i went to the beach this weekend...60+ degrees in maryland on saturday! i've been sidelined with an achilles injury since august but i was feeling good and did 6 miles on the boardwalk for the first time in half a year. was great to see and hear the ocean, a wonderful sunrise, and other runners and walkers that were seemingly having a great morning like i was. lots of smiles and good mornings:)
At 66 I'm still trying to hang in there with triathlons so I joined a local club for inspiration. On Tuesday I attended a track workout. They say you only run as fast as you train. My 'training' is mostly slow jogs so I thought I'd try this to push myself a little. We'll see!
Hi All, Really enjoying reading these comments! Informative and inspirational - just what I need!
My question: I'm registered for 2 half marathons this spring/summer, and would love feedback if any of you have run them. 1st is Rock the Parkway in KC, Missouri. In July is Cherry Festival @ Traverse City, MI. Terrell, I believe the Cherry Festival was on one of your "best of" lists at one time (?). Thanks in advance for any advice or recommendations!
Hi Terrell, your post about Kara Goucher certainly hit home for me. I am not an elite runner nor famous in any sense but I stuggled severely during a half marathon two years ago (awkward gait) that turned out to be MS. I am still running but 5k is about the farthest I can run these days. I suspect that are many like me who love running but it is beyond their ability. Barry from Colorado
I went on my first run today after coming down with COVID earlier this month (double vaxxed and boosted), and unsure if it was long-term effects of COVID, or the Northeast weather, but I definitely did not feel like myself.
Is there any any research as to what the new variants do to the lungs, and any advice on how to get back out there ahead of the spring race season?
Berkeley half is the last Sunday of this month and I’m not ready! I will probably mostly walk the 13.1 interspersed with short runs. I won’t have a personal best by any means but I know it will be a fun time on a beautiful morning.
The freewalkers.org group has a virtual challenge to complete the Kennedy 50. Robert Kennedy walked 50 miles from Great Falls, MD to Harpers Ferry, WV on Feb 9, 1963. If I recall correctly took him 17 hours and 50 minutes. Freewalkers.org started the challenge back in 2013. As the last 2 years have been virtual you have 10 days to complete the challenge. I have completed 42 miles in the first 3 days.
Happy weekend, everyone! I have a question - last weekend my husband and I completed a half marathon in Death Valley (perfect weather, fun run, good finish times!) We are, obviously, runners, but focused on training for the half and followed an 8 week training plan that our friend put together for us. We really loved the structure and we both agree that we ran well in the race as a result of the scheduled plan.
Now that the run is over, we're kind of longing for another training schedule, but don't know the best path. Do you we find a recovery / maintenance schedule, do we sign up for another race and start the previous schedule over? Do we set new goals, like speed or distance and work towards that (we're interested in ALL these things).
I'd be interested to hear what others have done, and if there are any recommended training schedules.
I am looking forward to a long run after being granted a return to running ok by both my Pt and Running coach. The issue i have is it seem that sometime last summer I developed a pinched nerve in the lumber area. it does not affect me unless I am running than I just can't seem to lift my legs. That being said after many test and some Physical Therapy I am back to running. My goal for the year has had a delayed start but it just means that it will have to run into next year.
Only thing I have to add is what I've found works for me. Turn Off the Computer!!, get on running gear and go out! Post-run stretches and long yoga poses (I think they call it Yin-Yoga or Restorative Yoga. . . there are so many names, I 'm not sure) afterwards is a boon. They not only calm the body down, but build flexibility and strength. Running times have improved by 2 or 3 minutes.
It was a maximum change for me, not easy, but essential. After a few weeks, I feel so much better and there is time to do other things during the day. Everything will still be around when I can enjoy it. I'm only running 5 days a week, but the "early" is the key!
Thank God today is Friday and one of my off days. I had time to write this before going on to other chores! :)
Terrell, I just finished listening to the audiobook Breath by James Nestor thanks to a newsletter topic from you a few months ago. I loved it. I was a little bit skeptical of some of the claims, but all in all, it was very interesting and absorbing book. And I admit, I am playing a lot closer attention to my breathing. Thanks!
