In the early
70’s college campuses were a frequent spawning ground not only for political protests
but also for crazy fads. Mix political
and social unrest (Vietnam War, draft, racial inequality, military on campuses),
with the creativity of youth and the freedom of college life, and VOILA…you
have “Streaking”. Streaking (running naked
through athletic events, protests, etc.), became a popular, lighthearted way to
draw attention to the issue of the day while displaying sexual liberation. Since
there was no internet or cell phones at the time, I feel comfortable saying
there is no record that I ever participated in the activity.
Today there
is a new form of streaking that has become popular…Running Streaks. By definition, a running streak is the number
of days in a row a person has run at least one mile. And No, there is no requirement that it be
naked (although no rule that it can’t be..feel free to fly your freak flag). There are even national and international organizations
that track streaks for men and women. I
knew a few runners who ran every day for a year or two, but I was surprised to
learn there are people with streaks of 30, 40 and even 50 years long. I can’t imagine fifty years (19,000+ days in
a row) without life ever getting in the way once. The only thing I’ve done that long is
breathing. Thank goodness that streak
continues.
I’ve never
been interested in running streaks. Too
many other things are more important, and I think the pressure of needing to
run every day would squeeze the joy out of running. This will be our 19th year of raising
funds to help children fighting Pediatric Cancer. That’s the streak I care about.
The children
we support have their own streaks, and many are not good ones. Number of days/month/years fighting cancer,
days you hurt or feel sick, days you can’t play with friends, days you watched
your mom and dad cry, and days you are scared you are going to die. Help
in the Nick of Time can’t make all these bad days go away but we can help a
family get through them and start a new streak.
The days since you beat cancer, the days in a row you’ve seen your
parents smile, the number of days since you thought about cancer. With your help, this is what Help in the Nick
of Time does.
