Howdy! I’m en route to Charleston SC to run the Fox Swamp half marathon. Super excited for this beautiful trail run! State #31 and I can’t wait to explore Charleston too.
Have a blast in Charleston, Lisa! And good luck at the race -- if you've never been there before, you'll love it I'm sure. FANTASTIC food and lots to see -- if you get a chance, drive out to the beaches at Sullivan's Island. Really great historic houses, all preserved like they were decades ago.
For the first time ever, I did Dry January and, with two half-marathons coming up in April, have kept that going. It wasn't my intention to give up beer long-term, but I think it's definitely had a positive effect (unsurprisingly) on my training. Certainly early morning runs are easier and I've even lost a few pounds, which is helpful now that I'm in my 50s and carrying around more than I used to.
Reed, this is fantastic to hear! I gave up all alcohol for just over 80 days a couple years ago; it's amazing how good it makes you feel, isn't it? Are you keeping going with the no-beer?
I’m getting pretty good at putting on the boot on my right foot! Gym work is upper body and leg lifts. Frustrating but having my wife encourage me each day is a godsend!
I've been trying to get myself in half-marathon shape since having to take a break from running for health reasons in January. Took me a while to get my distance up again, partly because I am struggling to find time for long runs in my schedule. I had been planning to run a half here in my town at the end of March - and boy did the end of March sneak up on me. So I'm running the "Bearathon" (Baylor University, home of the The Bears, sponsors it - hence the name). It's known as the "hardest half in Texas" because of several miles of steep hills within the course.
I walked several of them with a co-worker yesterday to scout the route a bit. And I came away feeling less ready than ever. But I'm registered and running it, so ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
In December, after months of contemplation, I purchased the Coros Armband HRM. It's been a game changer -- and a piece of hardware that's served as validation for my training. For years, I'd referenced the optical HR data on my watch. But that information has proven to be little more than a random number generator. Ever since I started wearing the Armband, my training has improved. To be sure, I'm not a data junkie, but I do like the confirmation that what I'm feeling is reflected in my actual heart-rate file. My biggest takeaway: when I think I'm going hard, I'm not running that hard after all. There's a lot more gas in the tank.
That information inspired confidence as I toed the line in February to pace the 3:10 finish at Surf City. I only trained for it for three weeks, but I trusted the science (and the carbs) and pulled it off (with joy and relative ease).
Today, I'm five of 16 weeks into training for San Diego 100. Last year I ran it in a respectable 27:17, and I'm hoping I can leverage my experience to run it better in 2025.
WOW, John!! You are seriously inspiring me -- I was just doing a bit of research yesterday on some races, and some really interesting ultras kept popping up. Also this: "But that information has proven to be little more than a random number generator." That's what I've always wondered about my Apple Watch... so basically, can I trust it at all?
Thanks Terrell, always appreciate your content and questions. My running is in good shape and very consistent. Trouble is, that’s the extent of my fitness routine these days. Working full-time, trying to launch a side business, and being 57 years-old is leaving me feeling a bit burnt out right now. Need to strength train and work on flexibility. Good news is that spring is here which is always a good motivator.
TOTALLY FEEL YOU on ALL of this, Jonathan! I was just thinking to myself, at my age (54), with young children in school and myself with a full-time job, and my wife is helping take care of aging parents (as well as me, occasionally), there's only so much you can give to any one thing in your life. You have to spread your energy around, give each as much as you can, but you can't overdo it on any one thing, you know? That's why I'm looking around for strength training things I can do in short bursts, rather than something that requires a big time commitment. It's not easy, is it?!
Sooooo glad spring has sprung. We never really know what April will bring in upstate New York but at least we can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Nothing yet this year but first Revel coming up in May. I’ve never done a downhill before sound awesome but I’ve heard a few things to the contrary…. Guess I’ll find out. Question would be how to avoid pretty severe nausea and vomiting after races? I’m usually fine during the race but about 10 minutes after it hits pretty hard for about an hour. Open to suggestions. Hope everyone is doing well.
Wish I could say it is going in circles, but mostly fits and starts. At 75 after a long time of training for and running(also, skiing and kayaking) races my desire to suffer has faded away. Rainy days and cold no longer look like a challenge, seem to encourage reading and woodworking. Still I get out 3-4 times a week on nice days. I’ve found one benefit of moving so slowly is that I can combine running and flower identification! On! On!
