3 Years of my Run Streak~Day 1095

3 Years of daily outdoor runs- no treadmills-  for at least a mile or more-every single day. 

 I can't even believe I have kept it up this long.  I was really worried about traveling through timezones, but so far I have found ways to keep the streak alive. Before leaving for an early flight and knowing I'll be on a plane for hours, I did my mile run at 1 am on the day of.  During our travels, I snuck out to run loops outside before the day starts. I ran in the dark, in outdoor garages and a thousand times around a pool when going out in the street was sketchy.

Running daily has been more than just a personal goal; it's brought a ton of benefits into my life.  

  1. The mental clarity and focus gained from these daily runs. It's my daily meditation, helping me tackle each day with a fresh perspective.  

  2. The physical health benefits – increased stamina, better cardiovascular health, and the simple joy of feeling strong and fit. 💪 

  3. Lastly, the creativity it induces.  Running, in particular, has been linked to enhanced creativity and problem-solving skills. The rhythmic motion and increased blood flow to the brain during a run can stimulate the generation of new ideas and improve one's ability to think outside the box. 

So, if you're facing a mental block or need a creative breakthrough, lacing up your running shoes might be the solution.

However, it's not always sunshine and rainbows.  One downside I've faced is the challenge of maintaining longer routes during periods of illness, like catching colds or dealing with the aftermath of getting COVID earlier this fall. Life's busyness, especially around this time of year, has restricted my runs to just a quick mile. 

Regardless, today, on the third anniversary of my run streak, I made a conscious effort to hit the hills and complete a 5k to celebrate this incredible journey.

Since starting this adventure amidst the pandemic in December 2020, my runs have taken me through multiple states, four countries, covering a total distance of 2,457 miles, conquering 101,453 feet of elevation, and spending a cumulative 457 hours on the road. 🌍 Here's to more miles, more adventures, and the countless benefits that come with putting one foot in front of the other every day! 

🏅 #RunStreak #ThreeYearsStrong #RunningJourney

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November Reflections: Embracing Joy, Connection, and Celebration