We’re going streaking! 25 Days of Christmas Running!
Runner’s World announced their first-ever RW Holiday Running Streak at the end of November. All interested streakers are welcome but RW warns you should be reasonably fit before attempting this and most streakers should have been running on a regular basis for at least six months.
Mike and I decided to take on the challenge (we started a little late so by Dec. 31 we will be finishing up our 25th day) and are now going to run 1 mile on our usual rest days/cross training days while continuing on our current marathon training plan.
Friday was our first scheduled rest day which meant first 1 mile run to keep the streak alive. We ran one mile in 7:45 and then went to the ExerCircuit Fitness Parcourse located on the CSUN campus. Quick, easy run. I loved it.
If you’re interested in joining the streak (it’s never too late…unless it’s Jan. 1 then better luck next year) below is some info on the streak or you can check out Runner’s World.
Some Q&A from RW:
Isn’t running every single day bad for you? Shouldn’t you be promoting rest?
Running hard and long every single day will certainly lead to burnout. However, you only need to run one mile every day to keep this streak alive, and that mile can be as slow and easy as you want it to be. Per this Ed Eyestone article from 2009: “So is a little running on a rest day okay for mere mortals? It can be. As long as you keep the volume and intensity very light, you can still get the recovery benefits.”
Can I walk/bike/ice-skate/etc. a mile and count that as part of the streak?
Sorry–it’s a a Running Streak, not a Workout Streak. (But hey, all those things are good for you too!) Cross-training can be enjoyable and improves overall fitness, but, per this story, “If you’re serious about improving as a runner, run consistently—unless you’re injury-prone.”
Should I do this if I’m injury-prone/injured?
Probably not! If you’re not sure, ask your doctor.
Can I join if I’m already in the middle of a streak?
But of course! Current streakers are welcome, as are past streakers and never-before streakers.
Can I keep going after New Year’s Day?
Again, but of course! Keep it up for a year and you can join the Streak Registry on the United States Running Streak Association’s website.
Let us know in the comments, or tweet @runnersworld using the tag #RWRunStreak, if you have questions we haven’t addressed. We’ll do our best to respond to them.
