Now that there are 10 days down and 20 to go in my 30-day running streak, I will share with you my ground rules.
- Must run a minimum of 1 mile for the run to count for the day.
Oh. Well, I guess there’s just one ground rule, really. But, that rule is dressed up with a whole philosophy about the streak. My approach is making it lots of fun, which is just what I was hoping. (One of the main things I was looking forward to after the London Marathon was putting the fun back into my running.) I mix it up by running at all times of the day (not just in the mornings as I did when I was marathon training) and trying out different routes, making them up as I scoot along. I’m not adhering to any training plan, I’m not doing any speed work (unless I just feel like running fast that day), I’m not setting any expectations on myself for pacing, though I do have a rough idea that I’d like to run 8 miles this weekend and 10 the weekend after in preparation for the Soldier Field 10-Mile that I’m racing in Chicago on May 29th.
Today I ran home from work, which was fine. It was chilly, and I was underdressed in my shorts and a tee shirt (from the 2007 Healthy Kidney race, in honor of this weekend’s event). Luckily I had on my red gloves. I was happy when I made it home, I’m so tired today. That was about 3.5 miles, and I ran just hard enough to stay warm. A cyclist shouted his props to me for getting out in the cold as he zipped past me on the bridge (if he only knew), but other than that it was an unremarkable run.
Yesterday morning before work I met MP outside my gym and we went for an easy run down the West Side Highway. She lives in the neighborhood so it was convenient for both of us. I love her midwestern accent, it reminds me of my dear friend AC, also a runner from Illinois. We talked running, work, vacations and the strange privilege of being a bridesmaid. We also laughed a lot, which made the 7 miles just fly by. Wow, I hadn’t set out to run 7 but the weather was gracious, the sun shiny but not glaring, and the company just right.
I think this 30-day running streak is going to change me just a little bit. I have a funny feeling. Or rather, I have a fun feeling.
Pigtails Flying 
awww…
I love your post!
Running is the only thing that I keep *relaxed*… no rules… just fun… everything else in my life is so *regimented* that running is the one thing I don’t want to corrupt.
I run fast if I feel like it but mainly I just make sure that I keep smiling while doing it!
Take care & happy running!
Zu~
hey, I think I need to join you for one of these 30 runs… Maybe one night next week after work? If we can’t find one night in 30 days that works we are TRULY star-crossed runners.
🙂
I stole some of this (as well as from your prior post). “I ain’t here on business, baby, I’m only here for fun.”
No problem, since you always give credit where credit is due.
I’m glad to know that you have a ground rule of 1 mile too. I’ve messed up my streak already, will have to start again or maybe wait a bit to start again. I don’t know. Yay for you for getting it done!
What a great idea. If running isn’t fun we’re missing something, so good on you for the change of pace.