This is a holiday running streak inspired by Runner’s World #RWRunStreak.

The goal is to run a minimum of one mile (1.61km) each day from November 27 through January 1st, 2015. I’m going for it! In order to have a safe and fun streak here are some tips for success:

Safe Streaking

1. Don’t start if you’re currently struggling with injury or overtraining. This will only worsen your problem.
2. Don’t start if you’re a brand new runner. Doing too much, too soon is not a smart way to begin your running journey.
3. Wear clothes. When many people hear the word streak they instantly think of the clothes-less version. I highly recommend doing all your running in appropriate running clothes ☺
4. Have two pairs of running shoes to alternate. Since you may be running in inclement weather this will allow each pair to have a little down-time and chance to dry in between. Alternating running shoes can actually extend the life of your shoes.
5. Do your runs at an easy pace when they take place on “non-running days” (days not on your training plan). You don’t want to run hard every single day—that’s a recipe for injury. If you track your heart rate keep it in Zone 2. A quick way to calculate Zone 2 is to subtract your age from 180 for the upper heart rate. For example this is what it would look like for me: 180-36=144. I’d keep my heart rate below 144 beats per minute.
6. Look for creative ways to accomplish your mile such as working it into your normal schedule. Run your mile while on a lunch break, while waiting to pick up a child from an activity, before your normal yoga class, or on a treadmill. If you’re on a road trip you can run laps around a rest stop. You can even run in the airport (just pretend you’re late for a flight). You can also try running at a different time of the day for more variety.
7. Deal with the complications. Stuff happens and you may get sick. The bottom line is that your overall health is more important than keeping a running streak going so you need to use caution and common sense while sick. With that said, there are people who somehow manage to run through things like chemotherapy.

Here’s more information about the Runner’s World Run Streak: http://www.runnersworld.com/tag/rwrunstreak

There’s also a group called the United States Running Streak Association and Streak Runner’s International: http://runeveryday.com/ There’s one individual who’s been doing a running streak for over 45 years! Just think, that could you be you someday.

“Run often and run long, but never outrun your joy of running.” -Julie Isphording