Not really. I plant things, water them when needed, but they are on their own. I do like the “natural “ arrangement that occurs in the fields and woods. Thanks for the comment.
Rowing. . .not running. 8 more days of March Mud Madness. . . 25 days in March at 5000+meters per day. Then onto the April Fools Challenge.
I need to get out and sweep and clean up the garden for spring and start tilling the ground and planting!
Not forcing myself to go running in the hills, but an re-evaluating to easier daily workout. To tell you the truth, I get bored running the same suburban climb, as I used to go running for miles on the Sammamish River Trail.
At 77, going on to 78, I'll plan on training (running) for the half we do in the fall. There are flat places here, it is just getting to them. I hate to impose on my daughter and her friend to drive me to them every day.
Hard for me to accept, but as an “older” runner, 66 YO, it does become more of a challenge to run consistently. I was diagnosed with Diverticulitis last fall and it has been a challenge to run with the lower abdominal pain It creates. For months it was getting better, now it is only uncomfortable for the first 1/2 mile, but tenderness in that area after a run lasts for a day. I know Diverticulitis is not all that uncommon, seems to be different degrees of discomfort among those who have it. Would love to hear from anyone else who has this and what works for you. In the meantime I’ll just keep plugging along and deal with it.
I feel for you, Ken, I really do -- I've had relatives who've experienced diverticulitis, and it's no joke. Hopefully we'll hear from someone else here who has as well. My heart goes out to you.
Hey Terrell, As a "young Senior I'm struggling with yet another round of ITB issues. It's become an annual, painful thing. So between that and the cold colorado winters limiting available time for running, this year is not off to a strong start. The winter weather i can cope with - bundling up in puffy jackets, etc. It's the ITB issues that get me. I have the strength and flexibility, but the ITB still flares after a few miles. Frustrating! I suspect it's now a matter of running AND walking form. and retraining brain and body to work together differently - which very few articles, references, etc ever talk about. Would happen to know of a few? I hope so, cause I'm not ready to put away the running shoes yet.
Hi Jean Marie! That's such a bummer to hear -- I really, really feel for you. I just did a quick search and found this overview article on Runner's World, which has some helpful tips and exercises you can try, and seems to be a really insightful look at why ITB issues crop up, and how we might be able to ameliorate them. Let me know if this is what you're looking for!
I'm really glad you asked this question, because you're right, I don't hear it come up or get addressed that often -- so thanks for raising your hand about it!
This was a great article. Cross-over gait: I do run with a narrow stride. Gait re-education: I can see how the movements and training should help. Will incorporate into my training program. Thank you so very much!!!
Terrell, you mentioned in one of your newsletters a person with similar problems who had turned to her PT for help, The article, which I never got to read because it was in NYT and they had a paywall, was on Dead Butt Syndrome. I looked it up because I was curious. Turns out gluteal exercises are a key to a lot of runner's injuries. . .They are slow, but they do work. I've been doing them (at least what I could piece together) Lo, they do help. Not quickly, but in the long run, they are useful, especially for balance which was one of my problems.
Utah has a hint of spring one day, then it will snow the following day. Ha ha. My training is going, I want to accomplish more long runs this month to get confidence along with additional strength training.
That's how Utah is! I lived there for many years, built an adobe house in Beryl in my 50s. Seemed to me it snowed in April every year for Easter. Keep running!
Good stuff! I wish we got more snow where I live (Atlanta). I'm always jealous of those photos I see of places like where you live, with snow-capped mountains in the background and huge, gorgeous, sweeping views of the big blue skies out there. It's so awesome out there!
in January started slowly working towards a half marathon in September. Trying so hard to keep gradually increasing the intensity without triggering the shin splints/soleus strain issue that’s plagued me every time I’ve tried to run any kind of distance. Frustrated that I haven’t been able to get beyond 10 miles/weekly yet.
Very nice! Will this be your first half? (And also: don't be too frustrated, though I understand that completely: you've still got *plenty* of time left to get ready for 13.1 in September.) Please feel free to reach out if there's anything I can do to help!
I walk/ran a half when I was 21 😂 which I “trained for” by doing a few inconsistent long walk/runs over the 8 weeks leading up to it. Back when my body was far more abusable than it is now…
@75 y.o. and some health setbacks, I continue to [try as best I can] to run. I used to love halfs, then was happy with 10 milers, ok then it was the 10k that I would do… sadly now…. 5k is an aspiration. So sad yes? I run 3x a week, never two days in a row, am happy being a run/walker, am in PT with an excellent therapist who has helped immensely, do some weight training, etc. … but still whacked following whatever run it is. Goal this year is to run 75 race miles by my 75th birthday in early September [and that’s a lot of 5ks…]. I believe I’ll make it [w/o any more medical setbacks] but anyone have any ideas on how to obtain a better mind/physical set?
