The Psychology of the Streak: Navigating the Noticeable Lows

and Subconscious Highs

Today marks 1,921 consecutive days. To put that into perspective, I’ve been running every single day for about five and a third years. It’s a small slice of my 16.5-year vision, but a significant one when the weather is "chucking it down" as it was today. As I transition from summer into the wetter, windier autumn months, I’ve been reflecting on the true emotional landscape of a running streak.

Most people focus on the visible milestones, the first 100 days, the first 1,000 kilometres, or the stunning views from a coastal trail. But the reality of maintaining a streak on the road to 40,075km is far more nuanced. There is a constant tug-of-war between the noticeable lows and what I call the subconscious highs.

The Weight of the Noticeable Lows

If you are considering a running streak, you need to be prepared: you will likely encounter more noticeable lows than highs. These are the moments when motivation fails and procrastination takes over. Today was a prime example, windy, wet, and cold. For me, winter running is the hardest part of the year.

When the external conditions are bleak, the effort required to get out the door is immense. These lows are loud. They demand your attention and test your resilience. However, they are only half the storey.

The Power of Subconscious Highs

While the lows are noticeable, the subconscious highs completely outweigh them. These aren't the "highs" of a race finish or a sunny afternoon; they are the deeply ingrained, hidden benefits that have become a part of my DNA.

1. Connection with Nature: Even in the harshest conditions, there is a calming tranquility to being outside. It is scientifically proven to have a calming effect on the human body, providing a sense of peace regardless of how bad the rest of the day has been.

2. Hormonal Balance: Daily exercise creates positive endorphins. By getting these every day, I maintain a positive mindset and a stable mood that I simply wouldn't have otherwise.

3. The Release Valve: This vlog and my daily run serve as my coping mechanism for stress. It is my therapy, a way to unload the pressures of life through movement and voice.

The Long-Term Vision

I do this every day because the mission is bigger than my temporary comfort. We are raising £1M to save the lives of children, and every step brings me closer to that 40,075km lap of the world.

Pressure bursts pipes, and without the ability to unload daily stress through this streak, the mental toll of modern life can be fragile. By choosing the discipline of the run, I am protecting my mental health and ensuring I can continue this mission for the next decade.

The "noticeable" might be difficult, but the "subconscious" is what makes life worth living.