You know I’m referring to run streaking, right? I mean *I’d* never do something as crazy as go streaking. Nope, not me.
But I am run streaking. I’m on day 17 and so far, so good. It’s helping me rebuild my workout habit. 4-5 days a week are part of my training plan for my upcoming races, but the others I just use running as a warm up to get me motivated to do another work out. Will I keep this up for a year? For a lifetime? I don’t know. My goal right now is the end of January, but I’ll re-evaluate as necessary.
Want to do one too? Here are some tips for safely starting a streak:
1. Build your mileage slowly. If you haven’t been streaking, you’ll be adding at least a mile a day to the days you don’t normally run. If this only adds a couple of miles to your week, no problem. But if you’ve been only running three days a week and suddenly you are doing seven or you try to add a longer run on the extra days, you could be setting yourself up for injury. You may even find you have to cut your usual runs a bit shorter until you can slowly (no more than 10% per week) add mileage.
2. Take at least one rest day per week. And by “rest day”, I mean a day where you run short and slow. If you are new to streaking, your body is used to having a day when it doesn’t run. Making at least one day a short easy run allows your body to adapt. (From what I’ve read, the longer you streak, the longer your short run can be.)
3. Cross train. Yep, just because you are running every day doesn’t mean you can drop the cross training. There are still lots of non-running muscles out there to use. Do some strength training and try to fit in a bit of other cardio.
4. Listen to your body. If something doesn’t feel right, back off a bit. Slow down your runs and shorten them as needed. Stretch, foam roll, try different shoes. But if whatever is bothering you doesn’t start to feel better, you may need to move on to step 5.
5. Realize that you may need to end a streak. Some people can run without injury for years. Some need to take the occasional break. Others can never run more than a few days in a row. If you have never done a run streak before, you may not know which you are. Also, there are things that can strike down even the most dedicated streaker: illness, injury, weather, and travel to an unsafe place are reasons that come to mind off the top of my head.
Bonus: Enjoy the streak – it’s meant to enhance your life, not be a burden. If it’s not fun, why do it?
Have you ever done a run streak? How long did it last? Was it a good experience for you?
I’m linking up with Courtney, Mar, and Cynthia for Friday Five. They are all talking about what’s in their gym bags, but, umm, I don’t have one, so that would be a really boring post. ;o)
This is a really great post for anyone considering a streak. I never have, but I have always thought it was a cool idea!
misszippy recently posted…Relearning fueling for the long run
the child and I are STREAKING again!
in our own little halfmile way.
CARLA recently posted…Fitnessista convinced me to HIIT it.
No streaking here, but I started running at the age of 57! It would not be practical for me now, but I do find it fun to follow others who do it. You have great tips and runners definitely need to heed their body signs.
Pam recently posted…What’s in my gym bag, take two
great suggestions! I helped organize a running streak for our moms run this town facebook group which ran from thanksgiving to NEw Years and I am still streaking! Yesterday was day 50! It is fun and has become part of my daily routine (I’ve even done some days in my pjs) I am happy with the streak I’ve completed so far and do not have an end date in mind– kind of just running and seeing what happens 🙂
Kristen recently posted…2015: The year of just letting it happen
Part of why I’m fearful of starting a streak is that I’ll convince myself to either run when my body is screaming at me not to do so, or it’ll cause me to not make time for cross training. I think its important for everybody considering a run streak to think about whether or not it is right for them, not just start one because they’re jumping on a bandwagon.
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…Friday Five – January 16th
Yep – I don’t think I’ll streak for years and years. Breaking it occasionally keeps you from getting too invested in the numbers.
I just did a run streak over the holidays that I ended after 50 days. It was a good way to keep motivated during the food-heavy part of the year. I’ve done another run streak (I think it was 40 days) when I was getting back into running after a break. It’s a great way to get back into the workout habit if you’re smart about it.
Becky recently posted…I was smart for once
Great advice! I would have loved to read this before the Runner’s World Run Streak. It was fun to do but it definitely takes balance if you’re not already running a ton. Streaking helps you build that base. I’m feeling a lot stronger now as I prepare for Cherry Blossom!
This sounds fun, but as an “older” {ugh} runner (with several injuries under my belt) I made a rule never to run more than 3 days in a row. But, rules are made to be broker, right? 😉
HoHo Runs recently posted…Friday Five: What’s In My…
So far, as long as I fit in some short, easy runs, my body seems fine.
this is a really great post that i think people should read before they start streaking! thanks for linking up 🙂
Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC recently posted…Five Things in My {Barre} Bag
I’ve never done a streak, but I’m also “new” to running. I think a streak will be in my future at some point, but right now I know that my body probably couldn’t handle it.
Amy @ Run with Perseverance recently posted…Dubai Trip 2014: Deserts and Dinner Cruises
I’ve never done a streak. So glad you are enjoying. Looks like it’s just what you need to stay motivated.
Deborah Brooks recently posted…A Peek In My Gym Bag
I cannot wait to get back into running daily. I have been taking the week off after completing Goofy Challenge. Thor it is nice to relax and recover, it feels weird not running.
Lacey@fairytalesandfitness recently posted…Scenes from the Disney World Marathon
I’m intrigued with streaking but it just seems like a lot of work to me–by the time I get dressed in the winter to get out the door, I could have done the mile! LOL!
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted…#FridayFive: What’s on my table?
I may or may not have run a mile in my pajamas this weekend.
I’ve never tried streaking (of any sort) but would love to do a run streak. Knowing that even 1 mile counts helps!!
Kim recently posted…Comparing Activity Trackers
I am a run streaker! I’m completed day 626 yesterday! My biggest piece of advice is to keep a run streak going is creativity, especially for those one mile days. Fridays are my toughest days to complete originally but now, I just do them indoors around my classroom during planning. Problem solved! 🙂
Melanie recently posted…Run Streaking? Get Creative!
Did you measure the room or just go by time? I can totally see me running in circles somewhere at some point.
My GPS watch will work inside so I use that most days. If not, I use an app on my phone that counts steps and I run for 12 minutes, making loops. I always do more than a mile with the step counter just to be sure!
Melanie recently posted…Weekly Rundown
great tips! I’ve never done (no would I ever do) a run streak but people should definitely know what they are getting into first!
Mar @ Mar on the Run recently posted…Friday Five: What’s in My Fitness Closet?!
I have never done a run streak. My boys are so unpredicatable that it’s nearly impossible for me!
Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes recently posted…Mint Chocolate Chip Protein Smoothie Recipe #foodiefriday
I’m enjoying it. I made myself run a mile yesterday and it felt so good I ended up doing 4.