When I first started running back in my twenties, I didn’t dare to dream too big. Finishing the Peachtree Road Race, a really big 10K here in Atlanta every 4th of July, was as big as I let myself dream.
But as I trained and kept running, my sense of what’s possible started to expand. I met a friend who persuaded me to sign up for a program in which we trained for the Bermuda Marathon together and raised money for a charity (the Arthritis Foundation). Before that, I didn’t think in a million years I’d be able to run 26.2 miles. But I did.
At the time I ran that, a marathon was the farthest most people I knew dared to even think about running. But in the years since, much farther events have become hugely popular, and so now there’s a whole range of distances you can run.
So my question to you is, what do you think is possible for yourself? What lights you up as something you’d like to shoot for? What do you dream of accomplishing? I’d love to hear. — Terrell
👉 P.S. — One of our fellow readers wrote me this week to let me know she’s training for the Boston Marathon, which is AMAZING! Her name is Chrylann Barrett, and as part of her training, she’s raising money for Trinity Boston Connects — if you’d like to help her in her fundraising challenge, you can donate here.
I am 65 years old and love to run. I did not start running until I was 57, one year after being treated for cancer. Running a marathon became A Bucket-list item. I was able to complete 3 marathons and then my cancer returned. I am now cancer free and trying to run ONE MORE Marathon (LOL)! But I continue to be plagued with injuries such as insertional achilles tendonitis. I will not give up until I cross that 26.2 mile finish line! That is what keeps me going. That and waiting for some grandkids!!
i finally feel (mostly) healed after an achilles injury from august. i'm thankful to be able to run again! yesterday was the first warm day in maryland and i went for an afternoon run. it was hot and hilly and when finished i was like, gosh that was tough! then i realized i was able to do it without pain and i was happy. my goal right now is to just keep on injury free and build my mileage back up.
When I first got serious in running at the end of ‘15 I got the bug big time. I ran a 10k on Thanksgiving Day, 1/2 in Mar ‘16, 1st full in May ‘16 & 2nd in Sep ‘16. It was a crazy first year. At the time I heard of a 50 miler in MI in Manistee Natl Forest. I have been mountain biking there when I lived in that state in the ‘90’s. I absolutely would love to run the 50 there. Beautiful state for sure!
I’m running the Brooklyn Marathon in April because I want to break 5 hours. I have done NY and Chicago. I’ve come close, but hopefully it happens. After this I may stick to half’s because marathon training takes up so much time.
Mar 18, 2022·edited Mar 18, 2022Liked by Terrell Johnson
Running NYC half on Sunday....definitely one goal. And headed for ONE marathon within the next two years. Never ever did I believe I could do any of this a scant 5 years ago! And a race in every state...up to 16 so far...oh and a 2 hour half! Dreaming big over here!
Currently, I’m focusing on half marathons, the longest official distance I’ve run. Trying to get back to my PR, then faster, and eventually to the point that halves aren’t the slog they’ve always been for me. If I can ever get to that point, I might consider something longer, but I recently turned 50 and my legs and feet keep reminding me of that. It would be fun to do some traveling for half marathons when that becomes reasonable again.
In my very best dream, I'd be running the Barkley marathon. Since this is more of a hallucination than a dream, I'd also be the first woman to finish it just so I could see the expression on Laz Lake's face when it happened. If I were 40 years younger, I'd actually give this dream a go if only to meet the great Laz in person!! He is just awesome!!
This past weekend I encountered a gentleman in his 80's who runs runs a 5k almost every weekend. The ability and courage to do that is the best goal I can imagine for my running.
Not to sound like a broken record, but my dream as far as running is and has been for the last 2 years to run the Marine Corps Marathon live. I signed up for it in 2020 when it was cancelled for the first time. I ran it virtually and and got deferred to 2021 which was also cancelled. I got deferred once again for 2022. Hopefully, I can make it this year. Much more vaguely, I think I would like to run the Big Sur Marathon, either a whole or half in the Redwoods area and either a whole or half across the Golden Gate. Even more foggy of a dream would be running a 50k just to say I did an ultra, lol. But definitely, that would have to be a particular set of circumstances coming together. We'll see.
