Good morning! We're off to a decent start for 2026 (according to Strava, YTD I've run 559.9 miles with 64,233 ft of vert). On Feb 28, I ran the Will Rogers 12hr race. It consisted of a 2.2-mile trail loop in Will Rogers State Park (Pacific Palisades, CA) that we ran continuously throughout the day. Each loop had about 300 feet of elevation gain, plus spectacular views of Hollywood, mid city, and downtown L.A. to the east and all of the South Bay to the south. I ran this race out of curiosity. I wanted to see if doing loops was mind-numbing (surprisingly, it wasn't). While it was a scorcher for Feb (temps soared into the high 80s), I got relief from getting to talk to so many athletes throughout the day. I did a few things well (like staying hydrated), but I found myself taking breaks that were too long. In the end, I ran just over 50 miles, and I stopped after 11 hr 30 min, as my better half wanted me to get on the road.
Next up is the Leona Divide 100k (Apr 18), and then I just agreed to pace the 3:25 finish at the OC Marathon (May 3). So we're keeping our foot on the gas. Happy Spring!
I'm slowly trying to get back in shape after surgery in January for a broken nose. I feel like I'm having lots of roadblocks! Including healing slowly, Careing for my 94 yr old Mom after her medical issues, and 100 degree weather in the Phoenix area! I hope to do the Lost Dutchman Half next year, so at least i have a long runway! 🏃♀️
Oh no, Mary! Well I’m glad you’re (hopefully!) on the mend ❤️🩹 And my heart goes out to you with caring for your mom — that plus the heat is a lot! I’ve been thinking about the heat wave you all have been experiencing; it sounds brutal!
Thanks! It's a hard balancing act caring for her and trying to get a run in before 9am when it gets too hot! It's supposed to go back to more normal temps this week and then I'll have a more "cool" time! 😀 🤞
Good morning Terrell. Haven't been "here" for far too long!
My running focus has changed a little bit. I'm now taking on triathlon's (though may sound crazy, better on my body physically than half-marathons) and so have been transition training, running, biking and swimming, along with weights, weekly.
I'm finding my running getting better, likely as I do not do it less often, along with being more individually focused on the 3 events with more focus as well. The hard part, to me, with distance running, was the repetitiveness of the activity, aong with the high mileage needed to be maintained in order to both finish and compete in the longer events.
I'm going to participate in two intermediate triathlon's in the fall, leaving me ample time to train, and so am lookng forward to this new challenge!
It really can be a challenge, can’t it? Especially at the mileage numbers I imagine you need to keep up — and yes, I can see how (ironically!) triathlons might be easier/better on your body. I ran one — one! — many years ago and it was a blast. (Though really hard!) Love that you’re doing them 🙌
It's going well but a good reminder to not skimp on recommendations. The Nashville half that was canceled mid-race last year due to weather was completed this year. I made the mistake of not breaking in my new shoes enough and it slowed me down mid-race. It was still a victory with state 36.
My employer is merging 2 divisions (TX and MN/AZ) and before I knew that was to occur made my request to relocate from MN to AZ to be closer to family and friends (AZ/CA) so MD is deferred to 2027 but still have WV, NY, and OK to look forward to as well as holidays with the family. I turn 57 this year so your words on a number of aspects resonate. I'm nervous but excited for the changes professionally. In 2020, I moved to MN alone and 2026 I move to AZ with my canine furkid. We both prefer warm weather so we'll be good. Lastly 😂 after all the states are done I hope the annual group run/race will still occur here as I'll still make a point to do that!😄
Been there with the shoes thing! I’ve never forgotten that lesson since 😀 And may I say I’m impressed with all the change you’re going through and clearly adapting to — love the adventurous spirit! I know being back closer to family will be a positive change too 🙌
Did a 5K last weekend and had a super time - only one in the 80+ age group, but had loads of fun.
Trying to bring my time down, but it is long, slow process. Planning on the Northern Virginia Senior Olympics again n September - had so much fun last year. I continue with the walk/run program and it works well. My mind remembers the fast times I used to have but my body tells me what I can do now! My favorite sports figure is Willie O'Ree. He was the first Black hockey player to play in the NHL. He had limited vision in one eye, but was an excellent hockey player. He said he always focused on what he could see and not what he couldn't. I think we can apply that across the board - focus on what we can do and not what we can't!
It's going. I have a half marathon in Portugal at the end of April, and I am on track to complete it, which is a good thing. I will do my best not to be disappointed with my overall time.
I guess the thing I'm most proud of this year is a 5.5 mile run in -5ºF/-20ºC. I was aiming for 5 miles but missed the turn off the trail to get to the main road. It made me realize how easy it is to get lost in the woods in winter, and how utterly stupid I was to go out in it. I was lucky to both have a functioning phone and that it was the weekend and there were others out on the trail. My limbs and my belly were red like they had been sunburned for almost an hour afterwards.
