A Streak Like None Other

It definitely was a streak like none other.

I'm referring to my ninth consecutive Winter Run Streak. It's been in the rear view mirror for a month now, but is still quite fresh in my memory.

Care to hear a few highlights?

Every year, since the winter of 2013, I have taken part in the Runner's World Winter Run Streak. This involves, in the simplest of terms, committing to run at least one mile everyday from Thanksgiving through New Years Day. Since all (or most) of my races are over and done for a few months, there's no pre-planned training schedule to jinx or jeopardize. 

As I have said before, I embrace this annual Streak because it gets me through the Winter Solstice and ushers me into a brief off-season. Kind of a last hurrah before the spring races come into play. Also, since I am NOT a year-round streaker, it's a chance to step out of my usual routine. After all, I am not a fan of stagnancy and/or doing the same thing all the time, fitness or otherwise. That said, as much as I look forward to the Streak each year, I'm equally happy to sit-it-out come January 2nd, LOL.

This year had many of the same features as in years past, but also a few new nuances: 

For starters, there wasn't much for snow...but, none the less, there were several doses of cold weather. 

Yes! It was 18F (with a 0 feels-like in that 22mph wind) on Thanksgiving morning

It's been my goal, since 2015, to do all of my streak runs outdoors. It may seem trivial, but keeping the runs outdoors adds a fun twist to daily running mix. Thanks to the weather gods, I was able to keep up that tradition again this year.

Since last May, I've been doing monthly full moon runs. Thankfully, the full moon was shining bright on December 19th, and I had three friends join me.

This was the first Streak to encompass four multi-state runs! Obviously, the majority of my runs happened in Iowa. I also snagged 1-milers in the states of Kentucky and Georgia while en route to Florida (just after Christmas). And, there were several streak runs that took place on several streets after we arrived in the sunshine state.

streaking in Georgia

The final Streak run was a solo endeavor, in the wee-dark hours, on New Years Day.

My total streaking miles came in at 112, which technically includes five miles run the day before Thanksgiving (you know, #5at5). Of all these runs logged, 14 of them were 1-milers. The longest run was eight miles (Christmas Day), and there were two other 7-milers. Other than those, the runs were kept short (usually between 3-5 miles) and all were run at what I consider easy paces.  

So, yeah! It's surreal to think I've been doing this streaking gig for nine years! I'll have to come up with something big for the 2022 Streak since it'll be the big 10-year milestone. Stay tuned!

Related post: Another Winter, Another Run Streak

***I realize, and respect, not everyone has an interest in run streaking, even for a short period. Myself, I was a big skeptic until I gave it a try.***

How about you? Ever tried run streaking, even for a much shorter period of time? Do you utilize any tricks to get through the dark days of winter?

 I'm linking this with Kim and Zenaida for the Tuesday Topics Link-Up

I'm also linking with Debbie, Deborah, Lisa, Laura and Jenn for the Runners' Roundup

By the way...are you following me on social media? 

Let's connect : Facebook Instagram  Pinterest Twitter