I have a question about running injuries..... Hip/knee/potential IT band? When do you get help? Where do you go? When do you know to run through it vs take time off? Any help would be SO appreciated.
If you must know what's on my mind, ACID REFLUX! I thought it was just me, but there's a wealth of knowledge on the Internet around this thing that attacks runners. At around 5 miles, I can feel it starting. A couple weeks ago I kinda threw up in my mouth, which was highly unpleasant while breathing heavy. I am not in the habit of running with two Tums-type antacids in a zip lock in my pocket. I just chew one at about 4.5 miles, and wash it down. Problem solved. Anyone else having this? What's your solution?
It's a great morning, I've been running every other day.
I got bad news about a loss in the family and pass from having covid, well in order for me to grieve I run, I loss my mom 2 years ago, than loss my sister to covid Oct 2021, it has been hard, but I go back to my running to clear my mind, talk to God for comfort and strength 🙏 so those are my week, and running is my strength, I use to eat a lot cause of pain, depression, I overcame those by talking to others and using my ordeal to my community so they can overcome by eating and not get obese, cause our life, health matters and we are loved ❤
That is my sharing for the week. Prayers help me and support of my family, so share your thoughts or ordeal it is a very good feeling afterwards. Have a blessed day 🙏❤😊
Sometimes it's good just to do something crazy. I used to do full marathons when I was younger, but now do half marathons (age 68). Last Saturday at Surfside, the weather was nice, and I just decided to do the full (no extra training of course). They will let you switch there since it is a small race. Finished with a good bit of walking on the upwind leg. You never know what your limits are until you test them.
Thanks for the advice. I must say this is such a supportive group. I really look forward to this Friday thread. I have gotten a lot of good advice from a lot of you. Most important this group makes me feel like I’m not running alone but part of a very gracious running community. Funny story, I went to support my friend on her New York City Marathon. We went to eat after the race and she was telling me how hard this particular marathon had been because she hit the wall at mile 20. She mentioned that the only thing that made her not quit was the shirt she had someone make her for the race with the Guatemalan flag and her name Dory on the front and back of the shirt. She said it saved the race because when she hit the wall and stopped running the spectators in front and in back of her started cheering her on chanting Dory!Dory! Dory! And that gave her the strength to start running again and cross the finish line.
She said to me that for my first marathon she will have a shirt done for me with the Puerto Rico flag and my name Mirtha on the front and back of the shirt. That way if you hit the wall the crowd from both sides will be able to cheer you on. Then we thought about it some more and realized that it’s very hard for English speakers to pronounce my name. When they try to say my name it actually comes out as Mierda (which is the Spanish name for poop). She knows my fear of getting joggers trot and we know the last thing I would need is a crowd enthusiastically chanting Mierda(poop)! Mierda(poop)! Mierda(poop)! So after laughing really hard we decided to put the Puerto Rican flag on the shirt and print Martha instead of Mirtha on the shirt. Hope this story makes you laugh :)
perhaps too sensitive or personal, but, does anyone struggle with depression? the kind where interacting with others is hard; getting out of bed is hard and putting a pretend smile is also hard. i know running/exercise is good to combat depression, but sometimes....
Ok, this is a question that I’ve always had but never dared to ask. You all seem like a safe place to ask this question so here it goes. I run half marathons and want to jump to the full marathon distance. What’s stopping me is fear. Not fear of hitting the wall or even injury but I’m terrified of joggers trot happening to me. What are the odds, does this happen often and how can I avoid it? Just thinking about it makes me 💩. Help! :)
This just happened … I’m signed up for a half on 2/20 (location not to be revealed … the following could happen to ANY race director). I looked at the course map for 20 minutes and could not find the Mile-11 marker. Going north, I saw the mile 5&6 markers were very near the mile 10 and 12 markers … oops! I wrote the race director a couple of days ago and looked at the map this morning and found that the turn-around is a half mile farther north … all is well!
