Day 828... The Day The #WOMSStreak Run Streak Ended

I knew this day would come and it would be ridiculously emotional and it was.

Today I officially ended my runstreak on Day 828.

My Ohana - my family - my Slumbrew Happy Soles - surprised me and came out to join me.

*Cue the tears*

Not only did this amazing group come out and run 4 miles with me they spoiled me with balloons, signs, fun headgear and more. (Sign by Monica and headgear/balloons by Colleen)

Thank you isn't enough for this amazing group of people that I have the honor of calling not only teammates, but friends and motivators.

In addition to the above, there were a couple of special gifts passed my way.

My girl Susan of Lifestyles of a Fashionista got me a personalized Momentum footnote to commemorate the streak.

The amazingly sweet Jill brought me this special bracelet she bought in Denver. I will wear this each and every day as I work to find the key to inner peace. The bracelet came from the Giving Key. Read more about this amazing movement now!

And finally, while I may not have gotten it in person today, the thoughtful Becca even made me personalized bling for the occasion. Poor Becca was home sick so she couldn't join us today, but I can't wait to get - what will be one of my most prized medals - next time I see her.

*Cue the tears again*

If the streak had to come to an end, I can't think of a better way to celebrate!

It was a tough decision, but with increasing knee and hip pain it was time to put it at rest and focus on healing and getting stronger for the 2017 races. I mean I do have 2 marathons and 2 half ironmans on the calendar. :)

Some have asked if there is any significance in 828. There isn't. The streak needed to end sooner than I wanted (which was day 1000) so I wanted the number to be a palindrome since I have a special love of palindromes.

Then my friend Monica did some research. 828 in numerology is a 9 (8+2+8=18, 1+8=9). 9 has some great characteristics.

Additionally, Monica found the importance of 18 in the Jewish tradition. 828 can be 8+2+8 = 18!

Man did I pick a good day or what?

Over 828 days:

I covered 3,841 miles (4.63 mi avg per day)
I completed 26 half marathons, 5 marathons and 1 ultra marathon
I did what I had to to get it in: got up at 2:30 am to get a mile in, ran around a parking lot before a road trip home, meandered through a mile after some wine, etc

Year 1 and Year 2 #WOMSStreak celebrations

I started the #WOMSStreak on 10/25/14 to rekindle my love of running. I took it day by day. However long it lasted - it would last. I had tried streaking 2-3 times in the past and found I injured myself or the run - even a mile - felt like a chore.

But this time it was been different. I looked forward to my run. It was me time. It was amazing to see what my body could do AND the support I had from family, friends and blog readers.

Something that made this streak different than ones in the past was varying the pace. I made sure I didn't go full throttle every run. That is the joy of running with friends. Many people say to me "I don't want to slow you down." PLEASE I am happy to be out there, moving with a friend... especially if we get a coffee or a beer after. I love being a part of other people's journeys and training plans so it motivates me to get out there.

The streak was more than just a run it was a great relief for my mind, body and soul.

Would I recommend a streak? Sure. I think there is no harm in giving it a whirl. IF you are doing it for YOU and not because a bunch of other people are trying. But if you don't try it you will never know if it is for you or not. And maybe like me you have to try it 3 or 4 times. ;)

Thank you to each and every one of you that spent any of those miles with me and those that supported me along the way. This was a life-changing experience... :)

Don't worry all you will still see a ton of running selfies as I am training for the Boston Marathon with Tedy's Team to #FightStroke. You just won't see them every day!