Stride Run Streak

A local store 'Strides', every December, encourages/challenges runners to run every day for the month of December.  It's become known amongst the crazies (er runners) as the Stride Run Streak.

The first I heard of it was last year, deemed it crazy, and went about regular holiday prep.  This year with a suggestion from a friend, I jumped on board.  How hard can this be to run a mile every day?

A few people would say to me "You are really going to run on Christmas Day?"  I always thought "sure why not?"  Then "oh wait, did I tell my husband that?"  Thankfully, as usual, he is more than supportive of this craziness.  Only laughing slightly when I get off the treadmill at 10:30 at night.

I've run in Banff, many times on the treadmill in front of the Christmas tree, in the afternoon with the kids around me and my two year taking photos.  I've run three times in jeans, too tired at 10pm at night to change.  Even once in pyjamas.  Once I hit Day 16, the nights I really wanted to quit, I'd tell myself "I'm over halfway, why quit now?"

I've uploaded all of my runs to Strava.  And was pretty amazed last night when I saw that this month compares pretty closely in mileage and hours, to my heaviest training month (April) leading up to the Calgary Marathon beginning of June.  In April I ran 15 hours, and 141 kilometers.  At Day 22 today I sit at 10 hours and 102.  Not too far off and still another 10 days to go.  Those miles really do add up!

There are some great things I've taken from this.  The online comraderie of other streakers on Facebook, from a community I don't normally run with as the store is down South, has been really fun.  I never thought I'd be able to run every single day in a row.  I can.  That from someone who for the past year plus, has struggled to get in three runs a week.  It's great to see what I actually have in me heading into marathon training in January.

I have a secret goal of a certain distance to finalize all of this on December 31st.  When I finish I plan on treating myself to some new run gear.  Maybe a new hat, and a new Buff.  Then I might, might, take January 1st off.  But then again, it would be a nice way to start a New Year :)

Checking in on the Christmas Crazies

How are you all doing?  Christmas is now just 20 days away.  Holy cats!  And with the Christmas Season comes all the craziness that goes along with it.

My task this week has been to wrap and mail all the things that need to get to other places.  I got my last package out this morning, but still have Christmas cards to go. On top of Christmas I also have my sons birthday to prepare for, so have an additional list for that.  This week was getting out his birthday invitations.  Seems really early for a January birthday, but with Christmas Holidays in there, if they didn't get out the beginning of December, there was no other time to invite his school friends.  Phew!

Amidst all the busyness of lists and things to do, I also try to find an overall sense of peace and calm.  Other than a few items, all of my holiday shopping was done in November.  I really like not having to rush to stores in December.  My husband leaves all his shopping for me until Christmas Eve Day.  I have no idea how this doesn't drive him crazy.  He also manages to get it done in only a few hours.  I'm always so impressed by that (and glad I'm not the one doing it!).

I find my knitting has started coming with me every where so I can get a few stitches in amongst normal daily life, and I'm staying up later just to try and get projects done.  Every Christmas I tell myself I'll only do a few handmades, but the list always grows.  I just can't help it, but that is a whole other post.

I'm getting items crossed off, and other things added on.  How are you doing?

I came across this video on Facebook yesterday - it made me smile.  I hope it makes you smile too.

Verdict is In!

Last week I went and had my hair cleaned up by my hairdresser I've been seeing for a number of years now.  I was a little bit nervous about the appointment as it was my first cut since going product free.  This could go two ways.  My hair was in horrible condition and WHY would I do this? or Wow your hair is awesome!

When I first sat down in the chair and told her I was no longer using product, she laughed and said "You're no fun".

As she started cutting my hair, halfway through her tune changed.  She said my hair (which is very fine) felt thicker.  That the hair cuticle itself seemed thicker, and my hair was healthier!

Product free for the win!  She was then very interested to hear about my switch to baking soda and apple cider vinegar, and about a month ago, the move to using Rocky Mountain Soap products.

After my last post about going shampoo free, a friend and reader suggested the Rocky Mountain Soap products.  It's a perfect fit.  The products come unscented, and they also have no sulfates (the shampoo even has apple cider vinegar in it!).  Win!  I find I'm using the shampoo and conditioner just as frequently as I was using the baking soda combo (about every 4 days).

After the trip to my hairdresser I'm now feeling even better about my choice to drop sulfate hair products. What about you.  Would you ever make the switch?