In June 2020, I made a decision to run just one mile. It was a time when the pandemic had me feeling confined and overwhelmed by the demands of working and parenting full-time from home. I needed an outlet, something just for me. I set a goal to run a mile every day leading up to my birthday, which was just a week away. What started as day seven morphed into day 10, and before I knew it, three months had passed. Once I hit 90 days, there was no turning back, especially with day 100 on the horizon. Soon enough, 100 days turned into 200, and now I’ve been running a mile daily for over a year.
Initially, I hoped to become a runner like my partner, who thrives on the sport, discussing running routes, personal records (PRs), and gear. However, I found that I didn’t share that enthusiasm. Timing myself to run faster only added stress, so I decided that my focus would simply be on completing a mile, irrespective of how fast I went. The streak itself became my daily PR. I typically followed the same route and didn’t even invest in new running shoes. After logging over 365 miles, I can honestly say that running isn’t my passion. What I truly appreciate is the post-run feeling and the empowerment that comes from not allowing myself to make excuses. My determination to maintain the streak has driven me forward.
With this commitment, I found myself running through all kinds of weather and circumstances. I ran with a headlamp after putting my kids to bed, braved a 45-mile-an-hour windstorm dodging fallen branches, and even ran in a blizzard while chanting, “run like a penguin.” I dressed in tank tops, hoodies, raincoats, and parkas, running through significant life events like my youngest starting kindergarten, Halloween, New Year’s Eve, and vaccination days. Most importantly, I ran on the day I decided to pause the streak.
Before anyone in my family was vaccinated, both of my children were quarantined after an exposure to COVID-19 at before-school care. A week later, my youngest tested positive, while the rest of us remained negative. That phone call from the doctor brought a wave of fear, especially for my five-year-old, as we isolated ourselves in our home. The best-case scenario involved my daughter experiencing mild symptoms while the rest of us stayed healthy, leaving us housebound for 20 days. The alternative was unthinkable, and the weight of it all was overwhelming.
In this tumultuous time, I redirected my focus solely to my family. With little else under my control, I made the decision to stop the streak. Throughout the day, I reassured myself that this was an okay choice. I tried to push thoughts of running aside and even moved my running shoes away from the door. As I prepared for bed, my older daughter asked if I would start the streak again someday, to which I replied that I didn’t know. After more than 200 days, could I really begin anew at zero? In that moment, I realized I still had a choice. Though I wasn’t sure what the next day would bring, I felt healthy that night.
I rearranged our home to create a running route for laps inside. Setting the oven timer for 12 minutes, I donned my mask and cranked up Bruce Springsteen on Alexa as I ran. My five-year-old must have heard my footsteps because she appeared at the top of the stairs, clapping for me as I passed. Step by step, she moved down the stairs, her applause unwavering. My older daughter joined in, banging a spoon on a pot with each lap I completed. My partner held our dog back to prevent her from chasing me. I snapped photos throughout the run to capture this moment of family unity amid uncertainty. Even in our fear and overwhelm, we supported one another; we were in this together.
Throughout the isolation and quarantine, I continued my laps at home, with my family cheering me on, transforming these monotonous days into something special. After three rounds of tests and 20 long days of isolation, my partner and older daughter remained COVID-negative.
What began as a personal goal evolved into a family endeavor. My children tracked the days of my streak, excitedly preparing for my one-year celebration. My partner, a long-time distance runner, stood as my biggest cheerleader. He celebrated my snowy runs, pointed out the unique challenges I faced, and never complained when my alarm went off at 5:30 a.m. for a pre-work run. Instead, he expressed pride and went back to sleep. He also introduced me to podcasts, which distracted me during my runs, leading me to listen to over 100 hours of content, with favorites like The Moth and Dolly Parton’s America.
Over the past year, I’ve noticed my legs growing stronger and my endurance increasing. However, the most significant change has been in my confidence and self-worth. I set a goal and achieved it. Although I haven’t purchased new running shoes, I did invest in hiking boots. The miles I’ve run have opened my eyes to the joy of physical challenges and taught me that exercise is more about mental strength than physical ability. Next month, I plan to hike Katahdin, Maine’s highest peak at 5,269 feet, marking the end of the Appalachian Trail. After that, my running streak may very well come to a close.
Ultimately, the goal wasn’t about the distance I could run but about the act of setting and achieving a goal. As I navigate my 40s with kids, a full-time job, and life’s challenges, I’ve discovered a sense of who I can be when I remove excuses, dig deep, and embrace possibility.
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Summary:
Over a year of running a mile daily has transformed my life, fueling my confidence and sense of self-worth. From navigating the challenges of the pandemic to discovering the support of my family, the experience has taught me the importance of setting and achieving goals. While I may not enjoy running, the journey has empowered me to embrace physical challenges and explore new possibilities.