Two Years Of Streaking

Runners can be funny with their obsession, and I'm no different. Add the fact in that I'm a stats geek in large part to my job as a director of sports communication, and that obsession goes to exponential proportions.

In addition, runners have the habit of getting caught up with streaks. Runners' World, in fact, promotes two different running streaks - one from Thanksgiving to New Year's and another which began today (Memorial Day) and rolls to the Fourth of July. During these streaks, runners are encouraged to run at least 1 mile every day.

You can follow along with everyone's progress by following the hashtag #RWRunStreak on Twitter.

While I'm going to attempt to complete this running streak, I'm not going to stress over it. My longest run streak is 11 days. My body needs rest, and I'm not a fan of injuries.

However, this post is not about the #RWRunningStreak but rather a different running streak of mine.

After my run this morning, I have logged 100 miles or more in 24 months in a row.

You Might Be A Runner If ...

This has been done before, and it'll be done again.

But after longing to write a new post, I thought I'd add my own. Nothing real thought provoking, just a little fun here on a cold winter's day.

So without a further ado ...

You might be a runner if ...

Why Can't I Just Run?

(FYI ... the title of this post is supposed to read with a bit of a whine, mmmk ... Now to the post)

I'd admit I'm still new to this running thing. Yeah, I'm closing in on 2,000 miles for my career, but I've been hitting the pavement for less than two years. I've still got lots to learn.

Along the way, I've learned a lot, and I look forward to learning more.

What's the old saying? "Knowledge is power."

One of the things I've heard from other runners over and over again is how beneficial cross training is. In this 2004 article, Runner's World spells out eight benefits of cross training. And they all seem well and good even though No. 8 (Fit Pregnancy) doesn't really apply to me.

Nothing Like the Running Family

Some of my SID Running Family

When I picked up running and eventually the 'bug,' I didn't have an inkling of what I was in store for.

I thought I knew what it was all about. After all, I've been involved in sports my entire life. Heck, my entire 17-year professional career has revolved around athletics either as a member of the sports media or as a sports information director.

I was even on the track team in high school, although I competed in field events only tossing the discus and shot put.

Sports is my life. So, one would think I knew what to expect when I became a 'runner.'

Don't Forget Your Running Shoes

Let's be honest. Keeping up your fitness/exercise/running program going while traveling is never easy. If you're like me, you do what you can to get your runs and avoid the hotel dreadmill.

But when you go to a new or an unfamiliar town, finding a good place to run can be a challenge.

So imagine my surprise and absolute delight when I found the Greenbelt Park when I recently spent the better part of two weeks in Kingsport, Tenn., as I worked a couple of college baseball tournaments. And it was a double score since I had easy access to it from my hotel, meaning I could just step out of my hotel room and begin running to the park.

It was a lovely situation for me.

Milestone Will Have to Wait

Today was supposed to be a big day for me. I was going to hit a big milestone.

At least, it was going to be a big one for me anyways.

Following my run this morning, I would have eclipsed the 100-mile mark for the month.

Sadly, I've spent much of the day in bed. Sick.