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Wednesday, March 10, 2010

The Day The Running Streak Died

As of yesterday, I had ran or walked at least a mile (usually running, usually more than a mile) outdoors for 63 days.  During this time I had taken 6 minutes off my half marathon PR, run 6 half marathons, accrued mileage of over half of my 2009 total already (235.7 miles vs 460 in 2009 TOTAL), and last weekend I participated in the Texas Independence Relay, a 200-mile 12-person 40-leg relay.  In fact, I captained a team for the relay and drove one of the 12-seater big white vans over 800 miles.

Since returning from the relay, I've been completely exhausted.  And I'm trying to get ready to head off on vacation to Napa Valley on Thursday.  So last night, hubby and I needed to run a lot of errands in the evening and I was saying I'd do my run late in the evening then (like 8:30-9:30 pm).  Meanwhile, right after dinner and before errands, I almost fell asleep on the floor - and it's 7 pm! We ran our errands and then towards the end my stomach was feeling really sick.  And I just continued to feel more and more drained.

So about 8:45, the streak died when I consciously chose not to run that night. And don't think that I entered into that decision lightly.  My husband is so sweet and didn't want me to regret the decision later so we talked about it for 5-10 minutes before arriving at the decision.  I had been feeling like I'd already gotten the most out of the streak about 3 weeks ago and wasn't seeing as much benefit in it now.  Plus I was wanting to do more speedwork that meant my "off days" were literally just 1 mile walks.  And finally, my body was just telling me to rest.  That's the nail in the coffin - that I was as mentally and physically exhausted as I was.

So, RIP Running Streak, you will be missed.  You made my legs so much stronger and provided me with heaping spoonfuls of mental toughness.  I received tremendous benefits that have helped me be in the best shape of my life.  But it's time for a change... and some rest.

13 comments:

  1. Congrats on the 63 days - that is amazing. Rest up and start up a new streak!

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  2. Great job on your running streak and listening to your body. You are such an inspiration to all of us! Enjoy your time in Napa Valley!

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  3. Running for 63 days in a row is an amazing feat! You are amazing for being able to do that, but glad you are taking care of yourself and recognizing when your body needs the rest. Congrats on a great accomplishment!

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  4. WOW! 63 days is an amazing accomplishment. However, the body needs to recover. Let it do that, then set your next goal and go get it!

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  5. Wonderful accomplishment. After wimping out on my run this AM, you've inspired me to get out there this afternoon to make up for it. Great job!

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  6. Awwww, sorry for your loss! LOL
    Seriously though, I'm glad you came to the decision with lots of thought and no regret. You rocked it those 63 days and I'm sure you'll continue to rock it even if you don't run everyday. Good job!!!

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  7. Good job with your streak! Sometimes the hardest part of training is knowing when to rest (and then actually doing it). No doubt you learned alot and became a stronger runner!

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  8. I love that you enjoyed your running streak, and then consciously put it to rest. You made some huge gains, got a lot of good out of it, and then turned in another direction. I LOVE that!

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  9. That's something to really be proud of! I don't know that I have ever run for a full week without a day off.

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  10. I don't think I've ever made it more than 6 days in a row. Your streak was inspiring!!! Congrats.

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  11. You rock!!! I'm sure you'll enjoy some relaxing and a new training program!

    I cannot run two days in a row. Well, I *can* but runs are so much better when my legs are rested and it's a great excuse to get in lots of cross training and weights.

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  12. Thanks, all, for the kind words. I couldn't have kept the streak up without support and motivation from many of you!

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