34 Comments

Thank you, Ramone. And sorry to hear about your situation. Not sure if this is the first time you've experienced this. It's my third, so please know that it does work out if you consistently apply yourself and make sure to talk to people. And of course take care of your health. Running is obviously great, and meditation too which was also talked about in yesterday's thread.

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Oh, James Clear site. . . it was in my history https://jamesclear.com/journaling-one-sentence

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Mar 10, 2023Liked by Terrell Johnson

It was one of the articles recommended in Dignify (dignify .com)--from Canada--mostly she sells Kantha throws and talks about a minimalist lifestyle, but not quite. I enjoy reading it . . . she is a bibliophile and recommends great books .

Anyway, the article is at https://www.wellandgood.com/one-line-a-day-journal-lessons/

Clear has a site on it as well. Of course, he sells books, but his advice is wonderful. I had to google it to find it.

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Mar 10, 2023Liked by Terrell Johnson

Hey, Terrell! Just a small question that has been banging around in my head. Do you keep a one sentence journal everyday like James Clear recommends? Another newsletter I read recommended it. . . might be something that would be valuable over the years. :)

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Hi Nilima! You know, I don't do that, though I have thought of something along those lines recently. I'd love to see what James Clear said about that! What's the newsletter?

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Not really any questions today. I finally got my new Nordic poles (don't try the cheap collapsible trekking poles--they do collapse!) Started slow and easy learning them. Added mile at a time for March which puts me up to 5 whole miles, but then, who is counting? I'm learning a new skill! Love walking--I don't have to feel guilty that I'm not going fast enough and it is still wonderful exercise.

Looks like we get an atmospheric river and rain the next week. There is a reason they call Washington the Evergreen State! :)

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How many pairs of running shoes do you keep in the rotation? I did a 15k race two weeks ago on a Saturday, and an 8k on Sunday. My only pair of running shoes were soaked from Florida humidity and sweat, and I had sore spots on my feet as a result. I ended up running the 8k in my casual shoes. Of course my time was better per mile in the 8k, which makes me further question why I pay so much for "running" shoes.

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Hey Bob, I usually keep three pair in rotation. One pair for inside(treadmill) runs and two for the out of doors! That way if the weather is wet, I have a dry pair available. Makes them last longer too!

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I have three pair. You can find some deals right now on last year’s models.

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Are they all the same, or do you mix it up?

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Mine are all brooks-glycerin or ghost....

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No, I have a short distance, a mid distance and a comfort stability for long and recovery runs. This year going with all one brand on the advice of my orthopedic doc. Altra, but that had to do with arthritis in my lower spine. I do alternate during training outside of distance designation.

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Altra Torin is my running shoe. I’m on to my 4th pair. This new pair has tongues that made me bleed. I’m thinking of some under $100 Nike Pegasus to add in. Thanks for the reply!

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Escalate 2.5 for short/ speed, via Olympus for mids and provision 6 for long/ recovery. I have heard the same issue with the Torin,s. Good luck

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Running a 5K tomorrow in Livingston, Ky. You might remember from last year when I attached the pic of the trailhead marker and the ensuing discussion. It is supposed to be at or above freezing at the start time, but dry and NOT windy. So there are some things to be grateful for. Number 3 for the year, but the pace will pickup next month.

By the way the sheltowee trace virtual starts on April 1 and they can use the money as the swinging bridge was taken out by tree and the trail has to be cleared.

So if anyone is looking for a worthwhile mileage challenge ( I am doing the whole 363 miles) you can find it on runsignup.com.

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I have thought that myself--or at least write down the memories from the past! Everything is so different now!

There are so many experiences that I "wished" I had written when my parents were alive. Fortunately, I have my older brother to draw on. What a mind! He can remember things clear back when and tells me stories when he calls. He has written down a few (he's a good storyteller and writer), but I really should take time to jot my life down in a notebook for others. Good Suggestion! You, too!!!

