*I am still processing the events of last weekend. I haven’t been able to put my thoughts about that on to paper yet.
***
I ran through colds and tendinitis. I ran through metatarsalgia and plantar fasciitis. I ran through Blizzards (Nemo) and knee deep mud pits. It has been a good 168 days, covering 958 miles. During those 958 miles I raced a 5K, a 5 miler and a 100-miler. I ran fast (in the 6’s) and slow (in the 16’s). All along you have been with me, supporting me, pushing me, giving back to me much more than I gave. I want to thank you for all of the love you have shown me and #AutismStreaks over the first 168 days of the year.
As Chaucer said so many centuries ago, “All good things must come to an end.” Unfortunately, the beating I took over the weekend was simply too much for me to continue my daily miles, even at walking pace. I will write in more detail in my race recap, but the mud was ultimately too much for my shin muscle. Two days after completing 100 miles in just under 28 hours, my leg just could not take the repetitive impact of covering a mile without swelling up like an overstuffed sausage. I am heartened however to know that there are others who will carry on based in part because of what they saw here and on my Facebook Page.
•My friend Diana just hit Day 80 of HER #AutismStreaks.
•My friend Lisa could not walk up a flight of stairs at the beginning of my streak without losing her breath. In her words, she now runs 2 -3 miles like it was second nature.
•My friend Shannon is running a mile a day in part because of #AutismStreaks.
Every day I get to see the both Diana and Lisa’s Charity Miles posts and it makes me smile.
I am sad despite knowing I am doing the right thing; and I know that ending this streak simply means I am taking a break. I will be back once I have healed, maybe even to start another streak.
In the meantime, keep running and as my friend Jack said to me last night when he saw my post ending my #AutismStreaks, “It’s Miller Time.”
See you on the roads and trails,
Luau
***
Some of my favorite moments from #AutismStreaks…
Day 34 – Super Sunday 5
Day 40 – 5 Snowmageddon Miles
With Julie C. – Day 65 at the Leprechaun 5K
Day 100
Night after the Boston Marathon Bombings
Day 166 – 100 miles – done!
Run Luau Run 
Your streak is amazing and inspiring as I have told you many times before. Regardless of how many days you made it, or fast or far you made it…you got out there and did it for an amazing cause and that matters more than anything. I wish you nothing but a speedy recovery and happy relaxing time as you have definitely earned the right to put your feet up and drink a cold one or 12.
You don’t know me, but I think I’m your newest dailymile friend and I’ll continue your streak for you, until you can have it back, if you want. You and the other runners at TARC100 inspire me so much. I volunteered at Gunclub Friday night and at timing early Saturday morning. It was incredible to witness.
Your wife inspires me on a daily basis and now you’re inspiring me as well. I’ve been including running (jogging or even prancing… it is the new thing, ya know) in my exercise routine on and off for a couple years. I’ve decided today to do less ‘trying’ and more doing. I don’t like running and I think it’s because I suck at it…but I WANT to like it and the only thing stopping me is me. You’ve given me the motivation to continue to do it until I enjoy it. Thank you.
What a beautiful post!
Take good care of yourself, buddy. You deserve a break.
You have run a good race and keep us cheering you on. Take good care of you and run again. Thank you for your inspiration.