I ran and ran and then ran some more.

Who the hell runs EVERY. SINGLE.DAY. ? Streakers, that's who!! You think you're a crazy runner? (You probably are) But, behold the streaker. An example post on the USRSA's FB group page: "I have been throwing up all day, along with diarrhea and have a fever of 105. Should I run a mile to keep my streak alive?" Do I have to tell you what the response is? It is after all a streakers group. Of course you should run!* Running through what ails you to keep the streak alive should be this group's mantra but we know as runners that your body needs rest days, right?! Sure we do. Raise your hands if you've ever run on a rest day. Don't worry, I couldn't see if you did.

Right on the USRSA's own website there is a link :"CAUTION The Dangers of Streak Running"  Yet...yet there are over 500 active streakers. So, what gives? Are we all dumb? Call us determined, call us inspiring, call us crazy. But whatever you do, do NOT call us dumb.  Listen. (or rather read) We know our bodies limits. You'd be hard pressed to find a runner who hasn't run through something.  Am I right? Raise your hand if you have run through an injury or some kind of virus.

I myself have run through horrible migraines, stomach bugs, injuries and all four seasons. I know what you're thinking, "Liz, you live in a desert, you have NO seasons." You're almost right. While we don't have drastic winters with a butt load of snow, or the extreme heat like our neighboring deserts, or the humidity like everywhere else, we do have the dry desert heat. Then there's our altitude.  Over 5k above sea level.   That's something, isn't it? 

I'm not here to brag. It hasn't been all rainbows and unicorns. I've endured the eye of the storm and have made it to my streak anniversary.  How did I get here? 

1) I took my 'rest' days as needed. (1 mile minimum)

2) I woke up early on summer days to avoid the heat. (over 100 on some days)

3) I wore next to nothing on said hot days. (scary stuff)

4) I bitched about said hot days on Facebook pleading for colder days.

5) I nourished my body properly in anticipation of the cold months. (eat all the food)

6) I woke up later during winter months to avoid the cold. (that was hard ;) )

7) I bundled up to stay warm on said cold days. (Layers are bulky + #5) 

8) I bitched about said cold days on Facebook pleading for warmer days.

9) I bitched about my injuries, my husband, dogs, people, drivers, and everything else.

10) Most importantly, I got up EVERY. DAMN. DAY to run at least a mile. EVERY DAY!

The ugly side of streaking that no one speaks of. Fits of rage when you can't go run when you want, tears when you don't want to go run (yes, I had those days) and blood when you're running and trip. Ouch. That covers blood and tears. I know you don't want to know about the buckets of sweat from running over 365 days.  Now, that's ugly...and gross. Eww

On the bright side of things, it hasn't been ALL bad. 

Streaking love. Let me count the ways..

1) I am stronger (my fitness level has improved)

2) I am better (physically and mentally)

3) Longer (my endurance has improved)

4) Lighter (I've lost weight)

5) I am faster (than before I started streaking)

6) My running form has improved significantly.

7) I have a new hm PR

8) I have a lot of new running gear (new Altras for running everyday-yipee!)

9) I have a lot of confidence in myself as a runner and as a person.

10) After 365 days, I have made the USRSA's active streak list! (#541)

How long will I go? Who knows.  I will go as long as my body allows. I'll take it day by day.



Thanks for reading. Thank you for your continued support. Until next time...

*The awesome and supportive group that is the United States Running Streak Association is a great bunch of people.  Some have been streaking for decades. When it comes to running everyday and running through illness and sometimes surgery, they offer up their own personal experiences and always, always make sure to say that the streak is not worth your health. Always run with caution and never put yourself at risk. Period. 

Slow and steady wins the race?

My official time for my very first half marathon some three years ago was 2 hours 48 minutes and some change. Simply to have finished was miraculous considering I hadn't really trained for it. And I didn't really consider myself a runner.(I know) I was mainly going through the motions and crossing off my goal of completing a half marathon for my 40th birthday.

