33 Comments
Jan 30, 2023Liked by Terrell Johnson

2022 was a very difficult running year for me. I totally hit the wall of no motivation. I ran 1/2 in mid-March but after that I averaged 1 run per week. It was very frustrating and there was no definable reason for it. (Except maybe a little fear. I had soiled myself on a short run and found it very hard to get past that)

2023 is looking great so far. I am starting off with shorter runs but started going a little longer this past weekend. (4) I am on pace to do the same 1/2 in March. It is the Heart Mini which supports the AHA.

I have run everyday this year so far. That is the best way for me to stay motivated. I learned lessons from the past when I nearly burnt out on a streak. So I take it easy a lot and only push myself 2-3 days per week, but not in a row.

Expand full comment
Jan 30, 2023Liked by Terrell Johnson

I’m the person who posted that comment and I’m happy to say my training is going very well four weeks in! Weekday runs incorporate daycare drop off (as I’m mostly solo parenting during the week there’s no other option) and end at work (where luckily there’s a shower). I’m not as fast with the stroller and backpack but the runs get done. I’ve been following the 16 week plan and for today’s long run ran with a local group for the first time, it was great and will be what I continue doing. I’ve been plotting the runs out on my calendar through the next month and am so much looking forward to next week’s long run already. I get a lot of inspiration from this newsletter and the comments.

Expand full comment
Jan 28, 2023Liked by Terrell Johnson

Long runs. Scaling them up on smart plans but getting that one long run in per week (and sometimes we have to miss one when life happens) is the one essential.

I knew a man, a local pastor, who only ran three days a week after turning sixty, and at a post-run coffee after a frozen ten miler in January in my Minnesota home town he told me the long run--and it’s effects on the body--was what he most needed to run a good half.

Now in my sixties, I wish I could have perhaps trusted that thought a little more, and left out a few speed workouts done either just before or just after day a long run.

Protect that long run, and revel in the long, slow push which trains our minds, feet, and our will.

Expand full comment
Jan 28, 2023Liked by Terrell Johnson

My two cents is to stay engaged with friends, running buddies or run groups. This is a good tool for me that keeps me motivated. I trained for a half marathon this past fall and the 3 mile run on Tuesday mornings with my friend kept me going as much as anything. I've consciously made running more social as I've gotten older because it helps with my motivation.

Expand full comment
Jan 28, 2023Liked by Terrell Johnson

i've been battling achilles for 2 years now. i went from running 5 days a week to almost 0. i'm slowly getting back into it but my hurdle is my drive has waned. i still love running but fear of re-injury makes me not want to run as much. i do sleep in on the weekends more than i used to which is nice, but i miss running with my friends all the time.

Expand full comment
Jan 27, 2023Liked by Terrell Johnson

I’m really trying to go with the β€œsomething is better than nothing” philosophy at the moment! I find it so easy to be all or nothing about training and give up if things don’t go perfectly. So trying to remember it’s better to get out and do something even if it’s not the session on the plan! Takes the pressure off and all those little efforts add up.

Expand full comment
Jan 27, 2023Liked by Terrell Johnson

I ran a half-marathon this fall, my first since becoming a Dad 3 years ago. It was certainly challenging, but I was able to get through my training pretty smoothly and actually set a PR. It may sound selfish, but I just suggest protecting that time when you first wake up. I had to sneak out of bed many times and miss out on some morning Dad time but it was the only way to get my long runs done. It's super helpful to have a supportive partner (which I'm happy to say I do!)

Expand full comment
Jan 27, 2023Liked by Terrell Johnson

So many hurdles that get in the way. I think one has to chalk them up as "done", even if it is just a portion, and go on. Ruminating only causes stress and hating yourself for not being better. After all, running is for fun and enjoyment. . . not a contest!

Expand full comment

Ive bought myself a Smart Watch. I love stats anyway but tracking everything from heart beat to steps is amazing for motivation.

I now have a competition with my wife to see how many steps we can do. (she always wins!)

Expand full comment
Jan 27, 2023Liked by Terrell Johnson

I agree that the hardest part is blocking out the time for the long runs. I ran a half-marathon right after my son turned one, and if I didn't put the training runs on my calendar for a week or two ahead it was so easy to not do them. I'm training again for a half and I tell both my spouse and son what my long run mileage is going to be on Saturday so they both know that I will be doing it and they don't bother me with a million little things when I'm heading out the door.

Expand full comment
Jan 27, 2023Liked by Terrell Johnson

I think the biggest hurdle is finding time to do a long run. For me, it's not as hard to find time to do a run that's an hour or less because I can wake up early to do that. But blocking out time to do runs longer than that is challenging

Expand full comment
Jan 27, 2023Liked by Terrell Johnson

It’s all about habit. Eventually if you just make yourself do something enough times without really thinking about it, you’ll also find the time & motivation to make it happen, like brushing your teeth.

I’m 4 weeks into Boston marathon prep now & all’s going well. I know I’ll complete the training. I’ll take the energy gels, put in the miles, the interval speed sessions, the protein shakes, the weight training. The only thing I’m scared of is an injury, preventing me from training.

Running is my sanctuary. Not something I dread or try to fit in. If anything it’s the rest of my life that has to accommodate the running.

Have a great weekend!

Expand full comment

Most people I know find it difficult to ask for help in accomplishing their dreams/goals. The fact is we are all, in one way or other, dependent upon each other to accomplish most anything. Yes, it takes a village❗️

If you have the courage to run a half marathon you can dig deep enough to ask for help to provide you with the training time. If help is currently scarce, seek it out, barter if you can’t afford it but don’t let your dream die because you did not ask for help. Create a running group for motivation, accountability and support. If you reach out, you will be pleasantly surprised how many good hearted people will respond❗️Trust in your dream and your good intentions. Taking care of yourself by running a half marathon is not a selfish endeavor. It is a blessing. If one has that attitude, everything changes for the better❗️β™₯️❗️

Expand full comment
Jan 27, 2023Liked by Terrell Johnson

I don't necessarily have advice for overcoming life's hurdles. But I will contribute two things. First, motivation follows action, not the other way around. If you sit around and wait to be motivated, you won't get out the door many times. Learning to lace 'em up and get out the door when you don't feel like it is a powerful habit, and many more times than not, you'll feel fine after a half-mile or so. And second, don't stress over missing a run on a day when life gets in the way. The body doesn't differentiate between types of stress, so constantly worrying about a day that got too hectic to fit in a run will only make you feel crappy going forward. Accept that things didn't work out today and prepare to get a run in tomorrow.

Expand full comment

My rule: something is better than nothing. Even if I can only get out for a lap around the block or a ten-minute run, I can at least check "went for a run" off my list. The continued momentum of just going outside helps sustain me in between longer runs, and keeps me on my feet in busy seasons!

Expand full comment