Second week back after having my son (<3!) in December. It’s been a long road—I’ve gone from competitive paces to ones so slow they’re pretty much going backwards -_- (I was restricted from running during my pregnancy.) D: Felt a good burst of strength during the latter half of my run yesterday, though, and was able to maintain an elevated pace until the end. :D Felt great and I’m so excited to hopefully not only get back to where I was but even better! :-) Hope all is well with everyone! <3
This January was difficult to run due to weather, I was sick (excuses) I know. Luckily last week my wife said, you should go outside and run. It was cold and the excuses started coming back, but I just geared up and went. I am so grateful that I did because I realized that I need it for my mind, body and spirit. Since then I have been running and this newsletter adds encouragement, so thank you all for your comments it really helps.
How do you guys stay motivated on the treadmill? I have no problem keeping a steady pace outside and feeling good while running but on the treadmill I think I just get bored and stop. What advice/techniques have you guys used to keep treadmill workouts useful?
This week I have been in a funk. My dad passed away a couple of weeks ago and I have yet to get back to running like I was. Running is usually my getaway space. I do plan on trying to get a long run in this weekend.
I'll go first 😃 One thing I'm proud of myself for doing is staying consistent with my running/training routine over these past 6 weeks. I seem to have figured out a way to make it work with job + family -- and, that seems to be not trying to run more than 4 days a week. Last year, I was running 5 days a week, and when I'd fall behind or miss a day, that would give me permission to go slack the next week, and the week after that.
Other than, I've just finished "Death on the Nile" by Agatha Christie -- so good! And I've discovered the writer Amor Towles, who wrote Rules of Civility and A Gentleman in Moscow, the first of which I've started (and am loving) this week.
And, I LOVED the Book of Boba Fett finale -- just awesome, pure popcorn entertainment 😃
i went to the beach this weekend...60+ degrees in maryland on saturday! i've been sidelined with an achilles injury since august but i was feeling good and did 6 miles on the boardwalk for the first time in half a year. was great to see and hear the ocean, a wonderful sunrise, and other runners and walkers that were seemingly having a great morning like i was. lots of smiles and good mornings:)
At 66 I'm still trying to hang in there with triathlons so I joined a local club for inspiration. On Tuesday I attended a track workout. They say you only run as fast as you train. My 'training' is mostly slow jogs so I thought I'd try this to push myself a little. We'll see!
Hi All, Really enjoying reading these comments! Informative and inspirational - just what I need!
My question: I'm registered for 2 half marathons this spring/summer, and would love feedback if any of you have run them. 1st is Rock the Parkway in KC, Missouri. In July is Cherry Festival @ Traverse City, MI. Terrell, I believe the Cherry Festival was on one of your "best of" lists at one time (?). Thanks in advance for any advice or recommendations!
Hi Terrell, your post about Kara Goucher certainly hit home for me. I am not an elite runner nor famous in any sense but I stuggled severely during a half marathon two years ago (awkward gait) that turned out to be MS. I am still running but 5k is about the farthest I can run these days. I suspect that are many like me who love running but it is beyond their ability. Barry from Colorado
I’m doing my first live race since 2/29/20! Mesa half in Mesa, AZ.
Hey there, Half Marathoner Community!
I went on my first run today after coming down with COVID earlier this month (double vaxxed and boosted), and unsure if it was long-term effects of COVID, or the Northeast weather, but I definitely did not feel like myself.
Is there any any research as to what the new variants do to the lungs, and any advice on how to get back out there ahead of the spring race season?
Thank you!
Berkeley half is the last Sunday of this month and I’m not ready! I will probably mostly walk the 13.1 interspersed with short runs. I won’t have a personal best by any means but I know it will be a fun time on a beautiful morning.
Omg! I'm headed out for 7 tomorrow...injury is healing. And it's 56 in NY!!! Hope for spring!
The freewalkers.org group has a virtual challenge to complete the Kennedy 50. Robert Kennedy walked 50 miles from Great Falls, MD to Harpers Ferry, WV on Feb 9, 1963. If I recall correctly took him 17 hours and 50 minutes. Freewalkers.org started the challenge back in 2013. As the last 2 years have been virtual you have 10 days to complete the challenge. I have completed 42 miles in the first 3 days.