I never considered I would delve so deep into running that I would start reading books about running. Hubby had a few running books that he had collected through the years that he had been running. A few editions of  The Lore of Running and Born to Run and a few others including non running books about endurance and such. I don't know if you've ever seen the book The Lore of Running but it's a pretty big book.  Like REALLY big.  The first book I ever bought myself as a runner was The Runner's Body co written by Matt Fitzgerald.  It was concise with many illustrations. A quick read with lot's of valuable information about the runner's body.  Just the kind of book I like.  So, after a bit of research I discovered more books by Matt Fitzgerald.* I even found him on Twitter and Facebook and often joke with him about how he once almost followed me. I have become quite obsessed with Matt Fitzgerald books about running. And well, running.

For the record, it's not just me. Apparently, it has become the obsession of many. Young and old. A quick Google search about running brings up thousands and thousands of links. The content ranges from how to improve your form, how to get faster, how to find the right shoes, how to fuel properly and on and on. When I stumbled upon a Runner's World article about running slow to get fast I had to read it. And actually the article had me from the word "slow".   The Big Book of Endurance by Phil Maffetone was again, another REALLY big book. What I got from the sample read: train in a certain heart rate zone for optimal race results.    S  L   O    W.  To go fast.  

As if by telepathy, Matt Fitzgerald announced his book 80/20 Running available for pre order. Even though I didn't exactly know what the book was about, the fact that it was about running AND was written by Matt Fitzgerald was good enough for me. Plus I had just read Diet Cults by him and I have to say that there is just something about his writing that I get. Diet Cults as it's name implies is about every diet you've ever heard of and/or tried. Awesome book.

I waited patiently for 80/20 Running and then the night before the release I got it on my iPad. I started reading and I couldn't get to sleep. The information was flowing into my brain and I couldn't get enough.

I had many questions about 80/20 Running. No. I had many questions about MY running. How much of  my running do I spend at a low intensity? And how much at a high intensity, ie speed work, intervals, tempo runs.  Do I know know how to gauge low intensity? Or high intensity? So now I'll ask you : Do YOU know how much of your workouts you spend at LI or  HI ? Take a guess. Is it close to 80/20? Or is it more 50/50? Or something else? Read on. 

The 80/20 formula has been around for centuries,but the term 80/20 wasn't attached to this "formula" right away. Coaches simply put it into play with their athletes. But what is it?  Simple. Train 80% at a low intensity. Spend the other 20 at high intensity.  Now, I'm not talking about EACH run. I'm talking about your training. Now you're probably asking what is considered low intensity. Well, I will just say that for me, it's slow. Keep in my mind that MY slow is different from your slow. It is very individual. As I've progressed as a runner, my slow is someone else's fast.  And my fast is someone else's slow. It's all relative.

With all the books out there about how to improve your form, race times etc.,  I have not encountered one that tells you how to do that without injury. Until 80/20 Running. Now, he doesn't tell you specifically how to avoid injury, but the formula itself is built around some key items. One being overuse injuries. I can't tell you how many people I know right now that are suffering from some type of running injury. And having been there before, I can tell you it's no fun. At all. Down time means not doing what you love. And I haven't always loved running, but since I have implemented the 80/20 formula to my training I have had little to no running related injuries. 

Let me tell you a little something about myself. I had no running experience whatsoever 3 years ago. None. I once completed a 5k in a sprint triathlon in 2009, but that's it.  Fast forward to 2014 and I have completed 2 more half marathons, one being a very difficult trail race, one 10k and my very first marathon. And as of this post I am 260 days into my running streak. Not too shabby for a non runner. But what I have learned about running has helped me become a better runner. Not necessarily a fast runner, but a faster runner than I had been 3 years ago for my first half marathon. Every day is learning day. If you want to be good at running? Run. A lot. Want to be good at swimming? Swim. A lot. Pretty simple right? Sort of. Like anything though, you can have too much of a good thing. Running a lot or swimming a lot, or bicycling a lot leads to BURNOUT. BIG TIME. Plus, the bigger concern of over training which almost always leads to injury.

