“Running Streaks” have gained in popularity over the past few years, and are taking stride as a new trend. The official definition of a running streak, is to run at least one mile (1.61 kilometers) within each consecutive calendar day. Running may occur on either the roads, a track, or on a treadmill. Much of the appeal is that the runner gets to decide how long they are going to run the streak, and the distance they are going to run each day (at least one mile). However, run streaks are not for the light-hearted! Sticking with a streak takes some serious motivation, innovation (at times), and perseverance.

Two of our very own Roadrunners of Kansas City members, Pat Ross and Mike Beaven, have set out to achieve what they call “Gump Streaks.” Inspired by the movie Forrest Gump, they are well on their way to running consecutively for 3 years, 2 months, 14 days and 16 hours…or maybe even beyond! We interviewed these two local legends to find out more about what inspired them to begin, and what fuels them to keep going.

1). What motivated you to start running every day, and when did you begin? What was your goal or purpose?

Pat Ross: “I’ve always been that person that sets goals on New Year’s Eve; and like most people, fail to achieve them completely. On December 31st, 2017 I was reflecting on the year and what I could do to challenge myself for 2018. I arrived on two BHAG goals (Big, Harry, A**, Goals). One of them was to run at least one mile every day. I have been running every day since. Today was day 1,021!”

Mike Beaven: “I was reading an article in Runner's World about run streaks which started to get me thinking, ‘I can do that.’ I was at a point in my running life where I had lost motivation even though I still enjoyed it. I returned to coaching football which created a challenge to find time to run. I used the run every day as my motivation to keep moving. As of today it's been 756 days (would have been longer if a gallbladder surgery wouldn’t have impaired my first attempt). I just passed two years in September and have decided to keep going.”

2). How many miles do you run each day?

Pat Ross: “When I’m training for a race I’ll do 3 days of 4-6 miles during the week with my long run on Saturday. The other days are my ‘streak runs’ that are real easy runs of at least a mile.”

Mike Beaven: “It varies day to day. I try not to run long back to back days, and have a few easy run days per week on the same days I do strength training. It has to be at least one mile to count for the streak. Not sure why it’s a mile, but those are usually the hardest runs. Just getting out the door is an achievement! Getting the first mile down is a challenge of will at times, but once the first mile is in the others seem to go much easier.”

4). How do you share your experience with others?

Mike Beaven: “Over the years I have posted my runs on social media. I don't post every run, just when I hit some milestones or interesting routes.”

Pat Ross: “I share all my runs on Strava. Sometimes I will also post on Facebook and Instagram if I have a milestone run or race, but overall I keep it low key.”

3). Have other people's interest or involvement in your effort made running (every day) more fun and purposeful?

Pat Ross: “I didn’t tell anyone about my ambitions until I was confident I had a chance at being successful. I guess I didn’t feel very confident in my ability to succeed as nobody knew about my goal until sometime in March. I’ve had mixed response from friends and family. Some wonder “why” or concern that I might get injured. The Pandemic has really made it difficult to interact with other runners. Being part of Road Runners of Kansas City has kept me motivated to keep running. When you join a run group you always end up finding running partners that keep you motivated. There is one other person in our running group, Mike B. who is also streak-running, and we support each other. I believe he’s doing the Gump streak too!

After I got through the first year I guess I felt like Forrest Gump and decided to keep it going. In line with the “Forrest” theme I plan to end my Gump Streak on March 15th, 2021 at 4pm. This will end my streak at 3 years, 2 months, 14 days and 16 hours…just like Forrest. I want to do my last run in Monument Valley, Utah on the same road Forrest stopped his run. Hopefully the road will be re-open (post pandemic) by then. I’m looking for volunteers to join me! Who wants to go?”

Mike Beaven: “Yes. Pat Ross from our running group is on a run streak as well. He gave me the idea to run as long as Forrest Gump. I believe Forrest ran 3 years 2 months and 14 days. Not sure I will stop then, but we’ll see when I get there. Running with our Roadrunners of Kansas City group has made running fun. Going on long runs are so much easier with other people. I have missed running with our group since the start of the Pandemic. I did not expect many to notice my social media updates, but many friends have told me they have been motivated to start running or restart running because of my run streak posts. I had no idea I had an influence on others but it does make me feel like my effort has a purpose.”

Mike poses in front a landmark on an RRKC Scavenger Hunt Run.

5). What have you learned about yourself, and your community through this effort?

Pat Ross: “This sounds a little cliché, but I’ve learned a person can do just about anything if they want to do it. Support from family and friends is helpful, but it’s what’s inside of you that makes it happen. There’s always going to be obstacles that get in the way of what you want to achieve. I’ve learned to be resourceful, innovative, and committed to “getting it done.” There have been plenty of early mornings and late night runs. One week was so busy that I didn’t get to start my run until 11:30 pm. I knew the next day was going to be crazy too, so once I finished the late night run, I waited until 12:01 a.m. and did the next day’s run.”

Mike Beaven: “I have learned you can accomplish anything if you put your mind to it. Physical challenge is one thing but the mental part of running is more of a challenge. Just getting out the door for a run is the hardest part. Running with just me and my dog gives me time to decompress and either reflect on the day behind or ahead of me. It's my therapy. The running community is so supportive of each other no matter the body type, size, speed, or how far you can run. Some non-runners I know say I’m crazy, but most compliment me on my determination. However, recognition is not why I am doing this. It's a challenge from myself.”

Pat Ross takes a selfie in front of a landmark on an RRKC Scavenger Hunt Run.

6). Do you think the current "pandemic" has changed any interior motivation with your effort, and/or do you think there is more community interest in your story given the craziness of these times?

Pat Ross: “I’ve worked for a company that was essential so it pretty much was business as usual (except for COVID precautions) during the Stay-at-Home Order. I recently retired from work and it has been challenging not be able to interact with people every day like I was used to. I do have more time to run and hike but it’s not as enjoyable doing it alone. However, I won’t lose the motivation to keep the streak going especially now that there’s an end in sight…or maybe I’ll just keep it going.”

Mike Beaven: “When the pandemic started and the businesses shut down, I began working from home. Running became more important to me to help deal with this crazy time. The shutdown also gave me more time to run, so I took advantage of building up my miles. I am not sure there is more community interest in my running now vs. before the pandemic, I really never paid much attention to it. But if my journey on this run streak motivates another person to run and improve the quality of their life, that is enough of an accomplishment for me.”

7). What have you most enjoyed about this experience?

Pat Ross: “The sense of accomplishing something both mentally and physically challenging. Running is a sport that allows you to challenge yourself to achieve your individual personal best. It's fun to compete with others, but most rewarding when you achieve your own personal goals.”

Mike Beaven: “My dog, Julep, joins me on most of my runs. I enjoy running with her because I know it makes her happy. I also feel I have accomplished something no matter how far, how fast, or how slowly it takes me to get there. I never gave it much thought until now, but the reason I enjoy getting up so early to run is that if that’s the only thing I accomplish that day, it’s been a good day. If I have a bad day, I know the next one will start off with an accomplishment of a run.”

Whether one long run or a streak, running with a group offers motivation, support, and makes the sport more fun. Check out Roadrunners of Kansas City and see how we can help support your running goals.

Learn more about Roadrunners of Kansas City

Although run streaks may have appeal for many runners, this regimen is not for everyone. Always seek advice from a doctor or your physical therapist before embarking on a new set of exercises or run goal.

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Run Streaking: Roadrunners of Kansas City “Gumps”