3,000 consecutive days of running 30 minutes or more

3,000 consecutive days of running

Yesterday I completed 3,000 consecutive days of running 30 minutes or more .  I started this effort back on March 7, 2002.  I ran in Turkey 2002, Australia and New Zealand  2003, the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington DC 2005, the Philippines several times, and Tokyo in 2006.   I was committed to do everything I could through my behavior to cut my healthcare cost.  I am careful to complete all my annual physical exams and all preventive health activities.  I support a healthy diet and lifestyle.  I believe we all have a responsibility to our selves and our community to make a reasonable effort to support our health.    

I applied the concept of metrics to my healthcare.  When I started this current running streak I decided to count the consecutive days for motivation.  I used the approach of identifying measurements (# of consecutive days in this case) and tracking the results to define success. I used this approach many times in business.  I also defined metrics and tracked results with my diet.  I track the number of days I that I do not eat specific types of food.  I also track the number of consecutive days that I took a salad to work for lunch.  During my non-running workout I track the number of push-ups, sit-ups, and exercise wheel reps I do.  So far this year I have done over 8,000 push-ups.  Establishing goals and tracking activities that lead to the goal does work.  It creates urgency which leads to successful results.     

I belive we can apply metrics to many things such as advancing causes, supporting government reforms, and helping the environment.  I track the number of consecutive days I walk to the grocery store and take my Polly Dicta re-usable bag to carry the groceries.  You can customize your daily routine so that you track your activities and define success.    

Metrics works for me, what works for you.  I would love to hear your success stories.    

Jim Brandt, Facebook