The beauty of 80/20 Running is the valuable research that went into it. There is no fluff in this book. It is a "meat and potatoes" kinda book.  Gives you what you need, including brilliant training plans for any distance, a detailed intensity control guide for 80/20 workouts and so much more.If you would rather get coaching in your ear, head over to PEAR Sports where you can purchase Matt's 80/20 Running training plans.

While I'm okay with never winning any race, it doesn't mean that I can't dream of someday placing somewhere in my age group. Slow and steady in my training will get me there! 

*******One lucky person will get a SIGNED copy of 80/20 Running in my #fewofmyfavoritethingsgiveaway happening THIS Friday. (12/5) on my Facebook Page

*Also by Matt Fitzgerald:

The New Rules of Marathon and Half Marathon Nutrition

Racing Weight Cookbook

Racing Weight

RUN: The Mind-Body Method of Running by Feel

The Runner's Body (with Ross Tucker and Jonathan Dugas)

Runner's World The Cutting-Edge Runner

The Runner's Edge (with Stephen McGregor)

Runner's World Performance Nutrition for Runners

Brain Training for Runners

Run Faster from the 5k to the Marathon (with Brad Hudson)

Not related to running but a great read:

Diet Cults

Beyond 14

I went to visit my dad the other day.  He asked if I was still running.  "Yes, dad. Still running"  It was my 170th day of streaking.  The idea that I'm streaking to him is crazy. But as runners, we take "crazy" as a compliment.

I admit, it's crazy even to ME that I've gone this far with it. But crazy is as crazy does. 

So, I'm doing. 

Finally doing my first whole crazy. That's right, 26.2! That's in one month. But before I tackle that, I have another half crazy in just a week! Another first for me..a trail race. Here's hoping I can stay vertical. If you don't follow me on Facebook, you can do so here. That way you're in the loop and don't have to wait for a blog post.

Here we are, 20 weeks into my informal training plan and I've tackled a few long runs, intervals and tempo runs. When I see the long runs in my training schedule I freak out a little. The last 14 miler I attempted back in February was a huge failure. I had pain on the outside of my right knee and pushed through 8 miles with pain. Granted it was more of a hobble, then a run or walk, but I was too stubborn to stop.

Stubborn got me a front row seat on my couch for a while catching up on The Young and the Restless and yet another character change."Phyllis" was pushed down the stairwell and is in a coma with a new face and body. Pretty remarkable. In between the daytime TV drama and character switcharoo I went to work on fixing myself. No, not the stubbornness. There's no fixing that. But I'm learning.

ITBS. When I first saw this I thought of IBS. Ya. I did. It's not the same ! Shocking. If you know what ITBS is then you know it's not related to the other. Iliotibial Band Syndrome is a common injury to runners. Mostly due to overuse. I took to the internet to learn more about how to prevent it and how to make myself better. I looked at several videos and discovered this one. I highly recommend it.

Don't underestimate the power in your ass, hamstrings and quads! Strengthen them and you will never have an issue. I have been pain free since March. It's a beautiful thing. When you feel good, you perform good. Period.

Part of feeling good has a lot to do with what's on your feet. My love of Altra's is no secret. Their shoes are the best thing that ever happened to me as a runner. I put on my first pair for my HM in January and while I should have spent a little more time in them before the race, I haven't worn any other brand since. My collection has grown quite a bit. My latest is the Lone Peak 1.5 for my upcoming trail race. But before those I bought the One2  This shoe is Ah- May- Zing! Better than the Torin's which I also love. But the One2's are ridiculously awesome. Like seriously. Go buy a pair.

Besides shoes, but just as important if not MORE important is nutrition. Let's face it, there are lots and lots of options out there.  From gels to drinks and everything in between, you are bound to find something that works for you.  It may take you a while and lots of samples, but you'll get it. I found something that works.  Read on.......

