Lee Alonzo Murphy, an ultra-trail runner from Hubbards, N.S., has been on an incredible run streak since Oct. 24, 2022. For more than 700 days, Murphy has laced up his shoes and hit the trails—no matter the weather, mood or circumstances, and he’s here to share the wisdom he has accumulated through his run streak.
Murphy’s streak is notable in that he runs at least 10 kilometres every single day, all while managing life as a business owner with his wife, Kate, and their two children. With first-place finishes in races ranging from 10 to 100 kilometres and a spot earned on Team Canada for the World Backyard Ultra Team Championships coming up in October, Murphy’s dedication speaks for itself. Here’s what he’s learned from his epic run streak.
Consistency equals strength
“Consistency equals strength. Not just physically but also mentally,” Murphy explains. His streak isn’t just about logging miles; it’s about showing up, no matter what. He credits this consistency with not only keeping him injury-free for more than 700 days but also helping him develop the mental toughness to tackle life’s challenges. Whether it’s dealing with shin splints or life’s curveballs, Lee finds strength in the habit of daily running: “I can lean on it when life throws a wrench into my plans,” he says.
Find your passion, then go all in
Before running, Murphy struggled with substance use. But after getting sober 12 years ago, he found a new obsession: running. “Now I’m a daily runner with a similar strategy for a successful life,” he shares. This shift to a positive outlet not only transformed his physical fitness but also brought fulfillment and purpose. He likens his ultras to “frequent benders,” where he gets to push his limits and experience new highs.
Embrace the challenge, reap the rewards
Murphy admits that some days are harder than others. “I’ll sit in the porch and stare at my shoes, but eventually I’ll get out and be glad I did—every time.” It’s this dedication that has led to remarkable physical, mental and emotional fitness. For Murphy, the rewards go beyond just crossing finish lines. Running has become his way of staying grounded, healthy and ready to take on whatever life throws his way.
