I’m not a natural runner. At school I dreaded PE as I was not gifted with athletic ability or hand-eye coordination. Yet somehow, I have become a runner, and yes, I have become one of those weirdo’s who seems to actually enjoy it. I’m not particularly fast, I don’t have a great technique, but I can put one foot in front of the other.
Since 2018, I’ve been out for a run most days. My current runstreak is nearing 1000 consecutive days (fingers crossed and touch wood). Averaging 5km a day, it’s seen me running through all sorts of weather and all sorts of places, and I’m constantly surprised that I’m still going. It’s amazing how it adds up.
Why I love runstreaking
When the alarm goes off, I’m on auto-pilot. I’ve been doing this for so long now that my brain doesn’t have time to try and talk me out of it as I change into my running kit and slide my feet into my trainers.
I love being out first thing before most people wake up. It feels as though I have a place to myself, I get to witness some spectacular sunrises (and some terrible weather too), and I’m more likely to see some wildlife. Sometimes, I’ll just stand a while and absorb the sights and sounds of the world, letting nature work its magic on my well-being, but I run every step of my route.
There’s also something amazing that goes on in my head when I run. I’ve no idea how it happens, and I don’t consciously think about it but, thoughts smooth out, disjointed ideas become a plan and I feel a sense of perspective and gratitude.
You could say I don’t necessarily love the running, but I definitely love what it gives me.
Taking The Runstreak On The Road
The other half and I have been lucky to do some travelling during the current run streak; backpacking in Asia and camper-vanning around Europe.
The running kit always gets packed. It doesn’t take up much space, but there are times when it needs a wide berth between washes!
To encourage you to take your run, walk, hike or roll on your travels, I thought I’d share some of the memorable moments:
Most extreme running
High up in the Arctic Circle, I ran at the most northerly point of mainland Europe. Summer there is pleasantly warm so I didn’t need thermal layers.
Finishing at the cliff edge felt like reaching the end of the world as I looked across the ocean, where the next land mass would be the North Pole.
Most hazardous running
Vietnam was a challenge for running due to the busy roads. There was usually some sort of pavement, but I’d have to slalom around the hundreds of scooters that used it for parking.
Thick black cables hung low across streets providing power to street food carts, adding a head-height peril into the mix of things to be aware of.
Busy junctions had traffic lights, but vehicles seldom paid attention to these. The only way to cross the constant stream of traffic was to be bold and just walk. Scooters easily swerve between pedestrians, it’s the cars I had to watch out for.
Most surprising running
The Dolomites were a spectacular backdrop for running, with plenty of signposted trails through the craggy mountainous countryside.
I’d never anticipated that the movement I’d spotted amongst the grass would be a marmot! The cute, flat-headed furry rodents kept popping their heads out of the ground as I ran through their territory.
Scariest running
Although I didn’t actually see one, it dawned on me as I entered a trail through a forest in Sweden, that I had no idea what to do if I met a moose. They are mighty big beasts! I didn’t know how they would react to a puny human so decided to turn back and stick to the relative safety of the roads.
Running along a quiet road in Albania I had to stop and take a picture of the snake that had been run over. There’s no way I’d have got so close if it had still been slithering! It was a reminder of what could be hiding in the undergrowth, and that I should stick to the paved tracks.
Friendliest running
I loved running in Japan. The people were quiet but always smiled, even the security guard in a neatly pressed uniform who pointed his gloved hand at the sign indicating I couldn’t run through that particular park.
The most outwardly friendly folk I have encountered were the Vietnamese. I had high fives, enthusiastic cheers, and requests for a photo when I was out running!
Most cowardly running
I had a close encounter with some cows and their calves on a country lane in Ireland. They were not afraid, but I was, and I jumped over a gate into the driveway of a house as they picked up the pace running towards me and down the hill.
Moments later a fraught farmer called out ‘the cows have escaped, stay there!’, as he roared past on his quad bike. I waited until he came back giving me the all clear before I carried on.
Most beautiful running
Waking up to a pastel pink sky with snow capped mountains reflecting on the surface of the lake we’d camped next to, I was excited to get out and get the legs moving. Aside from the single road that crossed Sognefjellet pass in Norway, the scenery felt untouched.
The breathtaking views, peacefulness, fresh air, sunrise, and snow made this one of my all time favourite runs.
Toughest running
It’s not the late nights, long days, dancing or cider that make running at Glastonbury festival tough, although of course they don’t make it any easier. It’s being the weirdo that runs at a festival that is hard.
It’s the most self conscious and exposed I’ve ever felt when running. I’ve been met with all sorts of responses, from encouraging claps and friendly smiles, to comments of ‘What the hell?’, ‘You’re at a festival, you fool’ and ‘Give it a rest will ya?’.
Although there may not be many of us, there are others, and it’s such a joy to see another oddball in their running kit. There is a positive to morning running at Glastonbury though – the portaloos have often been cleaned and the queues for them are much smaller!
I’m a big advocate of streaking
I don’t mean taking your clothes off, but rather doing something over consecutive days. Whether it’s running, riding, rolling, wheeling, hiking, walking, skipping, it’s incredible how it all adds up, how far you can cover, and the adventures you can have.
Bio
Based in York, Sally is a regular runner, loves a good new year’s resolution, and has been challenging herself to try 52 new things a year since 2018. From the daft to the daring, the easy to the extreme, and everything in between, she loves an adventure – whatever the size.