Joining me today on my trail running interview is 73 Years Old Gary Rust who has been a Streak Runner For 35 Years.

He has managed to continue streak running for 35 years, which ranks him at number 41 in the world of streak runners according to the Running Streak Association.

Gary Rust, a previous PE school teacher, a running coach, winner and record breaker of many races in his age group and a ‘Grand Master’ of streak running. He runs a mile or more every day.

Whilst his isn’t the longest running streak in the world, - the title of longest known and recorded running streak is held by two-time GB Olympian Ron Hill, who’s running streak ended after 52 years and 39 days, that's 19,032 days in total – he is full of wisdom when it comes to the inevitable obstacles life has in store for you when you are running daily.

It’s good to talk to someone who simply knows the scope and I can turn to on my running streak. As a daily runner you must deal with your own inspiration, rather than fall into isolation.

Gary has been running every day since the 3rd of July, 1983 and is full of wisdom when it comes to the consistency in running and overcoming the obstacles coming – inevitably, one might say – your way. I know running does cover a lot of ground when it comes to all the health and weight questions, but it is more than that.

If you are looking for a reason to start your very own running streak, here it is:

“Running can help you lose weight. Running can build muscle tone. Running can improve your complexion. Running can strengthen your heart and make it work more efficiently. Running can increase your aerobic capacity and lower your blood pressure. Running can relax you, help you quit smoking, and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Running can reduce depression and lift your spirits. Running can help you think and make you more creative. Running can make you more athletic and energetic and full of vitality. Running can improve your self-image and make you more self-confident. In short, running can change your entire outlook on life and make a new person out of you.” - Marc Bloom, The Runner’s Bible 1986

At 73 years old, you might forgive him to have no large online presence, so I talk for all of us when I speak to him about training and racing. If I look and feel as good as Gary does at his age, I’ll be happy.

We talk about the book ‘Born to Run’ by Christopher McDougall at about 00:13:39 in this video.

We talk about running shoes. Gary doesn’t mention his but mine are Hoka Speedgoat for Trail running. I bought mine at the Run Company in the UK.

At about 23 minutes in, I introduced something called swimrun to our conversation after Gary said he'd never done anything else but running. It’s a month to go for my first but Gary’s advice is priceless! Jump forward to his advice at 00:23:51.

Excuse the endless stream of cars, motorbikes and buses as we run one of the roadsides in Palm Springs, California. This is the Sonoran Desert, so watch out for Rattles Snakes and Tarantulas, etc… or not. It’s perhaps better to keep yourself pre-occupied and not take note of them.

Let’s Go!
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QUOTE
00:01:19 – 00:01:34: “I streaked before that. I didn’t realize that there was a streaking club. I just run every day, because I loved it. I had no idea that there was an organization that was keeping totals” – Gary Rust
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AWARDS
Current Ranking: 40th in the U.S. Running Streak Association