#129 - Should I Run Every Day In 2022?
In this week’s blog/podcast I will answer the question;
“Should I run every day?”
This time of year many are picking which exercises that they want to take on to start the new year. Some may pick up running in 2022 to get healthier. When starting a running practice, you may begin to love it so much that you will be tempted to do it every day. Should you? Read on for thoughts from the running community. Press play to hear my full thoughts on this subject. In this week’s podcast, I will also give shout-outs to local members for an amazing 2021.
My blog posts are my notes for the podcast, enjoy!
Coach Tadris @
First Day 5k, O.C., N.J
When I ruptured my patella tendon in my right knee in 2009, it was a long road back to running. It was a road worth traveling for sure. The alternative road would have been an easy street of not doing anything challenging and just resting my knee. That road would have taken me to a life full of limping around and sitting on the bench watching others play. I did not listen to those who told me that I was too old for basketball. I began to get back into running. Runner's World Magazine inspired me to do so. There was a book called Run Less, Run Faster. I returned to 5k racing in 2012. This book got me to run my fastest 5k even before my injury.
The book encouraged only running 3 key days per week, no matter the race distance that you are training for. This philosophy got me inspired to start my program, to launch my website, to start my podcast, and to write this blog that you are reading now.
I started a streak of my own, although I only run 3 days per week. I started a streak of running or walking at least a mile per day. My streak started in November 2019 and is still going. I wanted to keep moving daily and wanted to encourage all humans on the planet to do the same. A lot of people can not run but no matter how old you are, you can begin a walking streak.
Although it is advised for beginners to stick to running just 3 days per week, I did take this question to the Streak Runners International to get their take on it. Should I run every day? These guys all have amazing running streaks and started their streaks at different stages in life. Read below to get the words straight from the runner's mouth.
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Streak Runners Comments
Stacey - I started as a very beginner at one mile per day. I was slow, and it was hard. I didn’t break 3 miles until probably 3 or 4 months into my streak. But the consistency of the daily run streak is what allowed me to stick around long enough to notice the difference. As I improved, I ran more. Like, 25.2 more 😆
Streaking isn’t for everyone, but it worked for me!!
Lauren (PA) - Asking in a Streaker group if you should run every day is just asking for trouble, lol.
But, a beginner runner should not start a run Streak on day one of running.
Frederick - Absolutely listen to your body — it’s the vehicle of your dreams. But the progression is doable: 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, etc. Fibonacci should have been a Streak Runners International member.
John - There are hundreds of millions of runners and a few thousand registered streakers. What is your next question?
Adam - After doing it for 4 years I would not recommend it to anyone. You have to have some special issues going on that will make you run every day no matter what.
Natalie - Hard to say but I think a streak is good for someone who's had a bit of running experience and they know how to listen to their body and how it reacts to running and all the stuff that comes with it.
I wouldn't discourage a beginner. Just encourage listening to your body 🙂
Kevin - The question "should I run every day?" doesn't specify 1) How much /and or 2) How hard. A 15-minute jog per day scarcely faster than a walk with no days of indefinitely isn't going to "overdo" anybody.
Carl - Kevin R. Collins I was about to post the same. People ask me how I manage it daily, they tried it and they couldn't do it for a week, etc.
I'm not out trying to get a pace/distance PB, whereas those who can't do it for a week are trying to beat yesterday. I'm not training for an event. Some days are very slow and short.
Ross (Australia) Streakers run every day..that’s why it’s called a Streak. Beginners should run 2 or 3 days a week and build up before signing on to do a streak.
Annika (Sweden) I was in a bad shape when I began my first run streak, in august 2018. I ran just one mile slowly. In January the following year, I ran my first 5K in about 25 years. So my answer is, it is possible, to begin with, to run a streak without experience, but you need to run slowly and short distances in the beginning.
Voila (Sweden) I was out of shape when I started. For the first 30 days, I ran 2k per day. I am now on RSD188 and run 5k per day. I have not had any injuries at all. Good luck!
Stephen (TN) I didn't plan on starting my streak when I did, I just went running, then ran the next day and the next, after 10 days in a row, I thought 'let's see how long I can go.'. .. Well, I'm still going. Today is RSD#2339 and 77 straight months with at least 100 miles too.
Dickie (NO) I ran every day for 10 years, 11 months, and my streak was broken when recently I got an intestinal virus for a day. Immediately started a new streak. I am 84 years old. Plan to run every day till I pass on.
Trish - Non-streakers will say "no" and quote medical reasons why it's bad for you. Streakers will tell you how many years they've been doing it! 🤣
Mark - I don't think I'd start with running every day right off the bat, but you don't need to have been running for years - just build up slowly and make sure to have enough easy/minimum distance days particularly as you get used to it.
Final Thoughts
Thank you all for your insightful comments. For anyone reading this, remember this one thing; You are the captain of your ship/body. If you choose to start a running streak take it easy for a few months of 3-4 days per week before you dive right into a streak. Read some of my previous blogs about breathing, finding the right sports bra, or running with a heart-rate monitor. If you do dive right into a streak, listen to your body and back off when feeling any pain.
What are your thoughts?
Please leave a comment below.
No matter what you choose, always remember this:
Keep Calm And Run To The Best You!
-Coach Tadris
PHOTO OF THE WEEK
Members Leonard and wife Marla runs a 5k while on vacation in Mexico.
Thank you Leonard for packing your shirt and representing the crew!
Thank you both, its a honor to help you continue to run around the world!