Jaine, I love that you're still going for it even though your body is telling you to slow down -- that you're going for realistic, achievable things, that you actually can do. So, let me think about mindset -- I try, when I run, just to focus on the moment that's right in front of me. So what that means is, I try only to think about the next stretch I'm running -- the next 50 or 100 yards, the next loop around the park, etc. -- and try not to get too ahead of myself. I also try to focus on feeling good when I do it; so, exerting myself so that I feel spent, but still have a little left in the tank -- I don't completely exhaust myself, but try to really let the horse run, you know? I'll also look up some pieces on running mindset and psychology and share them here.
Just did the Charlottesville 10 miler and loved it!! I was nervous due to undertraining due to basically LIFE. But it went great and really needed it with the all the stress I’m feeling about the current government situation
Happy Saturday everyone! Thanks for the level-up question Terrell. I live by Flathead lake in Montana and we are just coming out of winter now. Since December I’ve been relegated to indoor weightlifting and treadmill workouts except for a couple of weeks in Phoenix and Orlando …. Sigh! I’m soooooo ready to train among chirping birds and darting squirrels again! I’m signed up for two half’s, The Governors Cup (June) and For the Helena Of It (October) both in Helena MT and am already getting anxious about my less than stellar training consistency. I need to get back on a good path … both figuratively and physically 😎.
Howdy! I’m en route to Charleston SC to run the Fox Swamp half marathon. Super excited for this beautiful trail run! State #31 and I can’t wait to explore Charleston too.
Have a blast in Charleston, Lisa! And good luck at the race -- if you've never been there before, you'll love it I'm sure. FANTASTIC food and lots to see -- if you get a chance, drive out to the beaches at Sullivan's Island. Really great historic houses, all preserved like they were decades ago.
Awesome, will do, and thanks for the suggestion! No I’ve never been there!
For the first time ever, I did Dry January and, with two half-marathons coming up in April, have kept that going. It wasn't my intention to give up beer long-term, but I think it's definitely had a positive effect (unsurprisingly) on my training. Certainly early morning runs are easier and I've even lost a few pounds, which is helpful now that I'm in my 50s and carrying around more than I used to.
Reed, this is fantastic to hear! I gave up all alcohol for just over 80 days a couple years ago; it's amazing how good it makes you feel, isn't it? Are you keeping going with the no-beer?
If you've every considered that beer is made of grains, then no wonder the extra pounds! Take it from an old time brewer! :)
I absolutely love making beer, wine, and mead, but there has to be some reason they call beer liquid bread! ;)
Certainly dry through my runs in April, and then we'll see. May want a celebratory IPA after I complete that second run.
I’m getting pretty good at putting on the boot on my right foot! Gym work is upper body and leg lifts. Frustrating but having my wife encourage me each day is a godsend!
This is so good to hear, Dave! (I mean, that you're on the mend and able to do that work in the gym. Good stuff!)
I've been trying to get myself in half-marathon shape since having to take a break from running for health reasons in January. Took me a while to get my distance up again, partly because I am struggling to find time for long runs in my schedule. I had been planning to run a half here in my town at the end of March - and boy did the end of March sneak up on me. So I'm running the "Bearathon" (Baylor University, home of the The Bears, sponsors it - hence the name). It's known as the "hardest half in Texas" because of several miles of steep hills within the course.
I walked several of them with a co-worker yesterday to scout the route a bit. And I came away feeling less ready than ever. But I'm registered and running it, so ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
In December, after months of contemplation, I purchased the Coros Armband HRM. It's been a game changer -- and a piece of hardware that's served as validation for my training. For years, I'd referenced the optical HR data on my watch. But that information has proven to be little more than a random number generator. Ever since I started wearing the Armband, my training has improved. To be sure, I'm not a data junkie, but I do like the confirmation that what I'm feeling is reflected in my actual heart-rate file. My biggest takeaway: when I think I'm going hard, I'm not running that hard after all. There's a lot more gas in the tank.
That information inspired confidence as I toed the line in February to pace the 3:10 finish at Surf City. I only trained for it for three weeks, but I trusted the science (and the carbs) and pulled it off (with joy and relative ease).