Well, my Big Dream came back in 1988 when, after watching the Marine Corps Marathon participants run by me on Key Bridge year after year I decided, "I'm going to run this thing next year." And I did. It was fantastic. I went on to run 6 more marathons (I still think 26.2 is plenty long enough) and now have settled in to at least one half every year (Binghamton Bridge Run this year in May) and at least one 5K each year with my grand daughter.
At 71 my goal now is to keep exercising (walking one day, jogging the next) to fend off physical and mental disease as long as I can, and be prepared for that annual half. So far so good.
Dreams are big. . . Personally, I still long to run the Great American Trail (Rails-to-Trail Conservancy) . It's not something that could be done in a few hours--actually it could take months, however, I think it could be done, even at my age!
Second on my list is the Badwater Ultra from Death Valley to Mt Whitney, purely because I know the country and would like to see it on foot. It's only 135 miles!
Realistically, I have to focus on Half Marathons that I can go to easily in Washington. I don't drive, so it holds me back. Maybe once I get the cataracts removed this year and don't have to rely on other people, I can go again!
Probably going back to 10Ks. They seem to be easier and more fun . Fortunately, there are more now and race times are longer. My times are not as fast anymore whether I like it or not, but that's OK. There is no time limit on gawking. . .:)
Really interesting topic Terrell. I am with you and have never dreamed I would run as far as i have now. I don't think i want to go any further. Looking forward to reading peoples thoughts.
My most immediate goal is to run in the Eugene Marathon May 1 (albeit the 1/2 marathon). Running with family members in memory of my mom ( their grandma) who passed away from colon cancer last year. The last two times I have trained for 1/2’s I have been knocked out with Achilles tendinitis, it usual hits around the 9 mile mark when training. I have gone to PT and do all the stretching and strengthening exercises, but still seem prone. This week I hit the 9 mile mark and am really hoping to not have it happen again.
My initial goal was to qualify for the Boston Marathon. I ran 32 marathons and came close a couple of times but was foiled due to changes in the qualifying standards. In 1980 I ran 2:56:20 after they dropped the standard from 3:10 to 2:50 and again in 2012 when I ran 3:44:57 after they dropped the standard from 3:45 to 3:40. Now with A-Fib and a leaky heart valve I am only allowed to run every other day and no longer allowed to run longer than an easy 5 miles keeping my heart rate under 150. Only goal now is to log miles and reach 50,000 miles lifetime which could take another decade. I will turn 65 in November.
I am assembling an advisory board and will share short and long term goals as we develop them.. thanks for your on going encouragement Terrell and All…
My original goal was 6 by 60. Half marathons, that is. I surpassed that goal easily. So as I started to do destination races, I thought why not do a race in every state? That goal got sidetracked with the pandemic. I’m not even sure it is realistic anymore. I completed my 19th state in TX this spring and have the WY Chugwater half over labor day, which will put me at 20. If I could do 3 a year, it would be 10 years to finish and I would be 77 years old. Seems like a still worthy goal to keep active. Stay tuned.
I only starting distance running 4+ years ago. When I began, it was simply to be more healthy so I really had no goals. I am also a former college athlete so that didn’t last very long! After about 1 year of running, maybe less, I decided to “try” half-marathons. My goal now is to not run longer, not really enough time in my life to do the training for a marathon, but to continue to run the half at a faster pace. I’ve been lucky so far and have been able to consistently lower it. My niece, an amazing runner, makes me push to feel like I could “compete” with her [not realistic but one can hope…she’s run a 3:30 marathon!] so that’s my drive to improve and excel!
