This morning I only ran three miles, which is unusual. This year I average running eight miles a day. Today, though, I gave myself a break because I hit my goal of running 2,021 miles this year. Since I documented the start and middle of attaining this goal here, I thought it fitting to celebrate reaching that goal.

The odd number of miles relates to the year. Running the year in miles isn’t my original idea. It’s a runner’s thing. It is my first time doing it, though.

I consistently ran every day, only taking an occasional day break for recovery. I hit my goal much earlier than anticipated, and oddly, it was anticlimactic.

Maybe the pursuit of the goal is more exciting. Maybe it is the thought of “What to do now?” Maybe I just need to let it sink in?

In any case, I will now take several days to let my body fully rest and recover. I am sure I will start running again soon.

I need to run. It isn’t just about exercise. Running allows me to clear my mind. There’s an old book titled The Loneliness of the Long-Distance Runner. To me, it is solitude rather than loneliness. I don’t know if I will keep track of my miles or simply run, but I know I will keep running.

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— John Wroblewski, online writer