Let's Go Streaking

Written by Coach Mandy

Let’s Go Streaking!

We’ve all seen them – the folks running circles through the neighborhood or pounding the pavement in a blizzard. These seemingly crazy people represent commitment in its finest form – doing something every single day, in all weather conditions, despite the many obstacles that try to derail them.

More and more streakers are popping up each year, ready to take on this insane challenge. Of course we are talking about RUN streakers: someone who commits to running every day. The conditions of the streak vary from person to person, but there’s one universal rule – don’t miss a day or the streak is over.

Last winter I made it to 97 days. I made a three-mile minimum commitment. Luckily the winter of 2015-16 was quite mild and I only remember a couple of days that were hard to get outside. One was during a major snowstorm. Schools and businesses were closed because of the road conditions but I laced up my trail shoes anyway.  There is something magical about being the only soul on the road when everyone else is safe and warm inside. Once the hardest part (dressing for such conditions) was over, it turned out to be one of my favorite three-mile runs ever.

Another super challenge was the day after I ran the Walt Disney World Marathon. After 26.2 miles beat me up the day before, I spent time with friends at Epcot, drinking and eating “around the world.” Forcing myself to run three miles on a belly full of tacos and frozen cocktails was interesting, to say the least.

The best part of streaking was that I proved myself wrong. I am not usually the type of person to do something every day because I like diversity. But a friend told me, “after 21 days it becomes a habit,” so I committed to getting to 21 days. The 76 days after that came easily and without hesitation. I have never felt so good through a Syracuse winter, both mentally and physically.

So what do you think? Are you up for the challenge?

Here are a few famous CNY streakers you might recognize:

RSD (Run Streak Days) as of Monday, Jan, 16, 2017