DESPITE IT ALL, HE JUST KEEPS RUNNING AVC COACH EXTENDS STREAK OF DAILY JOGS TO 35 YEARS.

Byline: Sean Ceglinsky Staff Writer

LANCASTER - This morning doesn't figure to be different than any other for Mark Covert. The Antelope Valley College track and cross country head coach will lace up his shoes and take off for his customary 3-mile run, just as he has for the better part of the past three decades.

But in fact, today's run is different. Special. A milestone.

Because today marks the 35th year Covert has spent running at least 3 miles - often more - every day.

``It's still as much fun as it was when I was younger,'' said the 52-year-old, who began the streak July 24, 1968, when he jogged 15 miles through the streets of Burbank.

Covert never thought much of the streak in its early stages but kept an accurate journal anyway, logging the miles he covered every single day.

``I remember running with him,'' said Joe Santa Cruz, a Simi Valley resident who trained with Covert during their days at Burbank High in the mid-1960s. ``One day, he told me about his diary he was keeping and I wondered how long that would last. It lasted.

``He's always been a real persistent guy. He wasn't afraid to go out by himself and establish the pace. He was a big bulldog type and you'd have to keep up with him. This was a guy who didn't jog. He ran.''

Day in and day out, without fail, running has simply been a part of Covert's routine. Here's a look at some of the more memorable moments:

--Aug. 16, 1968: Ran 52 miles from Burbank to Santa Monica, a trip that takes 7 hours and 35 minutes.

--Feb. 26, 1979: Marries Debi Alberts, but not before a 6-mile jaunt in Mission Viejo.

--Oct. 25, 1982: Breaks foot in third mile of 7-mile run in Canyon Country. Uses Army boots to run for the next month.

--Nov. 17, 2000: Sneaks in a quick 5 miles in Fresno and then is inducted into NCAA Division II Cross Country Hall of Fame.

``There's been days when I have wondered, `What am I doing?' '' Covert said. ``I've run in snow storms in Denver when you couldn't see two or three feet in front of you. I've run in the pouring rain and 115-degree weather.

``(The streak) just kind of happened. I thought it would be neat to run every day for a year, then it turned into two, then three and then four. You don't just wake up and say I'm going to run for 20 years straight. It's just evolved over the years.''

His resiliency has not gone unnoticed.

The United States Running Streak Association plans to honor Covert with a Running Streak medal, which signifies the outstanding accomplishments of experienced runners and their contributions to the sport of distance running.

The journey has been long and arduous at times. Perhaps life, and running, would be different for Covert if not for his family, which has provided support throughout.

``My wife and my kids are by far my biggest fans,'' Covert said. ``It would be difficult for them, as well as me, if the streak ended. They're tremendous. They're a big part of this.''

Another day, another mile. Or, three more in a streak that has encompassed 12,753 days and more than 129,400 miles. The remarkable feat has remained intact despite a broken foot, minor surgery, his wedding and the birth of his four children.

``I thoroughly enjoy going out running and training,'' Covert said. ``It's always been something l looked forward to doing.''

Sean Ceglinsky, [phone]

sean.ceglinsky(at)dailynews.com

ON THE RUN

--AVC will host the sixth annual Mark Covert 3,500-meter run Sunday at 8:30 a.m. The entry fee is $15 a person. Information: [phone].

--Here's a look at the miles Covert has logged in 25 years:

Last day missed: July 23, 1968

Total days: 12,753

Total miles: 129,400

Avg. days: 10.1 miles

Avg. week: 71.0 miles

Avg. month: 309.0 miles

Longest run: 52 miles

Shortest run: 3 miles

Biggest week: 210 miles

Smallest week: 27 miles

Biggest month: 708 miles

Smallest month: 90 miles

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ON THE RUN (see text)