Personally, I crossed a big threshold this week - 100 miles in 30 days.
Two years ago I had a big accident while running - I fell and did some major damage (requiring hand surgery and epic dental work...).
The comeback has been *slow*. and I mean that literally! I've been plodding away, and dealing with everything from PTSD to Covid to not really getting any younger.
But I am determined to be a fast old lady! so i've been focused on just getting the miles in. And it's starting to pay off...
100 miles in 30 days is AMAZING, Cathie! We've done a couple of 100-mile-in-a-month challenges here at THM in recent years, and I've gotten up to 75 or just over 80 miles, never quite getting to 100. I'm blown away!
It's inspiring to read these comments! Last Saturday, after 6 weeks of training, I ran the Cuyamaca 100k (61.2 miles, 9,000 feet of gain, according to my Coros). I love the trail community so much. My daughter crewed me for the first time, and a few of my trail friends, whom she'd never met, took her under their wings and showed her how to do it. And, she did awesome!
My race, though slow as expected, went better than I'd hoped (came in at just over 14 hours vs. goal of 15hrs). We had PERFECT weather, and I got to run (and also hike, and walk, and puke) with so much joy. I also made a couple of new friends.
For those of you who are trail and/or ultra curious, I highly recommend taking that bet on yourself. You will learn so much about what's important -- and how all you have to do it keep moving. As Rich Roll says, we are all capable of so much more than we believe.
I've been training for the NYC marathon on 2 Nov. Two and a half weeks ago, I did back-to-back long runs as part of my training, and a few hours after the second one my right knee started hurting to the point where I was limping. It felt ok the next day, but it didn't go away. Long story short, I stopped running, got in to see a sports medicine Dr., and after icing it and some NSAIDs, I was pain free and cleared to start running again gradually as feels good.
After meeting with my trainer, I now have a revised training schedule. No more time goals, no more hard workouts like strides, just time on feet at a super easy effort with constant evaluation and feedback. Two runs down with no pain, and I'm scheduled for a 6 mile "long" run this weekend.
It's not the marathon I was hoping for, but if I finish injury-free, and I have a good time soaking up NYC, that'll have to be enough for me.
Derek! So good to hear from you, even though I'm bummed to hear about the knee pain. If you remember Hollie Sick, who's written for us here, that's her big thing -- that too many of us try to run too fast, and we should make more of our runs easy runs. (It's a lesson that's hard to learn for me too!) Glad to hear that things are okay, though -- finishing injury-free will be a great goal. Is this your first NYC Marathon?
Yup. I've run the Charleston Marathon in 2019, so this'll be my second marathon. I grew up in northern New Jersey, right across from NYC, and I love the city. I'm really looking forward to this.
Hi Terrell! Thanks for this space and thread. Personally: my memoir: MILES of MEANING: from Doubter to JFK 50 Mile Finisher was published on Tuesday! WOOHOO! My next big goal...100 miles?
Julie! Yes! So glad you chimed in -- I have the book (as you know) and it's on my (digital) nightstand, and I'm going to be digging into it this weekend. I'd love to have you do an interview, if you're up for it! (And 100 miles -- WOW!)
I'm on the West Coast, so I'm only familiar with races on the best coast ;)
My suggestion is this: Pick a race that will give the opportunity to find moments of awe. For me, that means one in the mountains. Make sure it almost seems unfathomable to complete. Because then it'll give you the chance to prove yourself right. As for the type of race, I prefer the races that have a long history, a local vibe, a strong community, and the best aid stations in the biz. Because, all 100s are hard, and having the right support will go a long way.
Great morning here in Vineland ON. Nice and cool to day. It’s our Canadian Thanksgiving so there’s a lot of different fall festivals going on. My wife and I have been training for the Urban Bourbon half marathon which is finally coming up next weekend in Louisville Kentucky. Seems like we have been training for the ing forever as we had a really hot summer.
So that's why I've been seeing things here and there on social media about Thanksgiving... I thought the algorithm was showing me stuff too soon -- but it's Canadian T-giving. I really want to hear how that race goes -- it looks like a blast.