In the process of recovery of an Achilles injury from NYC full - once healthy again, get back to training to qualify for Boston - in the meantime, cross training, strength work, etc. - cannot emphasize enough the process of proper recovery - hopefully be all good by summer :)
My “dream” is to take my passion for running and runners and create an Annual National Run called “The Great Human Race” with the tag line: “Banking Food for the Long Run”. The funds raised would directly support local food banks. Since most of us can agree that in this wealthy country no family should face food insecurity when faced with a life crisis, I can envision this event to be run on the same day each year to raise awareness and consciousness that no American family should go to bed hungry & the positive role food banks can provide. This running “dream” will be my lifetime project. And as I embark upon this dream, I know that I may not see it’s ultimate realization, but I am comforted by the belief that our great running community will one day turnout in incredible numbers to support an idea that is meant to give us all a common purpose beyond our individual & merit worthy goals and challenges! Yes it is time to become “The Great Human Race”! And who better to accomplish this then Runners who break thru barriers of one kind or another every time they lace up!
In the process of recovery of an Achilles injury from NYC full - once healthy again, get back to training to qualify for Boston - in the meantime, cross training, strength work, etc. - cannot emphasize enough the process of proper recovery - hopefully be all good by summer :)
For me I am using running to seee the country. I am on a journey to run a half marathon in all 50 states. I love to travel and I decided to use running to accomplish this as well. I try to pick a few statues each year and find races in areas of the states that I want to visit. It allws me to run and experience different parts of the country at once.
I just completed my most rewcent personal goal of running 100 Half Marathons and am working on hitting 250 half marathons now.
I'm also working on a way to run some of the more iconic marathons in the country. I have completed the Disney Marathon several times and the Marine Corps Marathon. I hope to run New York, Chicago and even though I will never have a BQ, run Boston.
My dream will be to run in the NYC marathon. I am happy with finishing half marathons at the moment. Working on getting in shape for the Space coast Half right now.
I am working on earning my Abbott Six Star Medal by running all six World Marathon Majors. So far I have run New York City and Chicago. I was supposed to run Berlin in 2020 but that has been delayed to this year. After that I will have London, Tokyo, and Boston to complete. I will likely have to run Boston for charity as I am not a fast runner. All of this from the person who claimed to have absolutely no interest in running 26.2. Then I fell victim to the NYC Marathon hype video, lol! We truly are capable of so much more than we think we are. Sometimes one just needs to work their mind a little harder than their body in order to believe.
I am 65 years old and love to run. I did not start running until I was 57, one year after being treated for cancer. Running a marathon became A Bucket-list item. I was able to complete 3 marathons and then my cancer returned. I am now cancer free and trying to run ONE MORE Marathon (LOL)! But I continue to be plagued with injuries such as insertional achilles tendonitis. I will not give up until I cross that 26.2 mile finish line! That is what keeps me going. That and waiting for some grandkids!!
Thank you everyone! I’m looking forward to a great run! Good luck to all of you on your goals!
One of my goals is to do an Iron Man, and record a run in every state!
i finally feel (mostly) healed after an achilles injury from august. i'm thankful to be able to run again! yesterday was the first warm day in maryland and i went for an afternoon run. it was hot and hilly and when finished i was like, gosh that was tough! then i realized i was able to do it without pain and i was happy. my goal right now is to just keep on injury free and build my mileage back up.
When I first got serious in running at the end of ‘15 I got the bug big time. I ran a 10k on Thanksgiving Day, 1/2 in Mar ‘16, 1st full in May ‘16 & 2nd in Sep ‘16. It was a crazy first year. At the time I heard of a 50 miler in MI in Manistee Natl Forest. I have been mountain biking there when I lived in that state in the ‘90’s. I absolutely would love to run the 50 there. Beautiful state for sure!
I’m running the Brooklyn Marathon in April because I want to break 5 hours. I have done NY and Chicago. I’ve come close, but hopefully it happens. After this I may stick to half’s because marathon training takes up so much time.
