Streak Notes - Summer 2011

STREAK NOTES: SUMMER 2011

--George A. Hancock

Windber, PA – Here is a Summer question to ponder. What is the troubling event that has the potential to quickly end or cripple a daily running streak? Most runners would quickly answer a physical injury. However, there is a more insidious running streak crippler lurking out there.

Mother Nature and her wicked weather patterns have the potential to drastically alter, cripple or halt our daily running streaks. Recent terrible weather events really underscore this point. A runner need only examine the weather consequences from the late April 2011 tornadoes in Alabama or the May tornadoes that brought havoc to Joplin. Runners should examine that massive earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan. Or, review that May flooding along the Mississippi River.

Lars Anderson recently wrote a powerful account of the recent tornado destruction in SPORTS ILLUSTRATED. The May 23, 2011 cover story WHAT THE TORNADO TOOK TUSCALOOSA was heartbreaking. Every streak runner needs to read this moving account of Mother Nature’s dynamic force.

In many cases individuals had no time to prepare for or escape from these massive storms. Many people were facing life or death decisions. The question now was not whether one would get the run in that day but rather would we survive and live another day.

Those April 27, 2011 tornadoes killed over 238 people. Severe weather forecasters estimate that 60 plus tornadoes ripped through the region. One tornado cut a 6-mile destructive path. The devastation was one-half mile to 1-mile wide. What does one do if they find themselves trapped somewhere in the middle of this demonic storm force?

Running every day is important to streak runners. We run because we can. There is tremendous satisfaction earned from our running programs. Some runners never win races. Some runners never place in their age groups. Some runners merely plod along every day. But, runners are on the move. Many runners find running every day very easy. These are the streak runners. Streak runners have the right mindset to complete their daily running endeavors.

However, for eons man has sought food, clothing and shelter for basic survival needs. Man for centuries either grew or hunted his food supply. Man constructed his own shelter. Clothing was made at home. One could not run down to the local Wal-mart for goods and supplies. Everyday survival required effort, hard work and knowledge.

Of course, the Industrial Revolution changed many facets in our lives. Man actually had some free time to pursue other interests. Technology in the 20^th and 21th Century gave us even more free time. Interests, hobbies and pastimes developed into activities that we passionately pursued. There was very little that interfered with our avocations until recent years. Mother Nature and her wicked weather patterns are something that runners need to study, analyze and then cope with.

Many streak runners live in areas that are not affected by nasty weather. These runners experience the normal seasonal cycles. Every day running is enjoyable. Wicked weather events never visit these regions.

However, many other streak runners these days are left scratching their heads. Runners here in the Middle Atlantic States recently lived and ran through the coldest Winter in 10 years. Snowfalls totals were down compared to previous years. But, the daily temperatures were cold. And these temperatures stayed cold for extended periods.

Spring arrived later and was very wet. Record rainfall fell across the region. Runners were getting soaked during the daily run. Farmers could not plow their fields due to the extremely wet weather. This means a delayed or curtailed crop harvest.

Then, the weather broke in the Middle Atlantic States. The heat and humidity surged into the Greater Johnstown region. There was no transition. Mother Nature just jumped right into the next season. Runners toured the roads in the steamy heat. Even the early morning runners found muggy road conditions. We had July and August weather conditions in May.

Mother Nature is often unpredictable. Smart runners learn to adapt or cope with her weather whims. The streak runner needs to plan accordingly. Running the daily loop in a tornado or amidst severe weather warnings is not smart.

This current weather pattern is unsettling. Many communities are literally picking up the pieces. Communities can rebuild. Life does go on. It’s a cruel but true axiom.

Many organizations offer suggestions, tips for severe weather preparation. Canned food, bottled water, a first aid kit, candles, matches, blankets and clothing should be stored for possible use. Perhaps, runners should begin storing running gear for possible emergency use. It’s a tricky situation. If a tornado or flood destroyed your home and neighborhood, running is the last thing one needs to worry about.

This runner will continue to monitor the weather. An alert informed runner will live to run another day. Maybe this current weather pattern is just one of those cyclical once in a lifetime things. I doubt that we have reached the end of time. There are many good miles left. Mother Nature does have a gentle side too. So, Run Smart!