Streaking Through the Holidays: A Runner’s Journey

Turkey Trot and Pasta Prep

I’ve embarked on a thrilling adventure – a holiday running streak, where I’ll aim to run at least one mile every day from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day. This week, I kicked off my streak with a 3.5-mile run on Thursday, working up an appetite for my turkey meatballs and pasta dinner. With a 15K race looming on Saturday, I knew I needed to get in some prep miles.

Rise and Shine

When time is scarce, an early morning run is the perfect solution. On Friday, I rose a bit earlier to squeeze in a 1.5-mile run before boarding a bus to D.C. for the 15K race. It was a quick jaunt to get some fresh air and check off day 9 of the challenge.

Hot Chocolate Disappointment

Saturday’s 15K D.C. race didn’t quite live up to my expectations. Waking up at 4:30 am, braving sub-40 temps, and dealing with traffic chaos wasn’t exactly what I had planned. Despite the challenges, I managed a respectable 1:23:33 finish time.

Sunday Funday

After a fun night out in the nation’s capital, I returned to New York tired but eager to stretch my legs. A leisurely Sunday night stroll around town was just what I needed, followed by a well-deserved trip to my favorite Mexican restaurant for quac and a gigantic burrito.

Rewarding Runs

It’s become apparent that my reward for running is always food! Whether it’s pasta, chocolate milk, or a juicy burrito, I’m motivated by the promise of a tasty treat at the finish line.

The Streak Continues

On Monday, I faced a dreaded morning run, but remembered Tish Hamilton’s advice to keep every run easy. Tuesday brought rain, forcing me onto the treadmill – not my favorite. Wednesday’s rain didn’t help my mood, but I’m looking forward to a change of scenery soon.

The Future of My Streak

As I wrap up Week 2, I’m excited to mix up my runs and explore new routes. With a half marathon on the horizon, I’ll soon be tackling longer runs in Central Park, on the West Side Highway, and across NYC bridges. Bring it on!

What motivates you to run? Would you streak for chocolate, pasta, or something else entirely?