This week's goal is very simple: Sure, I'm still streakin', so I'm still running everyday, but right now that's a given, not the goal. The goal is to run 25 miles this week so that I can round out July with 100 miles.
I don't think I've ever had a triple digit mileage month in the summer before*, and I owe this largely to the streak, which has prompted me to get out there on a daily basis. While keeping the streak alive is easy on some days, it is tough on others when I really don't feel like running. Today was one of those days.
But, then I got encouragement from an unknown source. This morning, as I was running with Norah, a runner came up behind me and announced that she was passing me. I moved over to the edge of the sidewalk, and as she went by me she said, "You're doing an excellent job! Keep running, Mommy!" I don't know this runner, and have never seen her before on my route, but for some reason, her words felt so uplifting. I needed to hear that on a Monday morning when both my legs and my determination were a bit stiff. So, "Thanks Unknown! I appreciated it!"
*I may have very well run a triple digit mileage month(s) during the summer of 2007 when I was training for the Chicago Marathon. But, I'd have to go back to my log to look and, well, I don't feel like doing that.
I love it when people say nice things like that!
ReplyDeleteI have trouble running just me, without a stroller. I can't imagine! You definitely inspire me!!
ReplyDeleteThat's so nice! A few words from a stranger can go a long way sometimes. Good luck hitting that 100!
ReplyDeletei love the random comments! I swear they help both the person who says it and the receiver!
ReplyDeletethe power of an encouraging word...
ReplyDeleteI am impressed that you are getting out there every day in the Florida heat - especially while pushing Norah. Keep up the good work!!!
ReplyDeleteI love the accountability of the streak. triple digits here she comes........
ReplyDeleteRunners seem to be so supportive! When my friend and I were running our first 5K together and we were down to a 20min/mile pace...a couple of guys passed and yelled "Great job, ladies!". We knew that they had to be feeling so sorry for us. Here they were cruising like a bat out of China but they took the time to encourage the slow girls :)
ReplyDeleteYou're doing great! I'm considering going back to daily running (to which my sister says, "Well, obviously, you're not real great at sticking to a plan.") because without a goal like that, I tend to just be lazy and make excuses. You're doing great mileage, too! (I have a LOT of 1 mile days when I'm running daily.)
ReplyDeleteGreat job continuing the streak, you'll hit triple digits for sure.
ReplyDeleteYou motivate me too! I think to myself, if she can do it, then so can I! Keep it up, you can hit 100!
ReplyDeleteGooooo 100 miles!
ReplyDeletei've been uplifted by kind words from a stranger so many times - usually running - i LOVE it! now i try to "pay it forward" whenever i can. thanks for sharing all your great stories, running and non-running!
ReplyDeleteI would have stepped on her achilles as she went by. That's just me though!
ReplyDeleteHas Norah had a 100 mile month yet?
Come on triple digits! Keep up the good job and finish this week strong!
ReplyDeleteI'm inspired by your continued streaking. And by inspired I mean I'm totally gonna copy you now. Hope that's cool. :)
ReplyDeleteNice people rule!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great mood booster on a Monday morning!
ReplyDeleteRandom encouragement on a run always makes me feel better. I try to do that to other people when I'm driving. I'll give them the thumbs up or drive by slowly and tell them WTG or great job!
ReplyDeleteKeep streakin' till Norah can run with you! (just kidding of course!)
ReplyDeleteAwesome - both the comment and the goal!
ReplyDeleteYou are a bit closer to 100 than I am. I still have a little over 22 to go...
I don't think I've ever had a 100 mile month! Way to go Jess!
ReplyDeleteWhat a cool thing to hear! Yay anonymous runner and yay to you!
ReplyDeleteYOU CAN DO IT!
ReplyDeleteAnd I love the encouragement of other runners - I soak it all up!
Makes me wish I cheered on other runners more often. I'm just afraid it will come off weird between huffs and puffs.
ReplyDelete