PUBLISHED 04/01/2006
It takes a certain kind of runner to find the strength and dedication to get up and run every single day--sometimes for decades on end. These so-called "streak runners" are a rare breed who manage to run through injuries and natural disasters, all in the name of keeping their records alive. Here, a few streakers tell how they keep lacing up their shoes, no matter what.
John Strumsky
66, Millersville, Maryland
His streak: Strumsky is president of the U.S. Running Streak Association (runeveryday.com), a club with more than 140 members who have at least a one-year-long running streak. Strumsky not only has a 23-year-long running streak, but for the last 14 years he's run twice a day every day.
Keeping it alive: "No matter how many years you've been running, the hardest part is always taking that first step out the door," says Strumsky, a former Marine who started running at 42. "The trick is to always remember that you'll feel better after a run than before it."
Ron Hill
67, Accrington, England
His streak: Hill hasn't missed a day of running in 42 years. He's also run three Olympic Marathons, has a PR of 2:09:28, and is on track to run a race in 100 different countries by his 70th birthday.
Keeping it alive: "Everybody gets achy or occasionally has too many drinks the night before," says Hill, who founded Ronhill and Hilly Clothing Company, performance apparel makers. "So on days when I'm having trouble getting out the door, I promise myself that I'll take it easy, that I'll start as slowly as possible. Soon enough that slow, easy pace turns into a nice stride and I've run another day."
