...But I don't have time to Streak....

Streaking.

Ever attempted it? (we're talking daily running, folks, not naked running).



As of Tuesday, I'm 13 days into the Runner's World Winter Streak. The Streak, which commenced on Thanksgiving and concludes on New Year's Day, goes for 39 days this year (or longer for those who don't wish to stop).This is my sixth time doing a streak (I've done the winter streak in 2015, 2014, and 2013, a summer streak in June of 2014, and a spring streak in April 2013).

New Years Day 2015

I have said it many times, but it bears repeating....I am not an advocate for streaking. I strongly believe in rest days (or at the very least, non-running days). When I do the run streaks, I do not do crazy miles, day after day. Instead, I simply run an easy (slow-paced) mile on what would "usually" be my non-running days (if I weren't streaking).

Why do I streak when it is (essentially) the polar opposite of my belief system? Plain and simple, I do it because it gets me out of my comfort zone. As mentioned, I do the streaks with easy, low-maintenance runs. More often than not, the streaks happen during a time when I'm in between training cycles, and they give me just an itty bitty semblance of structure. And, most times, I am very happy when they end...but am also glad I endured and finished.

This was my victory leap upon finishing the Streak in 2014

So, how do I do it? A lot of people think they don't have time for daily running. Like anything else, I would argue that's if it's something you want bad enough, you will find time to do it.

It all comes down to organization.

For me, it's a matter of allotting an approximate 10-minute time slot into each day. If I were doing a "racing" mile, I could probably run a mile with an 8-ish minute pace (don't be too impressed, that's if I'm running only one mile...well, actually, I'd probably need a few good miles for a warm-up prior to that 8-minute mile). I can usually run a 9-minute mile with minimal effort, but for streaking, I try to stay around a 10-minute (or slower) pace...especially since I'm currently still in recovery from my marathon.

It's not difficult finding 10 minutes each day, but I have to capitalize on those 10 minutes when they present themselves (like if I'm blessed with an extended lunch break or waiting for dinner to finish baking in the oven). Some days, I simply suit up and lace up and head outside prior to my morning computer routine (before showering and heading to work). After spending the past three months training for the marathon, my body is accustomed to waking early anyways...why not start the day in my running shoes?

Since most days I'm only running one mile, I don't get too sweaty (remember, I'm running these 1-milers at an easy pace). There may be a couple days (or several) where I wear the same base layers....I just keep them draped over the tub in the bathroom for easy access. There's no extra time spent searching for favorite shirts/jackets/tights. How's that for a time-saver?

What happens on the days when the bed and covers feel ever-so-cozy? It's only 10 minutes, after all. Worst case scenario, I can run a couple laps around the block in my neighborhood before bed, but I prefer to get it done in day light if possible (the temps are warmer under sunlight, just saying).

after one of my lunch-hour runs

So, you find the time...but where to go? Most runners have GPS devices these days, so it's pretty easy to map out a 1-mile route. Also, a mile is (approximately) equivalent to 10 city blocks. How simple is that? Five blocks out and five blocks back. End of story.

Under the holiday lights

What about the days when the temps seem too chilly or windy? I mentioned running laps around my block....if you're constantly changing direction (running in "circles" will do that), you won't have a constant head wind to battle. Problem solved.

I should mention, I have a treadmill but I seldom use it. The past two winter streaks (and so far, every day for this current one), I've done all of my runs outside. Like I said, it's only 10 minutes (or so)... I can handle anything for 10 minutes. Need some more streaking tips? Here's a few previous Streaking  posts to check out HERE and HERE and HERE .

Have you ever streaked before? If so, what's the longest you've gone?

I'm linking up with Deb for the Wednesday Word...and today's word is Organization. I'm also linking up with Suzie and Rachel and Debbie and Lora for the Running Coaches' Corner. There's a wealth of knowledge and information here...I invite you to check out all the hostesses and pay a visit to some of the linked blogs as well!