If you’re new to my blog, you might be wondering why I’ve chosen to become an everyday runner. It’s a good question, so here’s my answer:
1. It works for me. Bottom line – jogging everyday is working for me. It gets me out the door and keeps the tally marks growing on my running log.
2. It kills every excuse not to run. Overeating, not feeling good, too late, too rainy, too hot, etc. etc. etc. None of these are as powerful as my desire to keep the running streak alive.
3. It gives me something to lose. Off days come too easy when I don’t have anything to fight for. With consecutive days running, starting over would be too painful.
4. It gives me a running goal I can achieve. Mileage and time goals are fine, but I needed to start with something more attainable. If I can run today I’m a winner, it’s that simple.
5. It makes me feel like a runner. Even when people don’t believe me, or think I’m too big to be a runner. It doesn’t matter, because I know I’ve run everyday for the last month. No question – I’m a runner.
6. It guarantees weight loss. This was a bad month for my diet and eating habits, but I still stand to lose a few pounds. That’s the power of jogging everyday. It also makes me pay (by feeling terrible) when I have to run after eating a giant dinner.
7. It makes jogging part of my lifestyle. While loosing weight is a goal, I’ve always wanted to become a part of the running lifestyle. It’s about living a better kind of life. Doing it everyday makes that a reality.
8. It gives me something to blog about. Yes, blogging helps me run. Especially when I get those emails on weeks I haven’t written (usually when I’m not running well). So, jogging everyday gives me time to reflect about being a runner. That gives me something to say.
What do you think? Are you into jogging everyday? Have you ever tried it, and how did it work out?
and you know what? They are all compelling reasons even if it might not be MY thing.
numbers 5 & 7 (and of course 8 :))most of all in my eyes.
great points.
@MizFit: It’s amazing how public accountability (via the blog) makes that running alarm clock buzz a little louder.
Short answer: No–knees.
And even before they were trashed I found it crucial to take one or two rest days a week to keep overuse injuries at bay.
Sounds like it’s working for you, though.
@Crabby McSlacker: Thanks for the feedback. I’m definitely open to changing plans if I start getting injuries. Right now I’m going a very easy 1 to 3 miles each day. If you saw me from the wrong angle you might call it bouncy walking!
I’m only 30 and remember having decent recovery times from the last time I consistently running. But this is the first time I’ve done everyday.
Thanks for your comment and stopping by my blog!
I started January by walking at 105 kgs. I am now jogging 4-5 km every four days with 8km on saturday. I am now 93kgs. The weight is not coming off that fast but all your reasons are true for although I do not blog. your website is so encouraging.
Daily running is fantastic. I agree with you, knowing that it is not debatable each morning really helps (though for about 4 years now I have been hitting 5 days a week).
Have you checked out the official website of “streaking” runners? http://www.runeveryday.com
Hats off to Mark Covert who had at last count had run 14,559 days in a row. (Thirty nine years and change…that is longer than I have been alive!)
@Tim: Thanks for your comments and the link. That is some impressive streak! I’ll check out the site.