Happy weekend, everyone! I have a question - last weekend my husband and I completed a half marathon in Death Valley (perfect weather, fun run, good finish times!) We are, obviously, runners, but focused on training for the half and followed an 8 week training plan that our friend put together for us. We really loved the structure and we both agree that we ran well in the race as a result of the scheduled plan.
Now that the run is over, we're kind of longing for another training schedule, but don't know the best path. Do you we find a recovery / maintenance schedule, do we sign up for another race and start the previous schedule over? Do we set new goals, like speed or distance and work towards that (we're interested in ALL these things).
I'd be interested to hear what others have done, and if there are any recommended training schedules.
Happy running!
I am looking forward to a long run after being granted a return to running ok by both my Pt and Running coach. The issue i have is it seem that sometime last summer I developed a pinched nerve in the lumber area. it does not affect me unless I am running than I just can't seem to lift my legs. That being said after many test and some Physical Therapy I am back to running. My goal for the year has had a delayed start but it just means that it will have to run into next year.
Only thing I have to add is what I've found works for me. Turn Off the Computer!!, get on running gear and go out! Post-run stretches and long yoga poses (I think they call it Yin-Yoga or Restorative Yoga. . . there are so many names, I 'm not sure) afterwards is a boon. They not only calm the body down, but build flexibility and strength. Running times have improved by 2 or 3 minutes.
It was a maximum change for me, not easy, but essential. After a few weeks, I feel so much better and there is time to do other things during the day. Everything will still be around when I can enjoy it. I'm only running 5 days a week, but the "early" is the key!
Thank God today is Friday and one of my off days. I had time to write this before going on to other chores! :)
Terrell, I just finished listening to the audiobook Breath by James Nestor thanks to a newsletter topic from you a few months ago. I loved it. I was a little bit skeptical of some of the claims, but all in all, it was very interesting and absorbing book. And I admit, I am playing a lot closer attention to my breathing. Thanks!
I have a question about running injuries..... Hip/knee/potential IT band? When do you get help? Where do you go? When do you know to run through it vs take time off? Any help would be SO appreciated.
If you must know what's on my mind, ACID REFLUX! I thought it was just me, but there's a wealth of knowledge on the Internet around this thing that attacks runners. At around 5 miles, I can feel it starting. A couple weeks ago I kinda threw up in my mouth, which was highly unpleasant while breathing heavy. I am not in the habit of running with two Tums-type antacids in a zip lock in my pocket. I just chew one at about 4.5 miles, and wash it down. Problem solved. Anyone else having this? What's your solution?
Good morning from Apache land,
It's a great morning, I've been running every other day.
I got bad news about a loss in the family and pass from having covid, well in order for me to grieve I run, I loss my mom 2 years ago, than loss my sister to covid Oct 2021, it has been hard, but I go back to my running to clear my mind, talk to God for comfort and strength 🙏 so those are my week, and running is my strength, I use to eat a lot cause of pain, depression, I overcame those by talking to others and using my ordeal to my community so they can overcome by eating and not get obese, cause our life, health matters and we are loved ❤
That is my sharing for the week. Prayers help me and support of my family, so share your thoughts or ordeal it is a very good feeling afterwards. Have a blessed day 🙏❤😊
Sometimes it's good just to do something crazy. I used to do full marathons when I was younger, but now do half marathons (age 68). Last Saturday at Surfside, the weather was nice, and I just decided to do the full (no extra training of course). They will let you switch there since it is a small race. Finished with a good bit of walking on the upwind leg. You never know what your limits are until you test them.
