Why I run every day - Day 375 - thoughts

So, I am just going to make this another “journal” type entry.

I have been wanting to get some thoughts out about this streak that I have been on for over a year. I am just trying to reflect here and clear my head, there will be no proofreading. So realize this before you read.

Originally, this streak just started as something fun because I have some friends that are doing the same thing. Some set a minimum of 1 mile per day, others are different. Me, the shortest distance I have run for a day in the past 375 days has been 3 miles. Although the AVERAGE per day has been just over 8 miles. Image below.

I have different thoughts on how long I will keep doing this. For now, my answer is, as long as I can? Whatever that means. I am pretty proud of this so far now that I am sitting here and looking at the mileage for the past 375 days streak.

When I first started running, it was because I was getting fat. Then it turned into wanting to try to marathon, I completed my first marathon in just over 5 hours, and over the years, dropped that time down to 2:57. Thoughout that journey I have done triathlons and all kinds of other endurance stuff. Its become my way of life.

For a good amount of time, my goal was always to be competitive and fast, especially when I was doing triathlon. Eventually, I burnt out on that, so I switched my focus into just running. I realized over the years, for me, its not about racing against other people, or even getting faster. I just love the grind of committing to a daily habit. This running streak has revealed that for me.

With being a dad, full time recruiter for the National Guard, and an endurance coach, all my energy is focused on other people, I just want to enjoy running, this streak has been perfect for me in doing that. I need something stable, I need a routine. There is nothing else that I can say that I have literally done every single day for over a year, outside of multiple cups of coffee.

I have learned to listen to my body. On days that I dont feel it, I run 3 miles. On most days, I run between 6 and some 10 mile after having my morning cup of coffee. It clears my head, it keeps me sane.

I realize I am rambling here, that’s ok, this writing is for me to clear my own head :-)

Starting this streak, honestly, has changed my outlook on running. I dont care about results anymore. I coach athletes to get results, I do this to free my head.

How long will I continue? I dont know, but I love it. Some days I wake up and say “screw this”, but the streak keeps me going, I tell myself, just do 30 minutes and see how you feel. Sometimes, I stop at 30 minutes, and sometimes that 30 minutes turns into much more and ends up being the best run of the week.

My advice to someone having trouble starting with an exercise routine, is to start a streak. Dont give yourself a day off, BUT that means you have to choose something sustainable. I have been averaging more than 50 miles a week for years now, I would never advise someone to jump straight into high miles. BUT, I would advise to start with just 10 minutes a day! Anyone can do 10 minutes a day.. Cant do 10 minutes of running? Try to commit to walking. Or push ups, whatever. Commit to something.

I dont know. Im going to stop rambling now, but hopefully you got something out of making it this far in the reading :-)

If you have questions about my mindset, feel free to reach out.

If you are an endurance athlete trying to get faster, I can help with that too.. Shoot me a message!