My goal is to run a half in all 50 states!
Running NYC half on Sunday....definitely one goal. And headed for ONE marathon within the next two years. Never ever did I believe I could do any of this a scant 5 years ago! And a race in every state...up to 16 so far...oh and a 2 hour half! Dreaming big over here!
Currently, I’m focusing on half marathons, the longest official distance I’ve run. Trying to get back to my PR, then faster, and eventually to the point that halves aren’t the slog they’ve always been for me. If I can ever get to that point, I might consider something longer, but I recently turned 50 and my legs and feet keep reminding me of that. It would be fun to do some traveling for half marathons when that becomes reasonable again.
In my very best dream, I'd be running the Barkley marathon. Since this is more of a hallucination than a dream, I'd also be the first woman to finish it just so I could see the expression on Laz Lake's face when it happened. If I were 40 years younger, I'd actually give this dream a go if only to meet the great Laz in person!! He is just awesome!!
This past weekend I encountered a gentleman in his 80's who runs runs a 5k almost every weekend. The ability and courage to do that is the best goal I can imagine for my running.
Not to sound like a broken record, but my dream as far as running is and has been for the last 2 years to run the Marine Corps Marathon live. I signed up for it in 2020 when it was cancelled for the first time. I ran it virtually and and got deferred to 2021 which was also cancelled. I got deferred once again for 2022. Hopefully, I can make it this year. Much more vaguely, I think I would like to run the Big Sur Marathon, either a whole or half in the Redwoods area and either a whole or half across the Golden Gate. Even more foggy of a dream would be running a 50k just to say I did an ultra, lol. But definitely, that would have to be a particular set of circumstances coming together. We'll see.
Well, my Big Dream came back in 1988 when, after watching the Marine Corps Marathon participants run by me on Key Bridge year after year I decided, "I'm going to run this thing next year." And I did. It was fantastic. I went on to run 6 more marathons (I still think 26.2 is plenty long enough) and now have settled in to at least one half every year (Binghamton Bridge Run this year in May) and at least one 5K each year with my grand daughter.
At 71 my goal now is to keep exercising (walking one day, jogging the next) to fend off physical and mental disease as long as I can, and be prepared for that annual half. So far so good.
Dreams are big. . . Personally, I still long to run the Great American Trail (Rails-to-Trail Conservancy) . It's not something that could be done in a few hours--actually it could take months, however, I think it could be done, even at my age!
Second on my list is the Badwater Ultra from Death Valley to Mt Whitney, purely because I know the country and would like to see it on foot. It's only 135 miles!
Realistically, I have to focus on Half Marathons that I can go to easily in Washington. I don't drive, so it holds me back. Maybe once I get the cataracts removed this year and don't have to rely on other people, I can go again!
Probably going back to 10Ks. They seem to be easier and more fun . Fortunately, there are more now and race times are longer. My times are not as fast anymore whether I like it or not, but that's OK. There is no time limit on gawking. . .:)
Really interesting topic Terrell. I am with you and have never dreamed I would run as far as i have now. I don't think i want to go any further. Looking forward to reading peoples thoughts.
My most immediate goal is to run in the Eugene Marathon May 1 (albeit the 1/2 marathon). Running with family members in memory of my mom ( their grandma) who passed away from colon cancer last year. The last two times I have trained for 1/2’s I have been knocked out with Achilles tendinitis, it usual hits around the 9 mile mark when training. I have gone to PT and do all the stretching and strengthening exercises, but still seem prone. This week I hit the 9 mile mark and am really hoping to not have it happen again.
