Running Streak Day 2,400 and Beyond - 24 Lessons I Have Learned by Running Every Day

Way back when in December of 2011 I challenged myself to run every day in 2012. Being the type of person I am, once I decided to accept this challenge I started immediately on December 30. I mean, why wait? Why take the 31st off?
When I accepted this personal challenge I wasn't sure I could do it. What if I got sick? What if I got injured? What if I was just tired?
6 years, 6 months, and 25 days later and I am still running at least a mile a day. This is something amazing to me considering I was maybe running 3-4 times a week before I started. And I was getting sick, injured, and had I am just plain tired days. How did I manage to achieve this?
First, I want you to know I am no more special than any one else out there. I do not have super powers. I am a normal working mom struggling to make ends meet and hold myself together but by the grace of God I was given the gift of finding joy in running. Okay, not every run is joyful but overall, I find joy. With that said, after 2,400 days of running every day I want to share 24 things I have learned through my running streak.

1. You can achieve things greater than you ever imagined!
2. A mile really does not take too much time out of your day.
3. I am getting sick less often with regular daily exercise.
4. When I do get sick, I am recovering faster.
5. I am experiencing less running injuries and none have completely sidelined me.
6. I listen to my body better.
7. It is okay to slow down and/or run less miles today in order to run longer and faster tomorrow.
8. Running outside is easier than running on a treadmill.
9. Hotel treadmills can be an uncertain experience.
10. Running in and through airports during layovers does work.
11. People often look at you funny when you are running through an airport.
12. People will always tell you that you need to take a rest day or you will damage your body.
13. Many people accept the counter argument that a 10-12 minute mile is no different than spending some time in the garden, walking up and down stairs, or doing errands - all normal events that people do every day without damaging their bodies.
14. You do not need energy gels, energy foods, or other processed items to run long.
15. You can run long during a fasted run.
16. Public restrooms are very hard to find in parks and play areas around Katy, TX.
17. Public transit drivers may be some of the worst drivers - steer clear of them as much as possible during your runs.
18. Maui needs more sidewalks and/or running routes.
19. Running times and race results really aren't the most important part.
20. You can run in capris in 100 degree weather and not overheat. 
21. You can chaff in areas you never knew you could chaff.
22. You can run long and not lose any toenails.
23. Listening to podcasts may slow your running pace.
24. A running streak is built from good and bad runs - removing either would break your streak.

And as a bonus: I wouldn't want to run without my BondiBand to keep the sweat out of my eyes or my SOS to keep my refueled along the way. Use EGFITNESS to receive a discount.