December 3, 2014

Why I'm Doing the Runner's World Winter 2014 Run Streak {Take 10 Minutes}

I did the Runner's World Run Streak (#RWRunStreakduring the summer and never got around to talking about it afterwards. It was the first time I actually stuck to a daily challenge. Even though there were days I thought for sure it would be over, I managed to sneak in at least a mile every day.  

I'm in the midst of one of the busiest months of the year for me and already have a couple other fun holiday challenges on my plate so on Thanksgiving, the day the annual RW 2014 Winter Run Streak started, I figured I wouldn't be participating in winter run streak. However I've changed my mind.  

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Why force myself to run at least 1 mile a day for 36 days from Thanksgiving until New Year's Day? 

Because I realized the busiest time of the year is exactly when I need to most. 

Getting myself back on a running schedule is a bonus.  I am doing the Run Streak because I need to give myself at least 10 minutes of day where I can sweat it out, force myself to breathe, and clear my head. (I convince myself to get a mile in by telling myself it'll only take ten minutes, by the way. )

 At least 10 minutes of watching Netflix on the treadmill. At least 10 minutes to center myself and focus on nothing else (but running at least a mile of course). At least 10  minutes without email, cell-phone, social media, or work. It's like my meditation time. 


Last night I thought a workout wasn't happening but hopped up on the treadmill to get my mile in and got sucked into an episode of Scandal on Netflix. Even though I wasn't thinking about how slow my pace was or how many calories I probably burned, that wasn't what mattered. 10 minutes turned into almost 30, some of the stress of the day melted away, and I felt a little better than I had before I hopped on the treadmill.  

I skipped the day after Thanksgiving because I didn't think I was doing this but now I'm in it.  I know I can do it so that's not the reason I'm streaking. I'm not doing it for a prize (there are none). I'm doing it for me.  So I'm going to be streaking until New Year's Day and not make it a stressful chore each day but rather something to look forward to!

I'm streaking because I know this busy month I need to take the time for myself each day where I can forget about what's going on, for at least a mile.

I encourage you to find something to do this holiday season as the year winds down where you can take 10 minutes to yourself and forget about the stresses of life. That could be yoga, meditation, journaling, or just enjoying a cup of tea without distractions.  I know everyone could use 10 minutes of peace in their lives this holiday season. 


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Here's a nifty little tracking chart I made that I printed out so I can put a check mark in each circle for each of the 36 days of running I complete. Feel free to use it and join me in the challenge!


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How do you make time for yourself during a busy time of the year? What's your favorite TV show right now? 

20 comments:

  1. Making time for myself is a struggle during 'regular' hours so I hit the gym at close to 4am or meet people at around 5am to get runs in. Current favorite TV shows are Grimm and Constantine.

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    1. Grimm always looks interesting when I see the commercials!

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  2. Good for you! That is fantastic and you never regret going for a run and most times feel so much better afterward, no matter the distance or pace. I think I more need to give myself the disconnect time you talked about! I'm going to aim for 20 minutes a day of no technology!

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    1. Thanks for reading! Disconnecting seems hard at first but is fabulous when you realize how much time you actually have!

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  3. That's a great goal! I am always in awe of those that do a running streak as my body can't handle running more than a couple of days in a row. It just doesn't like it. Good luck!

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    1. Thanks-I like that it's only a mile that you can run or walk. It feels good to have a goal, too!

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  4. I am participating in the run streak too! I wasn't going to do it (I've never done a run streak and I am just healing from an injury) but I was encouraged by another runner and I am LOVING it so far! Just like you said- that one mile (at least) every day is my stress relief!

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  5. I too am participating in the Runner's world Run Streak! So far I haven't missed one! Let's see if I can keep it up. Today I am planning on venturing outside now that it's above 30! This is my first time doing a run streak. I usually never run more than 2 days back to back.
    Good luck to you!

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    1. Good luck to you too-I'm sure you're going to rock this streak!

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  6. Love this!! And this is why I am running every day as well!

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    1. Awesome-it feels great to get moving every single day!

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  7. Congrats on streaking! I'm streaking with you ;-) My goal is not only the daily runs, but also to do them outside...in Iowa. So far, so good ;-) Last winter, I think I only had two "inside" runs throughout the streak due to extreme cold and ice. The 'mill is not my friend, so I can find any excuse imaginable to get outside LOL

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  8. Good luck! I did it last year and loved it, but had to stop right afterwards so I didn't get injured. But it was awesome taking time each day to run!

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  9. Goodluck on completing your running streak! I have already failed since earlier this week I was sick. But I am not doing the challenge anyways. I do not like to committ to something bc when I don't do it I become disappointed in myself. I still try to do something physical everyday. -L

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    1. I totally believe I feel better if I sweat everyday!

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  10. Good luck with the streak! I've been back and forth on it. I did it last year and it was great, but opted out. You make such an excellent argument for it though. This time of the year it can be so hard to find motivation.

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    1. Thanks so much-it's been easier than I thought to sneak it a mile a day so far!

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