My initial goal was to qualify for the Boston Marathon. I ran 32 marathons and came close a couple of times but was foiled due to changes in the qualifying standards. In 1980 I ran 2:56:20 after they dropped the standard from 3:10 to 2:50 and again in 2012 when I ran 3:44:57 after they dropped the standard from 3:45 to 3:40. Now with A-Fib and a leaky heart valve I am only allowed to run every other day and no longer allowed to run longer than an easy 5 miles keeping my heart rate under 150. Only goal now is to log miles and reach 50,000 miles lifetime which could take another decade. I will turn 65 in November.
I am assembling an advisory board and will share short and long term goals as we develop them.. thanks for your on going encouragement Terrell and All…
My original goal was 6 by 60. Half marathons, that is. I surpassed that goal easily. So as I started to do destination races, I thought why not do a race in every state? That goal got sidetracked with the pandemic. I’m not even sure it is realistic anymore. I completed my 19th state in TX this spring and have the WY Chugwater half over labor day, which will put me at 20. If I could do 3 a year, it would be 10 years to finish and I would be 77 years old. Seems like a still worthy goal to keep active. Stay tuned.
I only starting distance running 4+ years ago. When I began, it was simply to be more healthy so I really had no goals. I am also a former college athlete so that didn’t last very long! After about 1 year of running, maybe less, I decided to “try” half-marathons. My goal now is to not run longer, not really enough time in my life to do the training for a marathon, but to continue to run the half at a faster pace. I’ve been lucky so far and have been able to consistently lower it. My niece, an amazing runner, makes me push to feel like I could “compete” with her [not realistic but one can hope…she’s run a 3:30 marathon!] so that’s my drive to improve and excel!
In the process of recovery of an Achilles injury from NYC full - once healthy again, get back to training to qualify for Boston - in the meantime, cross training, strength work, etc. - cannot emphasize enough the process of proper recovery - hopefully be all good by summer :)
My “dream” is to take my passion for running and runners and create an Annual National Run called “The Great Human Race” with the tag line: “Banking Food for the Long Run”. The funds raised would directly support local food banks. Since most of us can agree that in this wealthy country no family should face food insecurity when faced with a life crisis, I can envision this event to be run on the same day each year to raise awareness and consciousness that no American family should go to bed hungry & the positive role food banks can provide. This running “dream” will be my lifetime project. And as I embark upon this dream, I know that I may not see it’s ultimate realization, but I am comforted by the belief that our great running community will one day turnout in incredible numbers to support an idea that is meant to give us all a common purpose beyond our individual & merit worthy goals and challenges! Yes it is time to become “The Great Human Race”! And who better to accomplish this then Runners who break thru barriers of one kind or another every time they lace up!
In the process of recovery of an Achilles injury from NYC full - once healthy again, get back to training to qualify for Boston - in the meantime, cross training, strength work, etc. - cannot emphasize enough the process of proper recovery - hopefully be all good by summer :)
For me I am using running to seee the country. I am on a journey to run a half marathon in all 50 states. I love to travel and I decided to use running to accomplish this as well. I try to pick a few statues each year and find races in areas of the states that I want to visit. It allws me to run and experience different parts of the country at once.
I just completed my most rewcent personal goal of running 100 Half Marathons and am working on hitting 250 half marathons now.
I'm also working on a way to run some of the more iconic marathons in the country. I have completed the Disney Marathon several times and the Marine Corps Marathon. I hope to run New York, Chicago and even though I will never have a BQ, run Boston.
My dream will be to run in the NYC marathon. I am happy with finishing half marathons at the moment. Working on getting in shape for the Space coast Half right now.
I am working on earning my Abbott Six Star Medal by running all six World Marathon Majors. So far I have run New York City and Chicago. I was supposed to run Berlin in 2020 but that has been delayed to this year. After that I will have London, Tokyo, and Boston to complete. I will likely have to run Boston for charity as I am not a fast runner. All of this from the person who claimed to have absolutely no interest in running 26.2. Then I fell victim to the NYC Marathon hype video, lol! We truly are capable of so much more than we think we are. Sometimes one just needs to work their mind a little harder than their body in order to believe.