The Realities of Running Streaks: A Day in the Life
of a Runpreneur

Welcome back to the blog, dear readers! This is Kevin Brittain, and today I want to share with you the nitty-gritty realities of maintaining a running streak. Trust me, it's not always as glamorous as it might seem. There are times when obstacles seem insurmountable, and demotivation knocks insistently at your door. Today was one of those tough days for me, and I think it's important to share what juggling a run streak with a busy life is really like.

For some context, I'm on consecutive day 1595 of my running journey. My mission is simple yet profound: saving the lives of children by attempting the ultimate ultramarathon—a consecutive day run log that spans the distance of a lap around the world, all done barefoot. Your support through subscribing, sharing, liking, and commenting is crucial; the more people we reach, the more funds we raise, and ultimately, the more children's lives we save. So, thank you for being part of this journey with me.

Today presented quite a challenge. It’s a Saturday, and those are typically packed for me. I started my day early, refereeing my under-ten's football match. These are not just about running; they require focus, quick decision-making, and a fair amount of running around. Following this, I had to dash to ref another match for my eldest son’s under-fourteens. These young boys are essentially mini men, with all the energy and physicality that entails. During one of the matches, I even took a solid stamp on my right ankle, adding physical strain to an already hectic day.

After the football matches, it was time to celebrate my ten-year-old son’s birthday party. We rounded up his mates and headed off to one of those flipping fun places filled with trampolines and inflatables. It was a joy to watch them have so much fun, but it also meant I was on my feet and active throughout the afternoon. By the time we got back home, it was already around half past seven, pitch dark due to the advancing autumn, and I still hadn't eaten a full meal.

I’m aiming for healthier food choices these days, so grabbing a quick bite at McDonald's meant a grilled chicken salad that didn’t really hit the spot. Even by 11 PM, after dinner and some time with the family, the thought of putting on my running shoes was daunting, but I knew I had to hit the pavement.

Finally, I set out for my 7.5 kilometre run. It was cold—a biting 3 degrees centigrade—and dark. My sore ankle from the football match added to the struggle, making each step a painful reminder of the day's efforts. Despite already clocking 25,000 steps by then, the principle of my running streak compelled me to finish what I'd started.

And you know what? These are the runs that define a streak. The ones where everything conspires against you, and yet, you push through. It’s in these challenging moments that you learn the most about yourself. It’s not always about the easy runs that seamlessly fit into your day; it’s about the ones you manage to squeeze in against all odds. When the run is the last thing you want to do, and you do it anyway—that’s where the real reward lies.

For anyone contemplating starting a running streak, know this: it’s an incredible endeavour. It will shape you mentally, physically, and emotionally. It provides immense stress relief and a therapeutic outlet. But it's also real. There will be tough days when your dedication is tested.

If you have any questions or comments, drop me a line. I respond to everyone. And if you believe in my mission, please continue to support by subscribing, sharing, liking, and commenting. Together, we can make a difference, one step at a time.

Stay positive, stay happy, and as always, I’ll see you again tomorrow.

Kevin