Holiday Streaking

Nope... this has nothing to do with running naked in the snow. Sorry, wrong blog for that sort of thing; and that is also not a good way to make friends. This is about a running streak. I really enjoy running outside; even in the snow. I also like the plethora of snacks and treats that rain down upon me throughout the holiday season. Hence, one of the reasons behind a challenge called the “Holiday Streak” - weight management. The idea goes like this:

Starting on Thanksgiving Day, run at least one mile every single day until New Year’s Day. No rest days... A total of 35 uninterrupted days of running. Treadmills are lame but they count according to the rules. The Holiday Streak helps expand base mileage without expanding the waistline... during prime pound-packing season. I added my own flavor to the Holiday Streak by making the minimum mileage be three miles each day and making myself run outside (because treadmills are lame). So those were the rules. If you miss a day someone stops by your house and breaks your legs. (or something like that, i didn’t read the fine print)

Now at first glance this goes against sound advice to take rest days or you can invite injury. So on certain days during the Holiday Streak you need to make sure your run is really easy to help simulate a rest day. 

So how did I faire with my Holiday Streak?

I would say it was a three-fold success! [1] Yes, I ran outside each and every day. Some of those days were during the 3+ feet of snow we got one week and the ice storm we got the following week. I had to resort to using my wife’s Yaxtrax on one of the rather icy days. Most days were cold, but this is northern New York. Par for the course. I often ran home from work in the dark; thanks to an awesome reflective vest (prior Christmas gift from my wife) and a great headlamp (birthday gift from my parents). [2] Zero injuries! I was a bit concerned with the potential for overuse injuries to knees, ankles, aching calfs, or whatnot. But I stuck to throwing in some very easy runs (like zone 1-2 for those who use heart rate monitors). [3] I was shot a lot of stares from people who thought I was a little off-kilter running in the cold and snow. That’s always a plus. I prefer people to think I’m somewhat unstable. 

The numbers: 35 days of running, 187 miles in total, 5.34 average miles per day, longest run 16.5 miles, and shortest run 3 miles.

Day 35

I would love to do this again next year. I don’t think I would change much of anything. I got outside during a time of year when people tend to hibernate inside. I got to see a bald eagle fly overhead on one run, deer prancing around on many of my runs (of course there are deer everywhere around here), and I was there to help push a car down the road because the driver couldn’t get enough traction. (I got uber street-cred for that one). Overall, I highly suggest trying the Holiday Streak. There are plenty of excuses to avoid running. Most are made up to fit our larger desire to stay inside where it’s warm and cozy. But I encourage people who are physically able, to get out there and set a goal that is achievable, good for you, and gives you something positive to talk about.