Roanoker Judy Mick has gotten in a run every day since 1985 – every single day.
Now she is sharing her story and tips with other runners in her book, “Runner for Life: Stories and Running Tips from the Streaking Runner.” Mick also maintains a blog, where she details how she became the “streaking runner,” namely because she has not missed a day of running since Nov. 20, 1985.
Mick runs about 30 miles per week, depending on her training schedule, and tries to get in five to six marathons or half-marathons each year. She estimates that almost all of her runs, give or take 15 to 20 days each year, are outside.
Mick’s book though is about much more than her streak. She can be an inspiration for runners of any age or experience level.
“I wanted a book that the every day runner can relate to,” Mick said recently.
She also offers a few tips for runners so that they can get started and keep a running routine. The keys are having support from your family and maintaining a schedule. Mick said everyone she knows understands that she runs daily and they help accommodate her schedule.
“I can’t imagine not doing it,” she said noting that running offers physical and mental health benefits. “It is 15 minutes or two hours that’s your time – you and the road.
“It just makes you feel physically better and refreshes the brain.”
Mick also shared three tips on how to establish (and keep) a running routine:
- Sit down with your family and let them know what you are doing and why it is important to you.
- Invest in a good pair of running shoes. Get properly fitted; it will help you avoid injuries.
- Get it in your mindset that you are going to run. Make it a goal every day and establish smaller progress goals along the way.
Mick, who stresses a “run happy” philosophy, has participated in events across the Roanoke Region and up and down the East Coast, including the Star City Half Marathon. She's considering adding the Blue Ridge Marathon in 2013.
You can find Mick’s book at Amazon.com, read more on her blog, The Streaking Runner, and sign up for her newsletter that includes even more tips.
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