While I don't have a ton of experience as a runner, I've learned a few things along the way. Mostly from trial and error, stubbornness and a lot of it from all the great pages I follow on Facebook. Besides all the great info, there is a ton of support and encouragement from this community of runners. I invite you to check it out.

Attempting the next few long runs was going to require some encouragement and support from my family and of course my FB family.  I was truly overwhelmed with everyone's kind and encouraging words. I felt confident in getting this 16 miler done. My gadgets were charged, including my Avantree Jogger*, my shoes were tied and mentally I was pumped!


Off I went one Sunday morning before the sun came up to take in the fresh air and enjoy my long run. I opted for the route that takes me through a portion of my city. It's a mix of hills, both up and down and flat in some spots. I like the variety. Bonus is smelling the bacon frying from the Village Inn, Ihop, and coffee from Starbucks. Not to get off the subject here but I read something not too long ago about how it might be possible to get the effects/benefits of carbs by just smelling them. Huh? Okay, well, it was something along those lines.  Listen, I've never been a great joke teller. I somehow manage to mess up the punch line...Every. Single. Time.

Moving on.  I cranked along the first 8 miles no problem. I didn't bring any water so I stopped at a convenience store for a little sip of water with a splash of coke. Contemplating a snack for the way back, I remembered all the advice. Stick to what you know. Don't add anything new.  Truth is, I didn't feel hungry,but it's not about feeling hungry. It's about taking in the nutrition you NEED. I finished up my coke water and after a quick assessment of my body. No pain? Check. Sweat dripping? Check. I headed back. The visualization technique I use is probably one you've used yourself. I picture myself at a certain place in my route. Say the corner of Southern and 528. Roughly 6 miles from my current location. When I get to that location, I then visualize myself in the trail that leads to my house. And so on. The last location I visualized was in front of the fridge shoveling every piece of food in my mouth. Must have been too much for my stomach to bear, because I suddenly got a side stitch with 2 miles left to go.  I was in the home stretch with a side stitch. Awesome.

When I made it to my driveway I half expected to see a group of family and friends with lots of food and balloons and such. No. Really.  And a great big sign "You are bitchin, bitchin!" (that was for Kathryn)  While I was a little disappointed there was no DJ playing my favorite songs and there was no medal with my page name "Bitchinrunner" inscribed with a "Sweet 16" on it, I was relieved and pretty amazed at my mental and physical toughness.  Later that day, my beautiful daughter and grandson brought me my favorite ice cream and some homemade lavender soap for my soak in the tub.

Just this past Sunday I went back out to the streets for the second to the last of my long runs in my training schedule. Eighteen miles was on tap for the day and this time I packed my Mazama Side Stream**  with my lemon Tailwind Nutrition***  Before my 16 miler I had some Greek yogurt with berries and honey with an almond Perfect Bar crumbled in for breakfast and it suited my needs. Trying to stay consistent with my nutrition, I had the same thing before this 18 miler.  Along the way, I sipped on my Tailwind and when I made it to the half way point I did another quick assessment of my body. Everything felt great. No pain. No GI issues.

Finishing up that day was a myriad of emotions. Tired? yes. Hungry? yes. Sore? yes. Happy? yes. Grateful? yes. Everything all at once. Beyond 14 is a special place, really. But honestly, anything beyond zero is a huge score. ;)



*SHORT REVIEW OF AVANTREE JOGGER

This wireless Bluetooth headset is just what I needed. My iPhone earbuds are good, but I couldn't keep the wires from getting tangled in my necklace. I looked for Bluetooth headsets but everything I saw was very expensive and got okay reviews. This one was reasonably priced so I tried it.

What I liked:

-Easy to link the device to my iPhone
-Range of the Bluetooth was at least 40feet.
-Sound quality is pretty good.
-Comfortable to wear.
-Inexpensive. (under $40)

-What I didn't like:

-No battery indicator. (only beeps when it's dying)

**SHORT REVIEW OF THE MAZAMA SIDE STREAM

Trying to find a product for carrying my water/nutrition wasn't a priority for me a few months ago, but just like with the headset, I searched the web for something I would be comfortable with. I almost bought the Ifitness fuel belt or the Amphipod belt then I stumbled upon this.