Thanks for the advice. I must say this is such a supportive group. I really look forward to this Friday thread. I have gotten a lot of good advice from a lot of you. Most important this group makes me feel like I’m not running alone but part of a very gracious running community. Funny story, I went to support my friend on her New York City Marathon. We went to eat after the race and she was telling me how hard this particular marathon had been because she hit the wall at mile 20. She mentioned that the only thing that made her not quit was the shirt she had someone make her for the race with the Guatemalan flag and her name Dory on the front and back of the shirt. She said it saved the race because when she hit the wall and stopped running the spectators in front and in back of her started cheering her on chanting Dory!Dory! Dory! And that gave her the strength to start running again and cross the finish line.
She said to me that for my first marathon she will have a shirt done for me with the Puerto Rico flag and my name Mirtha on the front and back of the shirt. That way if you hit the wall the crowd from both sides will be able to cheer you on. Then we thought about it some more and realized that it’s very hard for English speakers to pronounce my name. When they try to say my name it actually comes out as Mierda (which is the Spanish name for poop). She knows my fear of getting joggers trot and we know the last thing I would need is a crowd enthusiastically chanting Mierda(poop)! Mierda(poop)! Mierda(poop)! So after laughing really hard we decided to put the Puerto Rican flag on the shirt and print Martha instead of Mirtha on the shirt. Hope this story makes you laugh :)
Ready for the weekend, about to get out for a 7km now to get it started here in Ireland!
Have a great one everyone.
perhaps too sensitive or personal, but, does anyone struggle with depression? the kind where interacting with others is hard; getting out of bed is hard and putting a pretend smile is also hard. i know running/exercise is good to combat depression, but sometimes....
Ok, this is a question that I’ve always had but never dared to ask. You all seem like a safe place to ask this question so here it goes. I run half marathons and want to jump to the full marathon distance. What’s stopping me is fear. Not fear of hitting the wall or even injury but I’m terrified of joggers trot happening to me. What are the odds, does this happen often and how can I avoid it? Just thinking about it makes me 💩. Help! :)
This just happened … I’m signed up for a half on 2/20 (location not to be revealed … the following could happen to ANY race director). I looked at the course map for 20 minutes and could not find the Mile-11 marker. Going north, I saw the mile 5&6 markers were very near the mile 10 and 12 markers … oops! I wrote the race director a couple of days ago and looked at the map this morning and found that the turn-around is a half mile farther north … all is well!
Second week back after having my son (<3!) in December. It’s been a long road—I’ve gone from competitive paces to ones so slow they’re pretty much going backwards -_- (I was restricted from running during my pregnancy.) D: Felt a good burst of strength during the latter half of my run yesterday, though, and was able to maintain an elevated pace until the end. :D Felt great and I’m so excited to hopefully not only get back to where I was but even better! :-) Hope all is well with everyone! <3
This January was difficult to run due to weather, I was sick (excuses) I know. Luckily last week my wife said, you should go outside and run. It was cold and the excuses started coming back, but I just geared up and went. I am so grateful that I did because I realized that I need it for my mind, body and spirit. Since then I have been running and this newsletter adds encouragement, so thank you all for your comments it really helps.
Today I am grateful I can enjoy life's simple things, like wearing your favorite sports team jersey to work or eating a donut with coffee.
How do you guys stay motivated on the treadmill? I have no problem keeping a steady pace outside and feeling good while running but on the treadmill I think I just get bored and stop. What advice/techniques have you guys used to keep treadmill workouts useful?
This week I have been in a funk. My dad passed away a couple of weeks ago and I have yet to get back to running like I was. Running is usually my getaway space. I do plan on trying to get a long run in this weekend.
I'll go first 😃 One thing I'm proud of myself for doing is staying consistent with my running/training routine over these past 6 weeks. I seem to have figured out a way to make it work with job + family -- and, that seems to be not trying to run more than 4 days a week. Last year, I was running 5 days a week, and when I'd fall behind or miss a day, that would give me permission to go slack the next week, and the week after that.
Other than, I've just finished "Death on the Nile" by Agatha Christie -- so good! And I've discovered the writer Amor Towles, who wrote Rules of Civility and A Gentleman in Moscow, the first of which I've started (and am loving) this week.
And, I LOVED the Book of Boba Fett finale -- just awesome, pure popcorn entertainment 😃