Streakin’ in Memory

The run streak…. Proponents tout that it will get you moving and become a better runner, the opponents warn of dreaded injuries and intensive recovery times. The official definition of a running streak, as adopted by the Streak Runners International, Inc., and United States Running Streak Association, Inc., yes, they actually exist, “is to run at least one continuous  mile (1.61 kilometers) within each calendar day under one's own body power (without the utilization of any type of health or mechanical aid other than prosthetic devices). Running under one's own body power can occur on either the roads, a track, over hill and dale, or on a treadmill. Running cannot occur through the use of canes, crutches or banisters, or reliance on pools or aquatic devices to create artificial buoyancy. “

This will be my second attempt at a run streak, the first one ending after 3 days due to a plantar fasciitis flare up, but feeling confident that my foot ailments are behind me and ready to try again. This streak will also be extremely personal since the first day, July 20, signifies the date my mother was diagnosed with leukemia and will end on her last day, November 4. During these 107 days, I will pay homage to her struggles and bravery, while continuing with my own personal growth. Adding to my sufferings, I’ve decided to participate in the Freedom’s Run 26.2 mile dash through four National Parks - Harpers Ferry, the C&O Canal, Antietam National Battlefield, and the Potomac Heritage Trail- on October 12, 2013. Leaving me with less than 12-weeks to train…

My spring running was off to a good start with a 13.1 mile trek through the Roanoke  mountains for the Blue Ridge Half-Marathon followed by the Historic Half and the dreaded Hospital Hill a month later, but haven’t run more than 7 straight miles since. I’m hoping that all my time on the bike this summer, including that Bike VA's brutal 64-miler, has kept me fit enough to catapult into week 8 of a 20-week marathon training plan. Wish me luck!