 1:30. I like to think resting that particular day helped.
If I were attempting a running streak, I would have still gone for a run. That one mile would have done nothing for me fitness-wise, but I probably would have delayed recovery the following days. The run streak would have caused more issues than help.
So as we head into the holidays, you'll see a lot of ads for running streaks. I've already seen several, which is what inspired this newsletter. Many magazines, including Runners World, host a “running streak challenge” between Thanksgiving and Christmas. The Runners World Running Streak sets an end date, but some people spend months, or even years, running 7 days. A few years ago, Runners World published a story for someone who had run a mile every day for over 50 years.
But What is a Running Streak? A running streak is simply running every single day. Some people say running a mile every day is sufficient. Other people say you should run more than that to be considered a run streaker. There is no black and white answer. You don’t have to do a “long-run” every day. In fact, running streaks don’t work if you run long every day.
Like everything on social media, it might be hard to ignore others doing a running streak. It might even feel like you are the only one not doing a running streak.
Don't fear, I am not doing a running streak and they don’t work for me. I’ve tried a few times, but with a running streak, I find myself burned out or injured. So I no longer do them or attempt to do them.
Why?
There are several reasons…
I am too injury-prone. I don't know about you, but I would rather take a day off than take several weeks off due to a stress fracture.
I mentally don't enjoy it: I like to have other hobbies outside of running. I get extremely burned out if I'm running every day.
I like rest days. Yes, I really do like just sitting on the couch with my cats on a rest day. Some days maybe too much.
What are the Benefits of “Run Streak”? This newsletter might be why running streaks don’t work for me, but running streaks do benefit some people.
Running Streaks Give You More Motivation to Run:
For some people, running streaks give motivation and a sense of community with other run streakers. Once you reach a certain amount of days of "run streaking", you might feel guilty for breaking that streak (this can also be against our better judgment when we *do* need rest).
Running Streaks Help Build a Base:
By run streaking, you’ll probably run more miles, and your general fitness will improve. Like any training plan, you’ll have high points of feeling on top of the world and low points and plateaus.
Finally, keep in mind; there is a perfect training plan for everyone. There is no single plan great for everyone.
Some people thrive on running streaks and being a run streaker…
For other people like myself, run streaks don’t work and leave us mentally and physically burned out.
The beauty of running is there are so many paths to fitness. Just because it feels like everyone else is doing something, doesn't mean you have to and doesn't mean they are!
Love this balanced take on streaking, Hollie! And wow, you've got us wanting to try that $375 shoe... 😃 😅