I ran my last marathon in 2018. Without having to train for a marathon, I really lightened my running schedule the last two years, but I wasn’t happy about that. Needing goals and structure, I decided to run 2,021 miles this year.

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Running the year in miles isn’t my original idea. I toyed with the idea for years, but marathon training was my main focus, and I liked my winter break. Running 2,021 miles requires an average of 5.5 miles a day, all year.

Because Chicago winters can severely limit outdoor running, I knew I would get a slow start on my goal. After two months, I had only run 120 miles. In March I ran 180 miles, bringing my total to 300. Although that is below the average pace I needed, I was okay with it as I looked forward to the upcoming warmer months.

Starting in April, I really increased my miles, totaling 1,032 miles in the three months, or 11.34 miles per day. At the halfway point of the year, I still have 689 miles to go . . . or just under four miles a day.

I have learned a few things along the way. I need variety in my running paths, which also means I don’t like running on tracks. I rotate several paths and often make random detours to keep it interesting. I also don’t like long straightaways, preferring lots of turns.

I haven’t lost a lot of weight — although that wasn’t my goal. Running this much makes me hungry. I actually gained weight in the early parts, forcing me to stock my home with better food choices since I am eating more.

I like running first thing in the morning. It’s delayed gratification. Once I am finished with the day’s running, I can enjoy the rest of the day. There have been days I added an evening run, though, but mostly out of boredom.

I still have a long way to go, but barring disaster, I should reach my goal well before the end of the year. I don’t plan on slowing my pace because too many factors could derail my effort. I want to keep it going as long as I can. If all goes well, I’ll write a blog in October about hitting my goal.

— John Wroblewski, writer