Good morning! We're off to a decent start for 2026 (according to Strava, YTD I've run 559.9 miles with 64,233 ft of vert). On Feb 28, I ran the Will Rogers 12hr race. It consisted of a 2.2-mile trail loop in Will Rogers State Park (Pacific Palisades, CA) that we ran continuously throughout the day. Each loop had about 300 feet of elevation gain, plus spectacular views of Hollywood, mid city, and downtown L.A. to the east and all of the South Bay to the south. I ran this race out of curiosity. I wanted to see if doing loops was mind-numbing (surprisingly, it wasn't). While it was a scorcher for Feb (temps soared into the high 80s), I got relief from getting to talk to so many athletes throughout the day. I did a few things well (like staying hydrated), but I found myself taking breaks that were too long. In the end, I ran just over 50 miles, and I stopped after 11 hr 30 min, as my better half wanted me to get on the road.
Next up is the Leona Divide 100k (Apr 18), and then I just agreed to pace the 3:25 finish at the OC Marathon (May 3). So we're keeping our foot on the gas. Happy Spring!
I'm slowly trying to get back in shape after surgery in January for a broken nose. I feel like I'm having lots of roadblocks! Including healing slowly, Careing for my 94 yr old Mom after her medical issues, and 100 degree weather in the Phoenix area! I hope to do the Lost Dutchman Half next year, so at least i have a long runway! 🏃♀️
Oh no, Mary! Well I’m glad you’re (hopefully!) on the mend ❤️🩹 And my heart goes out to you with caring for your mom — that plus the heat is a lot! I’ve been thinking about the heat wave you all have been experiencing; it sounds brutal!
Thanks! It's a hard balancing act caring for her and trying to get a run in before 9am when it gets too hot! It's supposed to go back to more normal temps this week and then I'll have a more "cool" time! 😀 🤞
Good morning Terrell. Haven't been "here" for far too long!
My running focus has changed a little bit. I'm now taking on triathlon's (though may sound crazy, better on my body physically than half-marathons) and so have been transition training, running, biking and swimming, along with weights, weekly.
I'm finding my running getting better, likely as I do not do it less often, along with being more individually focused on the 3 events with more focus as well. The hard part, to me, with distance running, was the repetitiveness of the activity, aong with the high mileage needed to be maintained in order to both finish and compete in the longer events.
I'm going to participate in two intermediate triathlon's in the fall, leaving me ample time to train, and so am lookng forward to this new challenge!
It really can be a challenge, can’t it? Especially at the mileage numbers I imagine you need to keep up — and yes, I can see how (ironically!) triathlons might be easier/better on your body. I ran one — one! — many years ago and it was a blast. (Though really hard!) Love that you’re doing them 🙌
It's going well but a good reminder to not skimp on recommendations. The Nashville half that was canceled mid-race last year due to weather was completed this year. I made the mistake of not breaking in my new shoes enough and it slowed me down mid-race. It was still a victory with state 36.
My employer is merging 2 divisions (TX and MN/AZ) and before I knew that was to occur made my request to relocate from MN to AZ to be closer to family and friends (AZ/CA) so MD is deferred to 2027 but still have WV, NY, and OK to look forward to as well as holidays with the family. I turn 57 this year so your words on a number of aspects resonate. I'm nervous but excited for the changes professionally. In 2020, I moved to MN alone and 2026 I move to AZ with my canine furkid. We both prefer warm weather so we'll be good. Lastly 😂 after all the states are done I hope the annual group run/race will still occur here as I'll still make a point to do that!😄
Been there with the shoes thing! I’ve never forgotten that lesson since 😀 And may I say I’m impressed with all the change you’re going through and clearly adapting to — love the adventurous spirit! I know being back closer to family will be a positive change too 🙌
In a word - great!
Did a 5K last weekend and had a super time - only one in the 80+ age group, but had loads of fun.
Trying to bring my time down, but it is long, slow process. Planning on the Northern Virginia Senior Olympics again n September - had so much fun last year. I continue with the walk/run program and it works well. My mind remembers the fast times I used to have but my body tells me what I can do now! My favorite sports figure is Willie O'Ree. He was the first Black hockey player to play in the NHL. He had limited vision in one eye, but was an excellent hockey player. He said he always focused on what he could see and not what he couldn't. I think we can apply that across the board - focus on what we can do and not what we can't!
Hope everyone has a great running year.
I’m definitely going to have to look him up! Thanks so much for sharing, Ken — and right back at you, hope you have a great year too my friend 🙌
It's going. I have a half marathon in Portugal at the end of April, and I am on track to complete it, which is a good thing. I will do my best not to be disappointed with my overall time.
I guess the thing I'm most proud of this year is a 5.5 mile run in -5ºF/-20ºC. I was aiming for 5 miles but missed the turn off the trail to get to the main road. It made me realize how easy it is to get lost in the woods in winter, and how utterly stupid I was to go out in it. I was lucky to both have a functioning phone and that it was the weekend and there were others out on the trail. My limbs and my belly were red like they had been sunburned for almost an hour afterwards.
I bet! Wow, 20 degrees below — I can’t even imagine cold like that! 🥶
That’s celcius! It was -5F. Temps did get colder than this, but I refuse to run in that!
I didn’t realize it was so cold because the air didn’t hurt my lungs. My eyelashes did frost up though!