5 things I learned from my running streak

I did a thing! I committed to a running streak!

So ….what is a running streak anyway? Essentially it’s a certain amount of time where a runner commits to running with no days off. Running more than anything is a mind game. It’s not about how fast or how far you can run…it’s always about taking the first stride, then the next and the next. It it’s about constantly reminding yourself about you why and finding the discipline to keep going.

Before I get into some of what I learned, I wanted to share a little about my steak.

  • I ran everyday, no days off
  • I ran a minimum of 2km, most days 3.33km and at least 1 5km run
  • I ran outside and on my treadmill
  • I live by my Nike Run Club app – I love that I can track everything there, I love that it captures my run details, cheers and guides me through different runs ++ I can see all the cool accomplishments I make happen!

Okay so here are the top 5 things I learned:

  1. New habits should be approachable on a daily basis
    This means, your daily “to-do” run should be something you can do without thinking. Granted running requires different kinds of training (long runs, sprints/farlek, hills, cross training & recovery) but for a running streak you need be ready to go without having to think too much about it.
  2. Learn to list to your body
    I am intuitive by nature, but my body gave me stronger messages when I ran consistently.  I think thats a very important skill (tool?) to develop.  It also made me become more aware of functional fitness and exercises that weren’t heavy but helped to developed the way my body moved.
  3. Do the hard thing first
    When I got my run done in the morning, the rest of the day seemed to go much smoother and my mind was able to focus.  The same happens when you have a personal morning routine (wake up early, meditate, journal, sunlight etc).  Getting up (late) to only check email and hustle just doesn’t make sense.
  4. You always do things twice, once in your head and then in real life
    Same goes for running.  You literally see yourself doing it in your minds eye before you actually do it. For me it was seeing the trails or sideways I knew I’d run before getting out there.
  5. Somethings can be multi tasked (but not everything)
    For me it was running an errand.  LITERALLY!  Being able to run to the store to pick up something and then running back home with that something was such a delight!

Hello New Year

Welcome 2023.

Pouring champagne for our friends during #RockinEve

It’s 11pm on Jan 1 and I’m listening to a podcast.

For me the start of a new timeline (I say timeline because to me it could be the start of the school year, the final day of Diwali or Jan 1) is powerful. Beginnings are powerful, and we get a new beginning every time we see the sun rise, a new moon and a full moon. 🧿

My New Year Run – on a treadmill this year

The beauty for me is harnessing the power of beginnings

Captured this beauty during our family forrest bath (post processed in Fotor)

For as long as I can remember, I’ve tried to be mindful of the things I do on the first day of the new year. Some of those activities include:

  1. Meditation, Journaling & Workout
  2. Get outdoors
  3. Study
  4. Do something creative
  5. Eat Health
  6. Smile & be positive
  7. Enjoy time with friends and family (and hug them and tell them I love them)

As you can see, these are really things we should all be doing daily, so doing this on the first day of a beginning really just sets the tone for the rest of that time line.

We aren’t perfect, and that’s okay – but thats why we should reset and re-try. Remember, energy grows where intention flows.

How did you spend the first day of the new year?

Birthday Run Goal

I just logged into my blog and saw that I have a dozen or so posts sitting in drafts! I know we are in the age of 150 characters and dizzy transition videos…but I love long form media just like I love my spring bound planner and books from the library. So I’ll keep blogging until the internet is taken off line LOL

Today was mothers day and I for some reason was feeling exhausted. So a little story time. I’m still recovering from this crazy thing that’s taken over the globe. Two areas I’m trying to get back to base level are my workouts and my mental concentration. I’m giving myself grace but lets just say that 2km is the most I can do and skipping journalling for scrolling mindlessly are what I’m trying to work through.

With that said, I’ve decided to set my run goal for the year. (Read last years goal here)

My goal is to run 5km in less than 30 minutes.

And to keep me disciplined and remind myself what i’m capable of…here is a little inspiration!

I am officially a winter runner!

I read this quote recently and couldn’t agree more…

Running is the hardest thing to start.  But when you are running regularly, it’s the hardest thing to stop.

I started running when I was in middle school.  I have memories of being dropped off early at school to run cross country.  I remember running on grassy trails, in forests and along rivers. As I got older I moved indoors on to tracks and treadmills.  I’ve been running indoors for a majority of my adult life.   I only became a winter runner at the end of 2020.

I am slowly getting more used to it.  I still have to psych myself up for weekend runs (aka long runs in cold weather). But what I’ve learned is that winter running is very refreshing, it’s a challenge I didn’t know I needed and with a little planning can be a great experience.

On cold days I like to double up on the pants, starting with a thermal layer and then adding a brushed or fleece lined legging on top.   Same goes for tops, I like to wear 2 long sleeves, tucked into my pants (to prevent cold drafts!).  I wear merino wool socks, mitts, windbreaker and even a balaclava. I’ve also considered wearing ski goggles on days with blowing snow!

Winter running, Canadian Winters, Snowy Runs, Fitness, Wellbeing, Fit

Some other tips to keep in mind with winter running:

  1. If you don’t have access to clear side walks, run on fresh snow!
  2. Walk over icy patches
  3. Hydrate
  4. Wear sunglasses, the sun’s reflection off the snow can be intense
  5. Add a pre-run routine (I’ve been following this one)
  6. Be sure to swap out into warm clothes when you get home

Start the new year with a run

Winter Running, Train Running, Train for a half marathon, Running MomRunning, Winter Running, New Years, Intentions, Goal Setting, Mom RunnerSo thankful I was able to get out for a run on the first day of the year.  Running in the colder temps is a new thing I started doing and I never want to look back.

The dreadmill is near and dear to my heart but winter running, snow, bare trees and crisp air has it’s own charm.  And 👏🏽 I 👏🏽 am 👏🏽 here 👏🏽 for 👏🏽 it!

Running, Winter Running, New Years, Intentions, Goal Setting, Mom Runner