Lessons From A Streaker

I’m almost 30 miles into this running streak and not quite halfway through. As someone who typically runs four times a week, this has been a challenging exercise. Here’s what I’ve learned so far:

Running every day means not waiting until Christmas to buy new running attire. (Side note- did you know that Anthro carries activewear now? Shame on you for not telling me. I’ll take one of everything, s’il vous plait.) New shorts, new socks, new long-sleeved shirts- thanks, Vic, for introducing me to Oiselle– you name it, I’ve bought it. If I’m going to live in my running clothes this month, I’m going to do so in style.

These pants! Had to have 'em.

These pants! Had to have ’em.

I’m so glad that messy buns are still a thing. (If they aren’t, don’t tell me.) Who wants to blow out their hair only to throw it up again the next morning for a run? Not this girl. I’m rocking a bun and headband all over town. Stylish and a time saver= winning combination.

Does that "Messy Hair, Don't Care" shirt come in my size?

Does that “Messy Hair, Don’t Care” shirt come in my size?

If I know you’re a runner, I’ll invite you to run with me. On Thanksgiving morning, I looked at my husband and said, “You know what would be fun? If we all went on a run together. Doesn’t that sound like fun?” Never mind that it was the coldest day we’ve had here all winter (like 40 degrees. Typically it’s 85. Yes, right now.). We bundled up the children and took everyone out for a quick run around our neighborhood. Last week, my oldest girl rode her scooter while I jogged next to her. This morning, I took my friend out for a birthday brunch and when I invited her, I totally gave her the same spiel I’d given J on Turkey Day. “You know what would be fun?…” Running play dates are the next big thing.

Post-run on Thanksgiving morning.

Post-run on Thanksgiving morning.

Running every day means more holiday cookies, right? Because I’m using this streak as an excuse to eat all the candy cane-flavored things (except the peppermint yogurt raisins I saw at Target because that just sounds gross. And maybe a little too healthy anyway.)

These or the candy cane Oreos? Kidding, you know I got both.

These or the candy cane Oreos? Kidding, you know I got both.

All in all, I’m having fun streaking. It’s been good for me to switch up my routine a bit and run with different friends and in new locations. Some days are a challenge- I had to squeeze a mile in on a full stomach right before I left for carline one afternoon last week and I thought I was going to be sick. I’m also already planning my rest days. But there are plenty of proud moments too- that I’m pushing myself, that I’m making it work during a busy time of year, and that I’m taking time for me.

Roll call, Streakers! How’s it going? Favorite holiday cookie?

21 thoughts on “Lessons From A Streaker

  1. It’s going AWESOME. I love the fact that while I have a goal, it’s not a stressful one. It’s a time for ME and there’s not been one day when I’ve freaked out about “having to get a run in” – it just happens!

    Which is a good thing, because I’m pretty sure I ate all the cookies last night. And cheese dip. And pretzels. 😉

  2. You’re welcome for the introduction to Oiselle! We should both thank MERI for introducing us to their amazing clothing in the first place. (PS- am totally wearing my l/s stripey at work today!)

    Keep up the great work!

  3. I would love to run with you but I doubt it will happen since who wants to come to Nebraska where we have 7″ snow & it has already got down to -8 actual temp & -17 feels like. (We are the warm part of Nebraska). NW Neb has been down to -25 & -45 windchill. My run streak is going well. Enjoyed my half & runs in Florida much more than the -10 feels like run.

    I have had plenty of lessons on what to wear in these cold temps & lots of them have to do with CW-X Insulated tights, multiple layers & waterproof shoes that have some great tread. Enjoy your streak!

    • Mark, we have a cold day coming tomorrow and everyone is excited to wear boots because the high will be 70 degrees. I can’t comprehend what your cold temperatures feel like! But I’m sure it’s beautiful when one is sipping spiked coffee and sitting inside by a fire. 😉 Vic just informed me that she wears spikes when she runs in snow. I had no idea that was a thing.

      Happy streaking to you too!

      • Thank You! Love your comment about how everyone is excited to wear boots in your 70 degree weather. When I was in Cocoa Beach last week 70’s meant Tshirts,Shorts & beach shoes playing in the ocean. Today we are excited because it will get up to 37 (above freezing for the first time since I have been home) & next week will be in the 40’s! (I know us Northern People are a little strange but it probably is because we are all frozen. As long as you layer & the wind isn’t blowing its not to bad running. My shoes have pretty good traction/tread for the snow. People do wear spikes to get better traction when they run in the snow. (it is something everyone should experience!!) I try to avoid running when it is icy.

  4. Love the messy bun! I hope it never goes out of style. Not that it’ll impact me rocking it though, haha.

    I love buying running clothes! Though my line of credit doesn’t appreciate it so much. Sigh. One day, I’ll make money. One day…

    • Messy hair, don’t care, indeed!

      Pretty sure I’ll be on a shopping hiatus very soon. For running attire, at least. I did see a sweatshirt at nike that immediately reminded me of you though; it said “Run the Earth.” Very Lisa!

  5. My streak ended Sunday after doing 68 miles in 11 days. It was a day of entertaining friends in the morning/early afternoon, then driving five hours, then getting my daughters to bed. I could have fit in a mile somewhere during the day, but it would have felt like a chore, and I don’t want running to be a chore. Don’t regret skipping at all.

      • Thank you! My marathon’s in February, although I’m still not 100 percent sure which one I’m doing. It will most likely be the winter marathon in Albany, NY, on Feb. 16. But I’m still holding out some hope I’ll be able to go to Florida for either the Miami or Fort Lauderdale marathon, and there’s also a chance I’ll do the Central Park marathon on Feb. 23. I’ll definitely share all about it as it gets closer and after I’m done.

  6. Yay I’m feeling the same way! I love that I don’t have to agonize every night over “should I run?” and I just go do it! Although I agree, I have waayyy too much laundry to do now!

    • I’m so behind on laundry. Every day I’m all, where are all my sports bras?! Not gonna lie, once I wore one from the day before, backwards (it was worn for a one miler, so that’s totally not gross, right?). Happy running!

      • Um, not gross at all. I have definitely done that (but only with 1 milers on my treadmill so no one else had to smell me!). I actually just bought new ones today so I should be good!

  7. I live in the messy bun at least 4 days a week. I’ve even created this hybrid fashionable put together version where the front looks professional, and the back is quasi messy.

    Peppermint Jo Jos from Trader Joe’s are the best thing in the world. I am not allowed to buy them anymore.

    • Supposedly, we are finally getting a Trader Joe’s. I’m sure it will be an hour from my house, but I’ve heard the Peppermint Jo Jos are worth it!

      Hmm…what would we call a bun that is business in the front and a party in the back? A bullet? A bunnet? A munnet? Haha, I love it too. Let’s all rock the bun(net).

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