By Guest Blogger: Kate Baron
Streak! That’s right – streak! In the world of running, “streaking” is more of a standard “norm” than what we all are used to thinking. “The official definition of a running streak, as adopted by the Streak Runners International, Inc., 
and United States Running Streak Association, Inc., and United States Running Streak Association, Inc., is to run at least one continuous mile (1.61 kilometers) within each calendar day under one’s own body power (without the utilization of any type of health or mechanical aid other than prosthetic devices).” http://www.runeveryday.com/.
There is a whole movement of folk who take this challenge on regularly – self termed, “streakers”. It’s part of who they are…and if you do a little reading, usually continue to be streakers for life! The rates of injury are actually quite low and people tend to “not want to break the momentum” and become die-hard about never missing a day. It becomes a lifestyle.
A few months ago I read about “streakers” and admittedly was intrigued just so I could be part of this fabulously named group. After thinking about it, I became more interested in the thought of making running a staple in my day. Yes, running is a staple in my life…but I do miss it on my 2 rest days every week. Would it really be so hard to get out there and put at least a mile in on the road every day?! Needless to say, I did my research and more reading on the topic but never made it a part of my training routine.
This past month, “RunnersWorld” published an article on doing a “Holiday Streak”. The truth is that between Thanksgiving and New Years there are tons of gatherings, parties and vacations that can derail a runner from their usual training regime. Tack on the copious amounts of indulgent food and the result could end up as few pudge pounds you didn’t ask for in your stocking. The idea of the “Holiday Streak” is to run at least a mile everyday from Thanksgiving (or start now!) until New Years.
So who’s with me?! I’m going for the gold here and am going to embrace this short term challenge. I know that if I get suited up and get out on the road, I likely won’t stop at just one mile. Sometimes getting out there is my biggest challenge! I think even I can be persuaded to go out into 25 degree weather at 5am on my REST day if I tell myself it’s ONLY FOR ONE MILE!
So keep the Holiday’s under your belt and not sneaking out! Enjoy the spirit of love and joy that radiates this time of year and feel good about the fact that you are still on track with your health.
Just think – if you do this challenge your New Years resolution won’t have to be “get back to running again”…it might be “STREAK FOR A WHOLE YEAR”!
CHEERS!
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