Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Six days of streaking, but I don't like it.

Well, I've been a little back and forth on this streaking thing.  At first, I thought it was a neat idea, possibly good for my running, could be a nice mental boost.  I wasn't totally convinced and was cautious about injury.

I will say something about the streaking.  It teaches you something about making excuses.  Running 1 mile is not that hard.  It doesn't require a big time investment.  Even though it's only been 6 days, I'm recognizing that there is a big difference between making excuses and having reasons not to run.  Every time I didn't feel like it, it was an excuse, rather then a reason.  So, I ran.

So, why am I writing this blog post now?  Well, quite simply, I'm not liking it.  Forcing myself to get out and run, no matter what, is not something I'm enjoying.  Normally, I like the majority of my runs, but I haven't been enjoying this.  It takes me about 10 minutes to start liking most of my runs, which is the time I'm ending the short ones.

Not to mention, it's cold right now.  It's slippery sometimes.  Getting ready for a run takes more of a time investment.  I'm not so keen on investing that time for such a short run.

I've tried to examine my reasons for streaking.  There's the bragging rights.  There is a certain amount of satisfaction in doing something that other people think is crazy.  Hmm.  Why else was I doing it again?

Fact is, I would rather run 3-4 times a week and enjoy 95% of my runs.  Then, I can swim 3 times a week and bike a few times a week (my bike has been neglected though; I need to get back on that).  For me, that's a balance that works.  Running every day is not.

Will I ever streak again?  Maybe.  Maybe not.  I think it would have to either be at a time of year when the weather is nice, or be at a time when I have a treadmill in my basement.  I think it would also have to be at a time when running is my primary focus, and I'm not trying to balance the bike and swim with it.

So, I've decided: Streaking is not my thing right now.  I'm giving up on the streak.

Yesterday's HBBC points: 8 (1 mile run, 60 minute swim, f/v)
Week to date: 20
Total: 94
Days of streak: 6 - about to be broken...

7 comments:

  1. Consider it a learning experience. It works for some, not for others. Now you know. Perhaps as you build your milage you might be able to do a streak where you are running several miles or 5 K every day. That might be long enough to enjoy it, yet not too long to injure you.

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  2. I just run by feel. If I feel like running, I run. If I don't, I don't. I don't ever want to get back to the mindset where I feel like I "have" to run.

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  3. It has GOT to be fun. If it isn't, there are so many options that are. Wise choice.

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  4. Yah I would rather streak by doing some type of workout for X number of days rather than just 1 workout.

    I think doing something for the sake of doing it isn't a good enough reason to do it. You have to want to do it.

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  5. Wow what a great post - you just got a taste of what Ironman training is like :)

    You've learned something here, and it is incredibly valuable that you recognized it!

    Excuses VS Reasons not to workout. This is the epic battle that used to occur daily with me. When training for Ironman you can't afford to miss those workouts, the race doesn't care that your tummy hurts or that you are tired. You NEED to get that training done no matter what.
    It's not fun. But that's irrelevant right now, as you should pat yourself on the back for recognizing that most of the time there was NO reason not to workout, other than simply you didn't feel like it.
    Anyways, congrats on recognizing it. Now the next challenge is learning to accept that you will get the workout in SANS excuses. Training your mind to ignore those dark thoughts, and learning to embrace the suck is the next step. Baby steps though - no reason to force misery on yourself right now. But if you want to go longer or go faster, this is a mental discipline you must master.

    Its not for everyone, I know. But learn to do this, and you will find you can apply it to many other aspects of life. It's an amazing thing to experience!

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  7. I agree, it has to be FUN. That is the whole reason why we run, bike, swim! And if you aren't having fun, then what is the point? I also think it would be easier and more enjoyable if it was not in the middle of winter, simply because of the weather and road conditions... and like you say, for those shorter runs, it probably takes you more time to get ready and bundle up and then get undressed then it does to actually run that mile!

    I also agree with Nicole. I like to streak by doing some sort of workout every day for x amount of days. Usually I try to see how many weeks I can workout for 6 days a week, because I think rest is important too and life gets in the way. Also, sometimes it is ok to make excuses to take a day off.... as long as it is only 1 day off and you don't make those excuses all the time.

    Love reading your blog by the way!

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