Running Streak - 10,000 Miles

 

In 10,000 miles I could have run to Fuji or to Paris and back again.
Or I could have run nearly half way to the moon.  In 10,000 miles I could have run to Washington to visit Tall Mom on the Run nearly 5 times.  But I end up about 100 miles shy of making it to Melbourne, Australia.

But in my 10,000 streak miles I did make it to many places.   In those 1136 days I ran 36 events with 23 ultras.  I've ran on the beautiful beaches, on trails under forest canopies.  I've ran on back country roads and along noisy highways.  I've shared my run with running brethren and I've run alone.  I've run through the snow and while it was falling.  I've witnessed Christmas through eliminated windows.  Through 10,000 miles I've shared secrets and kept them.  I have talked with and listened for God's guidance.  I've embraced the heat, the cold, the wind, the boredom.  And I've enjoyed the highs, the perfect days, the successes.  I've also learned to grow from the failures, the aches and pains and the disappointment of the limited length of my arm when reaching for a goal just beyond my grasp. 

Over 10,000 miles I have made friends and memories who have taught me about myself in those mere 1136 days.  These friends  rally to my support when I challenge my arm to grow, when I want to see what is just beyond my sight, when I push my body and mind into an adventure that leaves my body trembling. 

Through 10,000 miles my family has become some of my biggest supporters.  My husband joined me on an ultra trail to gain a better understanding of my love of trail running.  My children all encourage me to keep striving for my goals.  In 10,000 miles I've seen that my running is much more about the many than it is about me.  I've seen just how much I can influence others to believe in themselves even through my first DNF, friends shared with me how my perseverance and attitude helped them to keep striving though  when their goals were challenging. 

In 10,000 miles I have gone many place in my mind.  I have solved the world's problems and cured cancer.  I've written epic novels, composed tear-rendering songs and whispered eloquently crafted prayers.  During these 10,000 miles I have created a world within myself.  I love to visit it often; daily in fact.  However I've found that despite it's challenges and imperfections, this world is the real reason I run.  I run to create the best possible me I can become and in doing that I will be the best possible example to all those who choose to follow.  Or run along side me because the next 10,000 miles will be an adventure.  Who knows where it may take us?

Numbers, Chocolate and Scary Movie Overload

Today is streak day 1055.  I've ran 9255.9 miles. 

That's an average of 8.8 miles a day.  61.4 a week.

 

I'm tired.

 

But the only thing that makes me feel less tire is more running. 

 

 

Today also marks 50 days before Massanutten.  You might remember that's a little 100 miler that I tried to get into last year.  You know that year that I was in great shape and set a bunch of new PRs.  Yeah, that year.  I didn't get in.  But luckily [insert sarcasm] not getting in almost guaranteed that I'd get in this year.  The year of big changes.  The year of over training.  The year of a loss of fitness.

 

50 days



 

Let's just set that aside for a moment. 

 

Because I only have ONE day before my next training run.

 

The chocolate bunny

 

I wish a little bit more of this

 

 was involved and a whole lot less of

this.....

 

CB won't actually be so bad, it's only 26.6 miles after all.

[insert ultra humor]

 

 BUT it all happens at night. 

 

I'm hoping it seems something like this...

 

 

 

But in reality it might go down more like this...

 

The only thing missing is the vampire that is chasing me.  Come to think of it that might actually get me to run faster but I doubt I'd have much luck staying on course. 

 

Okay it's clearly a no for the vampire part. 

 

I don't want to miss celebrating Easter.  The family will all be home warm in their beds dreaming sweet dreams while I am racing around the dark, cold wilderness trying to forget how I just watched

 

 

Breaking Dawn Part II.

 

 

Wordless Wednesday ~ USRSA

Day # 493

I think I'll mail this...

...in 7 more days.

Who would have thought?!

 

Three Things Thursday ~ The 'Weather' Edition

LBM might be following in Daddy's footsteps.  Not the running around in his underwear and rubber boots part although men do seem to like to sit around in their underwear.  But last night as LBM was heavily engrossed in using his little "knife" aka piece of wood to trim all the dandelions growing in and around the driveway, I could figure out whether that shows he will be like Daddy and get a horticultural degree or be a tree hugger like Mommy.

Day # 353 ~ 6.5 p.m. miles

I don't let the weather stand in my way of getting outside last night.  I had looked into the face of that storm and I was not afraid!  The forecast called for severe thunderstorms, strong winds and damaging hail to start around 7 p.m.  I was a window and grabbed my shoes.  I finished my 6.5 loop and was glad I had risked getting out.  Not a threatening cloud in the sky...until later.

Did you know there is a USRSA (The United States Running Streak Association)?  It is a National organization full of other insane dedicated runners who have been running every day for at least one year, some of them have registered streaks of over 40 years.  I suddenly don't seem so extreme, do I? 

Whether or not I continue my daily running streak after completing my 365 days is yet to be seen but I hope that I have shown others that a commitment to purposefully moving your body every day is something every person can do.  Whether your a full-time working mom or a busy over-burdened dad or a young person who thinks they always have tomorrow to care about their health today is the day to start the habit of good health.