Today, I'm five of 16 weeks into training for San Diego 100. Last year I ran it in a respectable 27:17, and I'm hoping I can leverage my experience to run it better in 2025.
Happy Spring, y'all!
WOW, John!! You are seriously inspiring me -- I was just doing a bit of research yesterday on some races, and some really interesting ultras kept popping up. Also this: "But that information has proven to be little more than a random number generator." That's what I've always wondered about my Apple Watch... so basically, can I trust it at all?
Thanks Terrell, always appreciate your content and questions. My running is in good shape and very consistent. Trouble is, that’s the extent of my fitness routine these days. Working full-time, trying to launch a side business, and being 57 years-old is leaving me feeling a bit burnt out right now. Need to strength train and work on flexibility. Good news is that spring is here which is always a good motivator.
Thank you for all you do!
TOTALLY FEEL YOU on ALL of this, Jonathan! I was just thinking to myself, at my age (54), with young children in school and myself with a full-time job, and my wife is helping take care of aging parents (as well as me, occasionally), there's only so much you can give to any one thing in your life. You have to spread your energy around, give each as much as you can, but you can't overdo it on any one thing, you know? That's why I'm looking around for strength training things I can do in short bursts, rather than something that requires a big time commitment. It's not easy, is it?!
It’s not easy at all! But it’s nice to commiserate in a supportive community.
Sooooo glad spring has sprung. We never really know what April will bring in upstate New York but at least we can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Nothing yet this year but first Revel coming up in May. I’ve never done a downhill before sound awesome but I’ve heard a few things to the contrary…. Guess I’ll find out. Question would be how to avoid pretty severe nausea and vomiting after races? I’m usually fine during the race but about 10 minutes after it hits pretty hard for about an hour. Open to suggestions. Hope everyone is doing well.
Wish I could say it is going in circles, but mostly fits and starts. At 75 after a long time of training for and running(also, skiing and kayaking) races my desire to suffer has faded away. Rainy days and cold no longer look like a challenge, seem to encourage reading and woodworking. Still I get out 3-4 times a week on nice days. I’ve found one benefit of moving so slowly is that I can combine running and flower identification! On! On!
I love that, Jerry! Are you big into gardening?
Not really. I plant things, water them when needed, but they are on their own. I do like the “natural “ arrangement that occurs in the fields and woods. Thanks for the comment.
Rowing. . .not running. 8 more days of March Mud Madness. . . 25 days in March at 5000+meters per day. Then onto the April Fools Challenge.
I need to get out and sweep and clean up the garden for spring and start tilling the ground and planting!
Not forcing myself to go running in the hills, but an re-evaluating to easier daily workout. To tell you the truth, I get bored running the same suburban climb, as I used to go running for miles on the Sammamish River Trail.
At 77, going on to 78, I'll plan on training (running) for the half we do in the fall. There are flat places here, it is just getting to them. I hate to impose on my daughter and her friend to drive me to them every day.
Love hearing that, Nilima! I'm going to do some brainstorming on the fall race over the weekend... stay tuned!
Don't worry. . . I'm counting on coming to the fall race this year! :)
Hard for me to accept, but as an “older” runner, 66 YO, it does become more of a challenge to run consistently. I was diagnosed with Diverticulitis last fall and it has been a challenge to run with the lower abdominal pain It creates. For months it was getting better, now it is only uncomfortable for the first 1/2 mile, but tenderness in that area after a run lasts for a day. I know Diverticulitis is not all that uncommon, seems to be different degrees of discomfort among those who have it. Would love to hear from anyone else who has this and what works for you. In the meantime I’ll just keep plugging along and deal with it.
I feel for you, Ken, I really do -- I've had relatives who've experienced diverticulitis, and it's no joke. Hopefully we'll hear from someone else here who has as well. My heart goes out to you.
Hey Terrell, As a "young Senior I'm struggling with yet another round of ITB issues. It's become an annual, painful thing. So between that and the cold colorado winters limiting available time for running, this year is not off to a strong start. The winter weather i can cope with - bundling up in puffy jackets, etc. It's the ITB issues that get me. I have the strength and flexibility, but the ITB still flares after a few miles. Frustrating! I suspect it's now a matter of running AND walking form. and retraining brain and body to work together differently - which very few articles, references, etc ever talk about. Would happen to know of a few? I hope so, cause I'm not ready to put away the running shoes yet.
