Runstreaking????

What the heck is runstreaking I asked myself as I saw the twitter tag #runstreak? Well, after a little digging I realised that a 'runstreak' is when a runner commits to running at least 1 mile per day for as long as they can keep the streak going! Hmmm... now there's a challenge! After about 1 microsecond of deliberation I decided to do a runstreak of my own!

The undisputed runstreak champion is former British Olympic Marathon Runner Ron Hill, who has not missed a day of running since, wait for it, December 1964! What makes the feat even more amazing is that he still managed to continue the streak after a car crash, and receiving bunion surgery! What a Truly Amazing Man.

Ron Hill's achievements make most people's streaks pale into insignificance, but that won't stop us trying! It is important to be safe if you are contemplating your own runstreak. Remember the 4 R's:-

-Rehydrate- extra exercise means higher loss of water from the body. Replace it!

- Relax- recover after each run; the best medicine is extra sleep.

-Refuel- More exercise means more calories burnt, refuel to keep the streak going!

-Reward- Chocolate? Ice Cream? Dessert at the Restaurant? Go on- You Deserve it!

On a personal level, I plan to simply replace rest days with a slow 1-2 miler, ie. nothing too taxing! However, consider your lifestyle such as spouses, children and work commitments before attempting a runstreak. 

I am currently looking forward to tomorrow so I can extend the streak to 5 days! Baby steps....

You can follow the Running Geek on Twitter @stevenlomax2. Alternatively, sign up to follow this blog, or contact the Running Geek directly on stevenlomax1984@gmail.com. You can also check on the Running Geek's progress on Strava under Steven Lomax