The Run Streak Ends!

Beach RunAfter 176 days and 690 miles the run streak has come to an end. It didn’t end due to injury or illness but instead I chose to bring it to an end on my own terms.

I started the streak as a way to motivate myself to run after a tough marathon training cycle and it evolved to become part of a larger challenge to help my husband lose weight. Coincidentally, he gave up alcohol to aid his weight loss quest the same day I started my run streak. This led to a little friendly bet between the two of us {read about it here}.

On Saturday he reached his goal weight (he lost 30 pounds) and cracked open a beer. Since we started our streaks together it only made sense to end them together.  I put my shoes in the closet and for the first time in nearly six months I took a day off. Actually, I took two days off. It felt odd.

Run Streak Collage

I didn’t need it to motivate me anymore. I am registered for the Rock n Roll San Antonio Half on December 7th. My training plan calls for six days of running a week which includes speed work, pace runs and progression long runs. After three weeks of training while maintaining the run streak my legs were exhausted and after every run felt like wet noodles. I need that day of rest. It was time for the streak to go.

Time Out Run

I enjoyed the streak and had a hard time choosing to end it. It had me running on days I never would have laced up my shoes. I ran in a driving thunderstorm. I ran during a week long battle with Hand Foot & Mouth disease {day 81, I’ll never forget you}. I ran through a stomach bug. I ran on trips. I ran on the beach. I ran in golf clothes. One day I forgot to run and practically sprinted around my mile loop at 10 PM. I ran every single day for the better part of six months. Every. Single. Day. At least a mile.

My run streak taught me a lot about running on tired legs and it truly made me a stronger and much faster runner. I enjoyed it so much I intend on making it an annual event. After the Woodlands Marathon next spring I fully intend on streaking again.

How did our bet end? A draw.

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