To Streak or Not to Streak ...

To streak or not to streak?

That's not usually a question I'll even bother to answer. I realize a lot of runners do run streaks (running at least one mile everyday, no matter what). For many, it's a natural part of their day, an element of their being, and a necessary daily task that needs to be performed. Yes, a lot of runners run everyday...but I'm not (usually) one of them.


Personally, I have come to realize that rest/recovery days are paramount to staying healthy and fit. I not only take my rest days seriously, but I also (seldom) log excessive mileage (except for the final weeks of marathon training prior to the taper). I am lucky...I seem to stay pretty fit and can knock out decent finish times without wearing down my body (or mind) with high-mileage training. Of course, I'm not spanking new PR's at every race, but that's not my priority (and that's another post for another time LOL).

That said, I have been known to take part in a running streak now and again....

Yes, it's true. I have done the Runner's World winter streak for the past four years (Here are some past posts & recaps to prove it: 2016, 2015, 2014, and 2013). I also have done a spring streak (April 2013) and a summer streak (Memorial Day through the 4th of July, 2014). And, guess what happened last week, on Thanksgiving Day? The #40DaysOfAwesome winter streak began, and I have been streaking everyday since.

So, yes, I'm streaking (again). And, yes, I feel like I need to explain why (again). After all, I'd be curious, too, why someone would willingly take part in something she usually advocates against. So here goes.....

Why I am streaking (again), and am not ashamed to be doing so:

First of all, it's a big time Comfort Zone Violation for me. As much as I love my rest/recovery days, it's empowering to see that I can do the streaking thing and live to tell about it. Granted, the bulk of my streak runs are easy-paced endeavors, and most of them are just 1-milers. Basically, I'm simply running 1-mile runs on what would normally be my "non-running" days. I'm not attempting any speed drills. I don't plan on doing any long runs (my longest runs are 5-6 miles right now).  And, if things start to feel achy, I will wave the proverbial white flag. Even though this is my off-season, there's no sense inviting injury by over-training.

daytime streaking in 2016

Secondly, I really like the daily cardio...especially early in the morning. A few months ago, I got in the habit of getting up early and heading out for a quick 20-30 minute walk (on my non-running days). Doing a short streak run has the same benefits...it wakes up the mind, body, and soul and invigorates me. Let's not forget there's the bonus of a little fat-burning since I'm doing this in a "fasted state." Also, since the 1-mile streak runs take less than 10-minutes, they do not require a huge time commitment...there's plenty of time for other fitness stuff, like strength-training, yoga, or (my favorite cross-training exercise) stair-climbing.

early morning streaking in 2017!

Thirdly, I'm all for short-term (monthly) goals. Even though I'm only nine days in (at the time this post goes live), the daily short runs are going well. As I approach the end of the year (the Streak is scheduled to end on New Year's Day), though, I anticipate those very runs will feel more like obligations than fun outings (at least that's what's happened in the past). I call that mental training...don't we all need that from time to time?

Streaking under the Christmas lights in 2015

Fourth, I'm also throwing in the challenge of doing all of these runs outside. So far, the weather conditions have been manageable. I'm in Iowa, don't forget, and December typically gets a little chilly. Oh well, I have plenty of fleece jackets and a colorful assortment of puffer vests...bring it! Stay tuned, there's bound to be a great deal of mixing & matching happening and (hopefully) you won't see the same outfit twice.

Beginning my streak in 2014 on Thanksgiving Day at our local turkey trot

Last of all, this Streak is sort of my last hurrah for 2017. There are not many races happening this time of year (at least not in my area), and I have nothing major (yet) on the calendar until March. Having a Streak such as this gives me some mojo to finish the year strong.

Streaking in 2014

And, here's a bonus....I know I have the ability and commitment to do it, but I also have the sense to stop and not keep going if my body tells me so. I suspect a lot of streakers start out with a short-term goal in mind, but continue streaking to see how long they will last. After awhile, it does become a habit. For some, it becomes a means of identity. That's when it can get dangerous...when some continue on for the sake of not breaking their streak, even though their body desperately needs a break. Don't worry, friends....I have streaked before, and I have never had any desire to continue on after the designated deadline.

a lunch time streak run in 2015

Anyways, those are my thoughts and objectives. I realize streaking is not for everybody, myself included, but it gives me a chance to dabble in something I would not do on a regular basis.

What are your thoughts? Have you ever tried streaking, even for a short period?  If so, what's the longest (or shortest) streak you've done?

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I'm linking this with Meranda and Lacey and Rachel for the Friday Five 2.0. 

And, since it's the first weekend of the month, I'm also linking with Deborah and Coco for the Ultimate Coffee Date. What would you share, if we were having coffee?