We're nearing the end of another year and avid long distance runners are adding up their total mileage for the past 12 months. There are many runners who set mileage goals at the start of a new year and then run through all sorts of conditions in order to try and cross their year-long finish line and reach their mileage target. Several years ago, Rob Young of Great Britain claimed to have run 10,000 miles in a single year (or an average of 833 miles per month -- or slightly more than 200 miles per week). However, Mr. Young's claim has been doubted by many, particularly after he was accused of cheating during a world record attempt at the run across America in 2016. This year, Pete Kostelnick of the U.S.A. appears to have actually surpassed the 10,000-mile mark for one year's worth of running, his Alaska-to-Florida run in 2018 certainly helped by contributing about half of the total mileage.
Personally, I have never run more than 6,000 miles in a single year, and that was well over a decade ago. I've never been one to set an annual mileage goal, whether in running or bicycling. And yes, there are cyclists who also set mileage goals each year. For instance, last year Amanda Coker, age 24, rode her bike the equivalent of almost four times around the Earth -- and she did it all on one stretch of road! She biked the seven-mile loop around Flatwoods Park in Tampa, Florida, almost every day for one year, to the tune of 13 hours and an average of 236.8 miles per day. That’s a total of about 86,500 miles. And for those doubting this is possible (you’re not alone), the Guinness World Records have already recognized her as the new record holder.
Beginning at 4 a.m. every morning, Amanda hopped on her bike and logged miles. On her slowest day, she clocked 55 miles -- and on her best day, 302 miles. Perhaps more impressive than the miles she logged is the fact that she accomplished it just six years after a near-fatal accident. In 2011, Amanda and her father were riding their bikes when they were struck from behind by a car. Amanda flew more than 50 feet and suffered a traumatic brain injury, spinal injury, broken leg, and lacerations. Her father suffered a fractured spine. The accident took Amanda out of cycling, but not for long. In 2015, after increasingly rigorous training rides, she biked 2,935 miles across the United States. And now, she has biked more miles in one year than anyone else has... an amazing 86,500 miles.
You may not be aiming to run 10,000 miles next year, or bike over 86,000 miles... but do make sure to get in regular activity to enhance your fitness!
From Him, Through Him, For Him (Romans 11:36),
Paul J. Staso
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Visit my YouTube channel -- https://www.youtube.com/user/pacetrek
Click on any of the links below to see some of my adventure photos:
- United States in 2006 (3,260 miles solo in 108 days at age 41)
- Montana in 2008 (620 miles solo in 20 days at age 43)
- Alaska in 2009 (500 miles solo in 18 days at age 44)
- Germany in 2010 (500 miles solo in 21 days at age 45)
- The Mojave Desert in 2011 (506 miles solo in 17 days at age 46)
- Various Photos From Mileposts Gone By
- Students Worldwide Who Ran With Me Virtually
- Roadside Sights From My Running Adventures
- Some Cycling Moments From The Past