Went out for a long easy run on Wednesday. Was feeling good so I kept going. Maybe I’ll do 8 miles, I thought to myself. As I approached 7, I thought - I can do 10. When I neared 10, I thought - if you’re doing 10, you can do 13.1, so why not push on an afternoon when you have the time?
The last two were hard because I didn’t bring any gels or hydration with me and really hadn’t fueled properly to run that long. But I stopped at 13.25, very satisfied with myself. I knew I wouldn’t have time to run from Thursday through Sunday because I’d be traveling, so I just combined it all into one day 😉.
I knew I was going to do a long run. I figured 10k or 7 or 8 miles. But I have been trying to push longer when I have time. I did 10 miles when I was visiting my parents a few weeks ago. I hadn’t done half marathon distance since my last half in March, so I just felt like it was time. I really want to start a proper full marathon training plan, and until I figure out when to start that, I want to at least keep my distance up!
Hi all! Starting back at marathon training today after a long break (haven't run since July!). I know I'll love it - but this first run is hard. Good vibes welcomed. :)
Hi-Use to be a decent trail runner, started back up after a 8 year layoff. After only a 30 minute run my calves are as tight & tender as could be. Any advice on this ? I do calf raises & toe lifts.
I'm assembling pitches (queries) for agents. I've got 10 out, and have a target to get another 15 out by Monday. (Dear Lord--someone please put me out of my writerly misery!)
Starting to run again--albeit slowly--focusing building strength through weights and am also taking a killer barre class to support/increase lower body muscles. All this working out is helping me maintain a modicum of sanity. And nothing better than exercise to lift a person's spirits!
Hi there!
Thanks for this, Terrell.
Personally, I crossed a big threshold this week - 100 miles in 30 days.
Two years ago I had a big accident while running - I fell and did some major damage (requiring hand surgery and epic dental work...).
The comeback has been *slow*. and I mean that literally! I've been plodding away, and dealing with everything from PTSD to Covid to not really getting any younger.
But I am determined to be a fast old lady! so i've been focused on just getting the miles in. And it's starting to pay off...
100 miles in 30 days is AMAZING, Cathie! We've done a couple of 100-mile-in-a-month challenges here at THM in recent years, and I've gotten up to 75 or just over 80 miles, never quite getting to 100. I'm blown away!
thanks.
It's inspiring to read these comments! Last Saturday, after 6 weeks of training, I ran the Cuyamaca 100k (61.2 miles, 9,000 feet of gain, according to my Coros). I love the trail community so much. My daughter crewed me for the first time, and a few of my trail friends, whom she'd never met, took her under their wings and showed her how to do it. And, she did awesome!
My race, though slow as expected, went better than I'd hoped (came in at just over 14 hours vs. goal of 15hrs). We had PERFECT weather, and I got to run (and also hike, and walk, and puke) with so much joy. I also made a couple of new friends.
For those of you who are trail and/or ultra curious, I highly recommend taking that bet on yourself. You will learn so much about what's important -- and how all you have to do it keep moving. As Rich Roll says, we are all capable of so much more than we believe.
I've been training for the NYC marathon on 2 Nov. Two and a half weeks ago, I did back-to-back long runs as part of my training, and a few hours after the second one my right knee started hurting to the point where I was limping. It felt ok the next day, but it didn't go away. Long story short, I stopped running, got in to see a sports medicine Dr., and after icing it and some NSAIDs, I was pain free and cleared to start running again gradually as feels good.
After meeting with my trainer, I now have a revised training schedule. No more time goals, no more hard workouts like strides, just time on feet at a super easy effort with constant evaluation and feedback. Two runs down with no pain, and I'm scheduled for a 6 mile "long" run this weekend.
It's not the marathon I was hoping for, but if I finish injury-free, and I have a good time soaking up NYC, that'll have to be enough for me.
Derek! So good to hear from you, even though I'm bummed to hear about the knee pain. If you remember Hollie Sick, who's written for us here, that's her big thing -- that too many of us try to run too fast, and we should make more of our runs easy runs. (It's a lesson that's hard to learn for me too!) Glad to hear that things are okay, though -- finishing injury-free will be a great goal. Is this your first NYC Marathon?