What I liked:

-Compact design for carrying 1.3L
-No flasks
-Sits snug on lower back, no bouncing.
-Retractable drinking tube so you don't have to stop and sip
-Quality materials
-Pockets for carrying phone, gels etc

What I didn't like:

-Hard to get the last little bit of water out when emptying the bladder.
-The adjustable belt accommodates all waists but the excess belt just hangs down.
-A little noise from the liquid sloshing. Not a big deal really, but you can hear it

I chose this particular one for now because it sits comfortably around my waist with the bladder on the small of my back. I would eventually like to try a vest one. But this one suits my needs right now.

***SHORT REVIEW OF TAILWIND NUTRITION

I mentioned how important nutrition is. We've all had those awful moments while running and hitting that wall.  It's no fun.  But as much as it's not fun, it does significant damage to your body and recovery time. Just like you, I've tried lots of stuff. Tailwind nutrition is not new to the market, but new to me.

What I liked:

-Great flavor.  Not sugary sweet.
-Easy to mix. No residue
-No tummy problems
-All in one drink: electrolytes, energy and hydration.

What I didn't like:

-I hate to say 'nothing' but since I've tried other things I was totally impressed with it.

Mixed up the lemon flavor with the recommended 24 oz of water and added to my Mazama. Sipped the whole 18 miles. Never felt like I needed anything else the whole time. Wasn't thirsty, hungry. Didn't ever hit a tired moment during that whole run. Post run I felt great. Felt like it aided in recovery. Although it could just be that since it gives you everything you need DURING the run your body doesn't need much after.


If you have any questions about these items please ask.  Thanks for reading.



Next up:
trail running and road to crazy

Running love.

Do I love running ? Certainly. Do I hate running? Absolutely.  Confused? Thought so.
Let me be frank.  Running sucks! But there's something about it that I LOVE. Seriously though. Is it the 'runners high' ? Maybe. But that doesn't always happen DURING the run, but mostly after. Am I right?

During the run, I'm usually talking myself into it for the first half mile. At the mile marker I'm evaluating my run.(AKA talking to myself) And my body. "Is my form ok? Am I leaning forward enough? Are my strides short?" Then body "Is my knee hurting? Please don't hurt. My calf is hurting. What the eff? Why does it hurt? Why am I breathing this way?"  There's more, but you get the idea.

At some point along the way though I am really diggin the run.(Yes, I said 'diggin') I mean what's NOT to love about getting out there in nature and taking in the fresh air and the cleansing heat. DID I SAY CLEANSING HEAT?! What the eff Liz?! It is cleansing in a sense. The sweat dripping down your face, legs, arms and um...

Okay, maybe cleansing is the wrong word.  There is no other word for "going out on a hot/humid day to run and sweat your ass off."  This is what I'm talking about.  Who does this and loves it? Not me! So, then I ask you, 'WHY are we doing it?!'

MY TOP TEN:

10.  If I'm going with "sweat is fat crying"  then here's my number 10. Cry me a river. (video only cuz I love JT)

9.  It's cheaper than therapy.  Not so fast!  In my case, therapy is WAY cheaper. But going out and having conversations with yourself while running (like me) is kinda like "sticking it to the man"

8. I love shoes. Lots of shoes. And since I streak, I NEED lots and lots and lots and lots and lots of shoes! Shoes for the road, shoes for the trail. Thick soled shoes, thin soled shoes. And everything in between. Altra is my shoe of choice for ANY surface.

7. I love gadgets. bluetooth headset, Garmin, Fitbit, hydration pack. You name it, I'll want to try it.

6. I love food! This is a no brainer. Talk to any runner and they'll tell you they run so they can eat whatever they want.  (and drink)

5. I love the pain and torture from running. DUH!

4.  I love being outdoors and enjoying the fresh air. Minus the heat/humidity. Minus the freezing temps. I take that back. I love the freezing temps and seeing my breath in the air. Also, running in the snow or rain is a BONUS!

