Track Runner on a Running Streak – The Challenge and First Impressions

We have shouted it from the rooftops (amplified by WPCentral): Track Runner is squarely aimed at runners. However, being a runner does not mean you have to do daily marathons, have 10 pairs of shoes and call a beautiful bowl of pasta “binge carbing.” Being a runner is a mindset. It can be a pact you make with yourself – a running streak, or a training plan. You can be a runner! I can be a runner!

I’m not a fitness junkie. The only thing I can say for myself is that I am pretty determined and usually make things happen if I really want them to. I stumbled upon Marc Parent’s article A Season to Streak on Runner’s World and something just struck a nerve. I wanted to be that person who fought on through bad weather and pain to experience the beauty of the everyday. It was already well into December. Joining the Holiday Streak late seemed to be a feeble option. And thus the challenge was born: A New Year’s resolution! Running every day from January 1, 2014 until – well – we’ll see… It’s an experiment but something I have every intention of taking seriously. And I am not alone because I get to run with a great companion and get to improve alongside this trusted Track Runner. ;) The perks of developing a running app I’d say.

So, today, I started my streak in beautiful Boston weather and freezing (-3° C/26° F) temperatures, well protected by my pink power vest and hat, and too many other layers to individually describe. I was so well protected from the cold that I didn’t even freeze. It was only when starting to run uphill at about kilometer 3 that I felt a bit uncomfortable due to the difference of temperature in my body (working in overdrive to produce enough heat) and the surroundings.

And what about the Track Runner test? I am happy to report that it worked without hick-ups and the elevation profile that we are putting through its paces in our beta at the moment was pretty accurate. Success also on the app front so to say.

Now, I am preparing myself mentally for my past midnight run tomorrow early morning. As a snowstorm is supposed to hit Boston at 4 A.M. on Thursday, I decided to get the daily run in before things get too nasty outside. Call it cheating or real determination but I am already a bit excited about running in the middle of the night, something that I have definitely never done before!

How that went I will report tomorrow (that is if I was not run over by a Boston driver ;)).

Do you want to join me? Download Track Runner and lace up those running shoes.

Sarah of the App Cauldron Team