Yup. I've run the Charleston Marathon in 2019, so this'll be my second marathon. I grew up in northern New Jersey, right across from NYC, and I love the city. I'm really looking forward to this.
Hi Terrell! Thanks for this space and thread. Personally: my memoir: MILES of MEANING: from Doubter to JFK 50 Mile Finisher was published on Tuesday! WOOHOO! My next big goal...100 miles?
Happy Friday!
Julie! Yes! So glad you chimed in -- I have the book (as you know) and it's on my (digital) nightstand, and I'm going to be digging into it this weekend. I'd love to have you do an interview, if you're up for it! (And 100 miles -- WOW!)
Thank you so much Terrell!! I would be honored. Thank you for thinking of me and fill me in on next steps. :) Have a wonderful weekend.
Congrats, Julie! Which 100 are you going to do? Hopefully you pick one that scares you :)
Hi John! I have no idea. LOL. Do you have any recommendations for a first timer? I'm all ears. :)
I'm on the West Coast, so I'm only familiar with races on the best coast ;)
My suggestion is this: Pick a race that will give the opportunity to find moments of awe. For me, that means one in the mountains. Make sure it almost seems unfathomable to complete. Because then it'll give you the chance to prove yourself right. As for the type of race, I prefer the races that have a long history, a local vibe, a strong community, and the best aid stations in the biz. Because, all 100s are hard, and having the right support will go a long way.
Great luck!
Great morning here in Vineland ON. Nice and cool to day. It’s our Canadian Thanksgiving so there’s a lot of different fall festivals going on. My wife and I have been training for the Urban Bourbon half marathon which is finally coming up next weekend in Louisville Kentucky. Seems like we have been training for the ing forever as we had a really hot summer.
So that's why I've been seeing things here and there on social media about Thanksgiving... I thought the algorithm was showing me stuff too soon -- but it's Canadian T-giving. I really want to hear how that race goes -- it looks like a blast.
Went out for a long easy run on Wednesday. Was feeling good so I kept going. Maybe I’ll do 8 miles, I thought to myself. As I approached 7, I thought - I can do 10. When I neared 10, I thought - if you’re doing 10, you can do 13.1, so why not push on an afternoon when you have the time?
The last two were hard because I didn’t bring any gels or hydration with me and really hadn’t fueled properly to run that long. But I stopped at 13.25, very satisfied with myself. I knew I wouldn’t have time to run from Thursday through Sunday because I’d be traveling, so I just combined it all into one day 😉.
Chris, this is AMAZING! You just ran 13.25 miles on a lark?! 🙌 Love the energy!!
I knew I was going to do a long run. I figured 10k or 7 or 8 miles. But I have been trying to push longer when I have time. I did 10 miles when I was visiting my parents a few weeks ago. I hadn’t done half marathon distance since my last half in March, so I just felt like it was time. I really want to start a proper full marathon training plan, and until I figure out when to start that, I want to at least keep my distance up!
Hi all! Starting back at marathon training today after a long break (haven't run since July!). I know I'll love it - but this first run is hard. Good vibes welcomed. :)
Very! The first one back is always the hardest, isn't it? So good to hear from you, Alix! How was your summer?
It was GREAT - thanks Terrell! Lots of hiking and yoga - and some good family time. :) Are you ready for the big run??
Hi-Use to be a decent trail runner, started back up after a 8 year layoff. After only a 30 minute run my calves are as tight & tender as could be. Any advice on this ? I do calf raises & toe lifts.
Thank you
James
Hey there James! Just did a quick search and found this: https://www.runnersworld.com/health-injuries/a68882291/why-you-should-treat-tight-calves/
I'm loving this crispy fall weather coming to the south. Makes me look forward to my long run tomorrow. Happy Miles!
Right back at you, Jill!
I'm assembling pitches (queries) for agents. I've got 10 out, and have a target to get another 15 out by Monday. (Dear Lord--someone please put me out of my writerly misery!)
Starting to run again--albeit slowly--focusing building strength through weights and am also taking a killer barre class to support/increase lower body muscles. All this working out is helping me maintain a modicum of sanity. And nothing better than exercise to lift a person's spirits!