Ya, that's fair, arbitrary motivators are arbitrary, but they still give motivation. I strongly dislike running, so if it was me I think I would give up once I get sick, or likely would not start the streak to begin with. I'm not saying that's the right solution, just trying to address your question.

Perhaps I misunderstand and misread and then dislike what I feel about that first sentence.

I take it to express fear of losing the streak and fear that the magic would disappear.

It's the feeling of fear as motivation that I dislike.

Probably not for you then.

I think what's important for me is that for me this does not feel at all unhealthy. It is more a way to maintain a good habit, like brushing my teeth.

And I don't feel like I need to be saved by anyone.

Some days I run farther but most days I run 2 miles. As much as a lunch break allows.

> And I don't feel like I need to be saved by anyone.

You seem to have read what isn't there.

I was attempting to check if I had read what wasn't there.

And perhaps I did, if it's "more a way to maintain a good habit".

When less-than 3 times-per-week my run-habit will feel unfamiliar. When transitioning from distance runs to intervals my run-habit will feel unfamiliar. After a 10-day vacation break my run-habit will feel unfamiliar. And soon it feels familiar again.