3. I love the sense of accomplishment of getting 1 mile done or 10. No matter the pace.

2. I love pushing myself beyond my limits. I am never sure how far that it is from day to day. There is  so much excitement in that.

And the number one reason:

It's the only thing keeping me from choking people.  Just kidding.  No, really.  I don't like myself when I don't run. And most of my family doesn't like ME when I don't run.

At the end of the day, running is a gift for me. I will never take for granted that I have 2 capable and strong legs that bear the weight of my journey.  Every step I take gives me peace in my mind, my body and  my soul.

You know what? I was right about the cleansing after all.  Time to go sweat. ;)




Up next: Beyond 14 (and reviews of tailwind, avantree jogger and mazama sidestream)

Early bird gets the run in

Once upon a time there was a girl who loved to sleep.  She spent her waking hours dreaming of her next siesta. If she lacked sleep she took it out on the chirping birds outside her window. Yelling at them to go away. Sometimes even giving them the bird.

She simply could NOT function on 6 hours of sleep. She absolutely needed 8 or 9.

Then one day, the weather report called for excruciatingly hot temps. 'Oh no!' She whined. 'I cannot go run in THAT kind of heat.  What ever shall I do?'

She thought through her options :

1) Don't run. (Not an option)
     Consequence/problem: Streak will be over.

2) Run in the hot temps. (Obvious choice)
     Consequence/problem: I'll melt and possibly die.

3) Run with ice cream. (Better obvious choice)
     Consequence/problem : none. But it might get messy

4) Have someone follow me with a spray bottle (Right)
     Consequence/problem : None. (Ain't nobody got time for that)

5) Run at night. (Might work. Nah)
     Consequence/problem: Still hot. (See #2)

6) Run in the morning. (Ugh)
     Consequence/problem: No sleep. Bitchy. Bitchy. Bitchy.

Thinking through each one of them carefully she decided her only choice would be to get up early and go for a run.

So Ms. Grumpy Pants got up earlier than normal. Sleep would have to wait. She had her normal cappuccino and wrapped her head around the fact that she was actually up before the sun. BEFORE the sun I tell ya. The first sip of her morning jolt barely made it to her mouth. Dripping on her shirt.  This was gonna be great!

Off she went dragging her feet. Still trying to wake up. The birds chirping all around was the cherry on top.  She turned up the volume on her headset and got lost in her thoughts...and lost on her route.  Okay, okay.. not really lost, just went a different way than normal. Same difference. Point is, this waking up early business was gonna take some time and a lot of caffeine or a miracle.(Or both)

Each morning, she talked herself into that morning run. Convincing herself that it was well worth the grogginess to beat the heat, after all the 'Early bird get the worm'.  And in her case, 'Early bird gets the run in'

The truth was she was in fact enjoying the beautiful sunrise and the crisp morning air..the birds, well not so much.

One Sunday morning she got ready for her long run. She went through her normal routine of putting on her gear and eating a little breakfast.  In place of her coffee, she popped in a PlowOn gum and headed out the door.

A few miles into her long run she felt awake. Energized. A miracle she thought! She plowed through the hills and miles with power. Coffee never did this!! She would finish her long run that day with a new PR and a new bitchin attitude.  With PlowOn gum anything was possible, including being a morning person!  (Maybe)

This morning gig was turning out to be okay in her books. I mean who actually likes running in hot temps? Not this Bitchinrunner. But she will always find something to bitch at.......






Next up: Bitchin while running: Drivers and other annoyances

I'm going streaking!!!!!

Hard to believe that a little more than two years ago I could barely run 2 miles without stopping. 'You've come along way baby!'  No, not the voices.  This time, I'm talking to myself.  Out loud....when I'm trudging up the hills, then trying to control the run down without saying hello to the ground with my face.