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I have recently returned to meditating 20 minutes before breakfast and 20 minutes before dinner every day. My wife & I learned transcendental meditation (TM) 50 years ago when the stress of new jobs, tough bosses and a miscarriage had us reeling. The practice gave us the mental and emotional space to navigate many difficult waves. We learned to “surf” them instead of drowning. Today, meditation provides me with a “richness of being and experience” that enhances my daily activities in both subtle & profound ways. I highly recommend giving it a try, especially for those experiencing more stress than usual. There are a number of excellent books by Jon Kabat-Zinn to get one started. My heart goes out to all of you swimming in uncharted waters. Perhaps some form of meditation will help you reach the shore in one piece. 🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻

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Meditation is wonderful. I find the Headspace app very helpful in keeping me on track and reinforcing it as a daily habit.

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Thanks! I learned meditation back in the day before there were any "apps." I've heard good things about the one you recommend. I prefer to go in and In and In. . .no need for digital! :)

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Guess I was in TM before you. Got my mantra in 1968 from a professor at Humboldt State when I had a store in Virginia City, NV. Seems like meditation or hatha yoga have always been part of my life. I went so far as to change my name, became a practicing Hindu, and went to India on pilgrimage with the Guru. No longer with that group after he passed on, but Yoga, meditation and his teachings live on in my mind. Sitting for 20 minutes is a great practice and I admire you--something I've never had the discipline to do. I do my yoga every day and run or walk. . . guess that will have to suffice

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Thanks for sharing Nilima. I bet you have some wonderful ( full of wonder) stories. Perhaps there is a book inside you ready to see the light of day.

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Thank you for your reply. I did get Covid. That’s when it all started. I have been running, but not with the same fervor. I will try switching things up. I want to compete again. I just can’t get out the door.

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I set my running goals. Then if I don't feel like running, I bike. I take credit of 1 running mile for each 3 miles of casual riding, and 1 mile for each 2 miles of mountain biking. I had Covid in early December for the first time and lost a week of training. That turned into a middle ear infection and another loss of 4 weeks of training and had to cancel a work trip to Bangalore. Then I had a tooth extraction and lost another week. I had three weeks to train for a 15k on a Saturday, and an 8k on Sunday. My time was off a bit, but I still did way better than all the people that chose to not run. Get out there!

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Hope you feel better. Make sure to rest and maybe try some zinc.

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Mar 10, 2023Liked by Terrell Johnson

Hope Jonathan finds a job. I recently been through a lay off and new job. It became a new industry to my surprise.

But recently with all the chaos with Covid and now rain in Central Coast California and just life. I am 60 and used to run daily and compete.

My concern lately has been my desire to run has diminished. I remember when I couldn’t wait to wake up and run. My enthusiasm needs to be energized. It takes everything to get me out the door.

Any ideas.

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Thank you Matt. I am hopeful for a job in the same industry (financial services), but also really thinking about other options. At 55 I’m feeling the urge to commit my energy to something different, something that might return a little more than what I’m used to.

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Connect with me in LinkedIn. I work at KPMG. I may be able to connect you to something. Robert Prol.

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Thank you, Bob. I just sent you a message and will now go out for my long run.

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I feel great . Had Covid last year.

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Hi Matt! This is such a great question, one I ask myself sometimes too! Depending on your life situation and the time you have available to exercise, you might want to consider switching things up. Why put pressure on yourself to run, and why not try taking walks every day, or regularly? That gets you some good cardio exercise in without the feeling of guilt that you haven't done anything for yourself if you don't get out for a run.

Running will always be here when you are ready to come back to it. A question: is this something you've been struggling with for a while, or is it a new obstacle/struggle?

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Good advice, Terrell. I've had to calm down from running. It's always there. I've been walking with my Poles every day since I got good ones! Turns out I can walk just as fast as I can run and the walks are more enjoyable. :)

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Mar 10, 2023Liked by Terrell Johnson

Happy Friday Terrell. Feeling grateful for being able to run amid being laid off from my job this week. Happy Trails ahead!

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Jonathan, I'm SO sorry to hear that!! How are you holding up?

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Mar 10, 2023Liked by Terrell Johnson

Thanks, Terrell. I’ve been here before and made it through, so I’m confident of the same. 25 years of corporate life though, and thinking that maybe this is the time for a change. Appreciate your support and that of the running community. This is part of my love of running!

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