March 22, 2012

A Running Streak. 812 Days and Counting...


By Bino M. 

I’m not Will, as a matter of fact, we are miles apart.  Not to mention, he’s much better looking.  You see, he’s a thinker and I’m a stinker. What we do have in common is the love of running.  I love, not only running, but watching, talking and reading about running.  However, my running has no plan.  Will's (or Willie is what I call ‘em) does.  My runs aren’t scheduled.  Distance unplanned, pace who knows, time who cares.  This would not work with the cerebral or the thinking man.

What I do know is I will run today and tomorrow for sure.  I’m a numbers guy.  You probably know someone like me. A  mileage junkie! The road is my friend. I count everything.  Today is #812 of consecutive days running (6,780 miles). The occasional five  miles is the minimum, however the average is 8.3 for the streak, and the most was a 115 miler that was good enough for first place in the 2010 Nanny Goat 24 hour endurance challenge

My O.C.D. was ruining my marriage so I fixed it.  I got my wife on a running streak (she is 65 days behind me), all is good in Camelot.  Whether it’s 5 or 25, I run everyday.  It started with another attempt at a Jan.1st fresh start, trying only for 365 days.  Now I not only want to run until “The End," but that day too.  It’s become larger than life, bigger than me.  My family and friends question my motive and my sanity. Is there any logic to this? I don’t know.  What I do know, is that  I will run today and tomorrow for sure.  I can’t stop....That would kill me!  Gee, for the first time I think I see a problem, “I love it”.  My previous streak was 9 days, years ago.  I spend way too much time working the streak, monitoring and worrying  about this streak.  This isn’t that free and easy running that the masses subscribe to.  This is the self induced high pressure, no fun, day in and day out battle of the mind & body that will no doubt lead to a DNF from this “Main Street Marathon." Again, I  love it!!!

As for tomorrow’s pace, who knows, the distance who cares, tapers, splits or LSD?  Could care less. What I do know is I will run at least 5 miles (probably 10 – 12) and enjoy every step of the way, and then....? Think about the next run. Be careful what you wish for, you just might get it! I love running.....every day!

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

SO good...LOVE this article..reminds of a Dr. Suess Runner! Truly inspired!

EricG said...

Fun read Bino!!! Careful what you wish for, for sure. Peace E

Will Cooper said...

Bino...thanks for the contribution to the blog and make sure you stay healthy!

Anonymous said...

this guy just likes to talk about himself .why don't you just focus on 1 race ? instead of running just to extend your street .freaks like you will injure trying to run when you're not resting properly .

Unknown said...

Awesome stuff!!!

Serena - Aspiring Ultra Runner said...

Wow!! This is truly inspiring. I have made excuses for so many years and I think my consecutive daily running record is about 3 haha. 812 is a very impressive number. Bless =)