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UF student approaches major milestone at the start of a decade-long running journey

Nineteen-year-old Reece Navarro is a dual mechanical and aerospace engineering major at the University of Florida. He’s also a musician who performs in local groups, including the Gator Marching Band. However, his friends know him for a mission he set for himself back on January 1, 2020 – to run every day for a decade.

Though that may seem like a difficult promise, Reece says it started as a compulsive decision he made on New Year’s Day. He documents his daily runs with pictures on his Instagram account.

The social aspect of running became an important part of his running journey–as is evident on his Instagram updates. Many of his pictures show his friends joining him on his runs.

On the days when he needs it most, his friends even cover for him. He says that since he started, he has only taken five days off, but that since then, he has been able to keep up–even when his time is limited.

Despite the challenges, he says the feeling he gets after long runs and the stamina he’s gained makes it all worth it. As he approaches day one-thousand, he reflects on the benefits of dedication such as his.

When his commitment is complete in 2030, Reece says he hopes to be playing music in a major city like Nashville.

You can follow Reece’s running journey on Instagram at @2030Run.

Jacob is a reporter for WUFT News who can be reached by calling 352-392-6397 or emailing jacobsedesse@ufl.edu. Find him on Twitter and Instagram @JACOBSEDESSE.