Category: Running

Practice every day prepares you for the big race.

On day 165 of my running streak I was able to hike down and up the Grand Canyon in one day with two of my 20 something sons and their friend. The only training to prepare for this 12 mile down and out was three miles per day. We were all a little nervous about how I would do with these very physically fit young men and by the end of the day they were all impressed that I not only kept up, but at times lead the pace. It was a memorable time and I am so grateful that my daily running enabled me to spend priceless time with them.

On day 249 I ran a half marathon and I was again concerned that my conditioning wasn’t up to par. The longest distance training in preparation for this race was seven miles while still running the three mile minimum daily. Thanks to a great pace partner I crushed my best time by almost a minute per mile. These two tests of my endurance have shown me that doing the work, day in and day out, even when it is boring and you don’t want to do it, is important and prepares you for the greater challenges.

Isn’t life a little like that too. The daily habits, big and small, add up to the big things.

This is one of those days. One of those days where life hits you between the eyes and says, “Go ahead, get up and try it again, see where that gets you.” Well I did get up and I did go run and got it done. Check off another day and let’s see what tomorrow brings.

After the first year of running every day I looked back and it didn’t feel like a year and it didn’t feel like a big accomplishment. I remember a similar feeling after graduating from college. When I started it seemed so far away and like a tough journey ahead.

When I started running I didn’t realize it was a streak so didn’t see the journey like the goal of a college degree, however, the significance of achieving something and then having it seem ordinary is a strange feeling.

It isn’t ordinary and I am now taking the time to embrace the rare and special accomplishments in my life. The BIGGEST lesson here is that what seems difficult in the beginning is really not if you break it down and work on it daily.

I now know that I am capable of BIG things as long as I stick to a plan and execute consistently.

It’s hot, so after a late night with friends and a little too much to drink it was to the treadmill I went. Ran a 5k with an iFit trainer on a trail in Ogden, Utah. It was beautiful and make me want to visit the place where the famous pool scene from Sandlot was filmed! What a great movie!

Run happy!

The Arizona summer is heating up with predicted high of 111 degrees today! Got the run done early and felt a little stiff from workout in the gym yesterday. Worked out the kinks! Happy running!

This is #2 of the five things I wrote about after my first year of running every day.

In the beginning of the run streak it was very important to plan out the week. Based on my work schedule, the weather, and my hair washing schedule (yes, that is a thing for some of us girls) I would do my best to plan my week up front. Many times I did what I called “bookends” where I would run at night then early the next morning which would give me over 24 hours until the next run the next night.

The important thing is I had a schedule and a plan. This way I could keep my appointments with myself and go run. I ran when I didn’t feel like it, when I was tired, and when the weather was crappy. Why…because it was important. So the lesson, when it is important put it on your calendar and don’t deviate.

It’s June in Arizona and at 5:00am it is beautiful out! The sun is rising and the temperature is in the upper 70’s. Not many people out or much traffic so it is me and the landscaping crews which is fine by me. I’m still listening to my book (highly recommend The Gap and The Gain by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy) and keeping my pace around a 9:30 mile. Not too fast and not too slow…a feel good, happy run day!

After my first full year of running every day I reflected on the journey going from never running more than three or four days in a row to running every day for a year. Honestly I think the first weeks and even months were the most difficult. Here is the first of the five things I learned after a year of running every day:

1. It is never too late to start. You might think that age 50 is a late time in life to start a running streak. When I started I didn’t know that it was going to become a running streak (it was originally a 66 day challenge). More importantly, I didn’t feel old and I don’t think the thousands of runners I see at running events feel old either. Just go to a local 5k race and you will see people of all ages, sizes, and backgrounds and I am willing to bet you will be inspired by them.

So whatever that thing you are putting off or think it is too late to do…don’t think about it, don’t procrastinate anymore. Take the first step and keep moving!