Hi Jean Marie! That's such a bummer to hear -- I really, really feel for you. I just did a quick search and found this overview article on Runner's World, which has some helpful tips and exercises you can try, and seems to be a really insightful look at why ITB issues crop up, and how we might be able to ameliorate them. Let me know if this is what you're looking for!
https://www.runnersworld.com/uk/health/injury/a40675449/it-band-syndrome/
I'm really glad you asked this question, because you're right, I don't hear it come up or get addressed that often -- so thanks for raising your hand about it!
This was a great article. Cross-over gait: I do run with a narrow stride. Gait re-education: I can see how the movements and training should help. Will incorporate into my training program. Thank you so very much!!!
So glad to hear that, JM!
Terrell, you mentioned in one of your newsletters a person with similar problems who had turned to her PT for help, The article, which I never got to read because it was in NYT and they had a paywall, was on Dead Butt Syndrome. I looked it up because I was curious. Turns out gluteal exercises are a key to a lot of runner's injuries. . .They are slow, but they do work. I've been doing them (at least what I could piece together) Lo, they do help. Not quickly, but in the long run, they are useful, especially for balance which was one of my problems.
Utah has a hint of spring one day, then it will snow the following day. Ha ha. My training is going, I want to accomplish more long runs this month to get confidence along with additional strength training.
That's how Utah is! I lived there for many years, built an adobe house in Beryl in my 50s. Seemed to me it snowed in April every year for Easter. Keep running!
Good stuff! I wish we got more snow where I live (Atlanta). I'm always jealous of those photos I see of places like where you live, with snow-capped mountains in the background and huge, gorgeous, sweeping views of the big blue skies out there. It's so awesome out there!
in January started slowly working towards a half marathon in September. Trying so hard to keep gradually increasing the intensity without triggering the shin splints/soleus strain issue that’s plagued me every time I’ve tried to run any kind of distance. Frustrated that I haven’t been able to get beyond 10 miles/weekly yet.
Very nice! Will this be your first half? (And also: don't be too frustrated, though I understand that completely: you've still got *plenty* of time left to get ready for 13.1 in September.) Please feel free to reach out if there's anything I can do to help!
I walk/ran a half when I was 21 😂 which I “trained for” by doing a few inconsistent long walk/runs over the 8 weeks leading up to it. Back when my body was far more abusable than it is now…
@75 y.o. and some health setbacks, I continue to [try as best I can] to run. I used to love halfs, then was happy with 10 milers, ok then it was the 10k that I would do… sadly now…. 5k is an aspiration. So sad yes? I run 3x a week, never two days in a row, am happy being a run/walker, am in PT with an excellent therapist who has helped immensely, do some weight training, etc. … but still whacked following whatever run it is. Goal this year is to run 75 race miles by my 75th birthday in early September [and that’s a lot of 5ks…]. I believe I’ll make it [w/o any more medical setbacks] but anyone have any ideas on how to obtain a better mind/physical set?
nothing to add to this, except to 👍🏾 and thanks.. (Inspiring!)
That is inspiring thank you for sharing! 75 for 75 great mission.
Jaine, I love that you're still going for it even though your body is telling you to slow down -- that you're going for realistic, achievable things, that you actually can do. So, let me think about mindset -- I try, when I run, just to focus on the moment that's right in front of me. So what that means is, I try only to think about the next stretch I'm running -- the next 50 or 100 yards, the next loop around the park, etc. -- and try not to get too ahead of myself. I also try to focus on feeling good when I do it; so, exerting myself so that I feel spent, but still have a little left in the tank -- I don't completely exhaust myself, but try to really let the horse run, you know? I'll also look up some pieces on running mindset and psychology and share them here.
thank you Terrell for this and all that you share - I truly appreciate it and you!
Just did the Charlottesville 10 miler and loved it!! I was nervous due to undertraining due to basically LIFE. But it went great and really needed it with the all the stress I’m feeling about the current government situation
Happy Saturday everyone! Thanks for the level-up question Terrell. I live by Flathead lake in Montana and we are just coming out of winter now. Since December I’ve been relegated to indoor weightlifting and treadmill workouts except for a couple of weeks in Phoenix and Orlando …. Sigh! I’m soooooo ready to train among chirping birds and darting squirrels again! I’m signed up for two half’s, The Governors Cup (June) and For the Helena Of It (October) both in Helena MT and am already getting anxious about my less than stellar training consistency. I need to get back on a good path … both figuratively and physically 😎.