Running UP hill is well....horrendous.  At first I feel like a sluggish snail on a slippery slope.(?) Really. I do. Cause I totally know what that feels like. Then a few strides in I feel like a beast.  My arms start pumping like nobody's business and my brain is telling my legs and feet to JUST KEEP MOVING.  A.L.M.O.S.T  T.H.E.R.E.  Whew..  And now.. what goes up.....  Well, you know. All I can hope is that : A) I don't tumble down the hill. B) If I do, I hope no one is watching..or worse, recording it.  I would totally watch it though. And probably laugh my ass off. In this case, it might not cure my humiliation or my busted face.  But I would still laugh.

Speaking of busted faces.  I almost busted this lady's face with my fist.  No, not really. Almost doesn't count. My intent was there, but obviously I'm not a violent person. (I would have used some of my ninja moves if I had to) What she did get was my middle finger.  I flipped her off for at least a quarter mile while running. This takes as much coordination as chewing gum and walking.  I knew she probably wasn't looking through her rear view mirror, but just in case I would keep it  blazing.

Pretty sad that people are douche bags. Not EVERY person. But mostly drivers, when I'm running. And truthfully, I used to be a db driver. Then I started running and realized how dangerous it is out there on the roads. So, call me a hypocrite if you want or douche bag. I get it.

Moving on : I'm going streaking.  Who's with me??

Not THIS kind of streaking, but easier to explain than the other streaking.

I admit, when I saw a couple of guys on  Facebook say they were streaking I thought, "What tha" ?? Then I lurked their photos to see what they were talking about.  No nude photos of them 'streaking'.  So, what are they talking about?!

Can I just say that it totally sucks to have to google EVERYTHING! WHY? Someone answer me!  Why can't I just know EVERYTHING there is to know? WHY?!  Maybe Google knows the answer to why I don't know everything. Nah. Google does NOT know everything. 

So google searched 'streaking'. There are definitions in Merriam Webster and Wikipedia and of course the urban dictionary. All completely different of course. In short you run everyday for at least one mile. After one year you can register with the United States Running Steak association and will remain there as long as you keep running every day for the rest of your life.  

As of today the longest streak on record is held by Jon Sutherland who has been running every day for 16,447 days! That's 45.02 years! (Source:USRSA) DUDE!!!  EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. For Sixteen THOUSAND four hundred forty seven days. THOUSAND! Sorry. I know you get it.  I have been pondering this for days.  But not 16,447 days. That's a butt ton of miles. Bad ass! Just sayin'.

Not to be outdone by this Jon fella, I decided I would start my own streak.  To be clear, its the running streak, not the other.  No one would wanna see that. NO.ONE.  

It took me a while to process what I was committing to. Running. Every day. Forever.  Now I haven't always been thrilled with running. I love it some days and hate it other days. And for the record, I'm pretty sure it feels the same way about me. But if this Jon guy can do it, well, I sure can do it.  The hard part of this streaking business isn't the mile I have to run everyday. And it's not the remembering to go and run every day. Nope. The hard part is justifying your craziness to others who don't get it. "You're doing what??"  And "Why?!!" And my favorite "It's where you go walking around naked?!"  Oh, and "Isn't it unhealthy to run that much?"  Seriously people.  Seer.ee.us.lee.

Hello, day 78!  That's right, baby!  I made it through Seventy eight days of running every day. Are you impressed? It's totally okay if you're not.  It's okay if you think I'm crazy too.  I KNOW that I am. But I am one crazy bitchinrunner. And I love being that. Love it. For right now anyway.

When I run my next half marathon and/or marathon later this year, I might change my tune.  For now, I'm singing my theme song "Let's go crazy".  Wanna come with me?







Stay tuned to find out just how many days I'll go.  Follow me on twitter @bitchinrunner. Like my Facebook page Bitchinrunner or Instagram @Bitchinrunner

Next up:  Early bird gets the run in.