December 25, 2009... Not only is it Christmas Day (and Shane MacGowan's birthday), but also represents exactly 20 years to the day since I took a day off from running.
A lot of things have changed over the years in my life and I feel like I am a somewhat different person than I was in 1989, but the one thing that has been constant is that I have gone for a run each and every day.
I plan to write a little more over the next few days about some of the things I have run through over the years, but right now it feels pretty good to sit back and take a look at the numbers and reflect on some of the runs over the years.
That's one heck of a streak Derrick...wow! So are you thinking of taking a little break after two decades of running every day? Hope the leg is on the mend. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteThat's freaking awesome dude!!
ReplyDeleteIn-effing-credible.
ReplyDeleteI guess suggesting a reward of taking a day off is not appropriate? ;)
Derrick,
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on the 20 year streak. Did you set out on to start a streak on Dec. 25th 1989 or did you look back and realize you were on a streak and just kept it going?
Thanks everyone. It's been a fun trip for the most part.
ReplyDeleteYassine and GZ...nope, I ran today, so guess I'll keep it going for now.
EJ,
I hadn't really set out to start a streak. I had gone over 115days in a row before that, but got frustrated with myself and decided that I needed to be a little more consistent, so decided to run everyday. Once it got to a certain point it sort of took on a life of it's own. I don't think about it much ahead of time, but sometimes think about past runs and challenges.
It was very exciting to run with you on the 25th to see you mark that big milestone. I can't imagine going even remotely that long without a day off, and it truly is an amazing accomplishment. Some of the stuff I've seen you run through has been tough to see, yet very inspiring at the same time. You've taught me a lot about dealing with adversity with strength of mind and spirit. Huge congrats, and nice to see you enjoy some 'victory lap' runs with your improving knee!
ReplyDeleteWish I could have been there to help mark the anniversary - would have been cool to see, but even better was getting out the next day, again. Good to hear the knee is starting to show signs of improvement.
ReplyDeleteAs you had said before, it is never a question of IF you'll run any day - just WHEN you'll run. Takes some of the stress off. Love it.
Congrats, are you getting a Tattoo or something to commemorate the event. It is worthy.
That's just nutty! Congrats...my longest streak is like 16 or 17 days!!
ReplyDeleteGR
Oh man, dum sister that I am ... had an amazing snowshoe and dinner with you guys last night and didn't even congratulate you. Please feel free to forget my birthday next year. Belated congratulations - you inspire both of us constantly!
ReplyDeleteD.
Same as on RM:
ReplyDeleteHUGE congrats Derrick! Truly, truly amazing, inspiring and insane. I can't think of anything that I've done every day for 20 years. Okay, so brushed my teeth. Oh, and loved my husband, but that's it. Well done Derrick. That's commitment, guts and grit. Congrats again.