Mandy
For Jonathon Goering, each day begins with a familiar rhythm. He wakes up, enjoys a cup of coffee, catches up on the news, and within minutes, heads outside. Roughly ten minutes after starting his morning routine, he is already out the door, beginning his daily run.
What makes this routine remarkable is consistency. Goering has gone for an outdoor run every single day for the last 10 years, without a break.
From Football Player to Daily Runner
Today, Goering is proudly part of a community known as “streak runners,” people who commit to running daily without missing a day. But running was not always something he enjoyed.
As a high school athlete, Goering played football as a center and linebacker and openly disliked running. That attitude shifted during his time at Tabor College, when he decided to lose weight.
To get started, he chose the activity he disliked most. He ran just half a mile around a track and felt completely exhausted. Yet that small step marked a turning point.
A Life-Changing Summer
What began as half a mile soon turned into longer distances. One mile became two, then three. Over a single summer, Goering’s weight dropped from around 230 pounds to 170 pounds.
Along with the physical changes came a new mindset. Running stopped feeling like punishment and became something he genuinely enjoyed.
Before long, it became part of his identity, and he has not looked back since.
The Streak Begins
On January 1, 2016, Goering decided to push himself further by committing to running every day. The idea was inspired by his wife, Betsey Goering, who had read about running streaks and decided to start one herself.
Rather than watch from the sidelines, Goering joined in. As days turned into weeks and then years, the streak became something he felt determined to maintain.
“The streak took on a life of its own,” he explained, noting that once it began, stopping was no longer an option.
Running Through Every Season
Living in Wichita, Goering runs regardless of the weather. Rain, wind, snow, and cold temperatures are all part of the experience.
While he enjoys running in many conditions, cold rain combined with strong winds is the most difficult. Summer thunderstorms also pose challenges, but they have never stopped him from completing his daily run.
Miles That Span the Globe
Goering’s running streak has extended far beyond Kansas. Over the years, he has run in eight countries, including the United States, several nations across Europe, Australia, and Costa Rica.
One of his most memorable experiences involved running from France into Spain, crossing the Pyrenees. He describes the scenery as breathtaking and believes running is one of the best ways to truly experience a place.
According to Goering, traveling on foot allows you to notice details that are often missed when driving or cycling.
A Decade of Distance
Over the past 10 years, Goering estimates he has logged between 25,000 and 30,000 miles. That distance is roughly equal to walking around the Earth once.
Despite completing several marathons with his wife, the focus has never been on medals or awards. Instead, the joy comes from new locations, shared experiences, and meeting people along the way.
Running for the Mind, Not Just the Body
One unique aspect of Goering’s routine is how he runs. He does not listen to music or podcasts and carries no electronic distractions. For him, running is a form of mental clarity.
The quiet time helps him clear his thoughts and prepare mentally for the day ahead. It is less about competition and more about balance.
After 10 years of running every day, Jonathon Goering shows how consistency, simplicity, and personal motivation can transform a life. What started as a weight-loss effort evolved into a daily practice that spans continents and decades.
With no plans to stop, Goering continues to lace up his shoes each morning, proving that sometimes the greatest achievements come from doing one small thing, every single day.