I started running consistently in June 2023, when I had a pair of trail running shoes I bought on sale! I figured I should take that pair on an actual trail one day. Little did I know that the first trail run led me to a journey of self healing and discovery. At the time, I was struggling with severe heartbreak and challenging dynamics in my work community. That run healed me in ways that so many other therapeutic activities did not. Since then, I've run up to 30-40 miles a week. I am averse to participating in formal races but I love trail running the most, up to 20 miles, and have grown to love road running over the last couple months. I love trying different shoes and letting each pair take me on a special journey!
For the newbies to THM, I live in Coral Springs which is in South Florida and have been doing half marathons and 10Ks and 5Ks since early 2008: the Spacecoast half (Cocoa, FL) on 12/1 will be my 135th half (family doctor says I drank too much of the Kool-Aid!). Recently retired so more time to stay fit. Favorite distance is the half … much time to talk to other runners, joke with the spectators and high-five little kid spectators. I don’t train nearly enough so if I get in 5-10 miles a week, I’m happy. I love to travel out of town for half marathons … gives wife and me a chance to explore new destinations. Challenges? Aging! At just short of 75, my plan is to “keep this nonsense up for as long as I can”!
Hi- I have also been reading but not actively responding. I have been running for years- my favorite distance is a half marathon. Just did the Athens 5k and it was a lot of fun. Maybe shorter distances in the future. Getting back into running after an injury. Relocated to NE Georgia from Colorado so getting use to running on country roads with all sorts of wildlife.
Welcome to the HM exchange. My wife and I were in Athens for the meet-up. We both did the 5K and I did the half. Coming from FLA, the hills were a challenge.
Where I am literally with my running is in Kill Devil Hills, on the Outer Banks of NC. getting ready to run the Outer Banks Half Marathon on Sunday!
I started running in college, 35+ years ago. i was in Washington, D.C., and I loved running down the towpath and around the monuments. i would sometimes duck into a museum to cool down- and look around - and then run home.
I loved it! I have always loved how running makes me feel - the joy of it, the time inside myself, the way I get to interact with the weather and the landscape. my favorite thing to do in a new place is to get to know it by running!
I never thought of myself as a ‘real’ runner - I wasn’t fast and I didn’t really pay attention to times or distances. but when I met my super athlete husband - about a dozen years ago - he encouraged me to take myself seriously as a runner. to believe that I *am* a ‘real’ runner.
So in the last decade or so I’ve challenged myself to get better - and I have! I’ve discovered my competitive side :). and i am happy to say I am a faster runner at 58 than I was at 28. another thing that brings me joy.
When did you start running? 12 years ago, but I would get overheated and have seizures. Then during covid my manager encouraged us to get outside for an hour so I researched running with Epilepsy and found the Jeff Galloway method of Run Walk Run. Saved my running life.
How many miles/kilometers do you run every week? 15 - 20
What kinds of distances do you enjoy most? I did my first Marathon this year. Love the 13-15 distances.
Where do you like to run? Outside at the base of the Wasatch mountains or anyplace new to me.
Any particular challenges you’re having right now? It is just cold, so I bundle up. Any cold weather clothing recommendations for running would be much appreciated.
Like Stan above, I took the summer off and have just started up again this month (4 miles this morning) as I get ready for the spring 1/2 I run every year. I haven’t run a full marathon in ten years but two of my sisters think we should run the 50th Marine Corps marathon next year. I told them I’d ponder the idea.
My first half marathon was in Brussels, Belgium in 1985. In the years that followed, I averaged 4-6 halfs a year, with 5-10ks in the months in between, in the years I wasn’t deployed (career army). However, I decided this year to “retire” from half marathons. I feel that I’m now at the age (75) that I need to put more focus on strength training to maintain muscle mass and bone density. (My short-term goal is to be a body double for Chris Hemsworth in the next Thor movie). I’m still in the game for monthly 5 or 10ks, but using the training time harvested from half-marathon training for my new focus. That still meets my requirements for cardio while opening opportunities in my new direction.
I turn 75 next month (12/29) … retired in March and now head to gym to swim and do a mix of upper body workouts and time on stair climber and elliptical. Still like the social aspect of races (5K, 10K, halves)
I took the summer off from running, had a bunch of nagging injuries and felt that time off would best serve - was right, feeling better now and back out and running. I'm typically a longer distance runner - plan on completing 2 1/2 marathons this winter [Dec, Feb] and may fit in a 10 miler in between. So far, so good.
YES about the getting dark early... it's such a bummer, isn't it? I still haven't adjusted to it, and especially our dog hasn't -- she wants dinner at like 3 pm every day!
I started running in 2016, after we decided on a trip to Hawaii that we should run the Kona half while we are there. Loved that race and have probably done at least 20 halfs since then. Only two full marathons and I don't intend to do any more. I'm trying to get back to the speed I had in 2019, when I ran the Gate River Run 15K in just over 70 minutes. Had a heart surgery and some leg injuries the past few years that have held me back but I feel much better now, running four days a week. Also I highly recommend the Urban Bourbon half marathon in Louisville! I'm in my upper 40s and live in Northeast Florida.
Agree, full is not for me … 2nd 13 miles are not worth it! DID do the Armed Forces 1/2 in Jacksonville …. It may have been October but it was still hot and humid … even in the shade!
These all sound awesome! I've wanted to run the Urban Bourbon race for a long time; I've seen photos and it looks fantastic! And, love that you bounced back after those serious health challenges -- that takes stick-to-it-iveness. I'm seriously in awe.
Thank you. I enjoy the benefits running gives me plus seeing my boys get into it (the oldest is now running for the Coast Guard Academy!) is a better reward than a top 10% finish at the Gate River Run (although the hat you get for accomplishing that is pretty sweet).
I started running in 1977 to lose weight. I have since gained most of it back, but at 75 and a two-time cancer survivor (lymphoma and leukemia) I am allowed to. I have covered over 60,000 miles in training and races. I have finished 17 full marathons, at least as many half marathons and many 5ks and 10ks. I am now running primarily 5ks and 10ks, but intend to get back to half marathons next year. Being at my age, there are so few runners that I can now win my age group. I do not intend to stop any time soon.
You are a survivor, Jim! Just... wow. And the 60,000 miles you've run over the years -- just incredible! Do you have a favorite of the marathons you ran?
First time long time. 45 years old, I've been running consistently for about 15 years (basically started running after quitting smoking). Finished two marathons, many halves, but it's been really challenging of late to find the time and motivation. Covid really messed things up, and that plus a demanding work schedule + parenting and it's been a struggle. I often find that the only time I have is 430AM, which is not unbearable but not ideal I haven't done a race since 2019, and I miss it terribly but struggle with finding the time for proper training.
I need it for my mental and physical well being, this newsletter is often really helpful and encouraging, so thank you.
I was working remotely 3 days a week for AT&T when COVID struck so migration to full time home was no problem .. the big problem was the disappearance of in-person races (16 months). Saving grace were virtual halves which got me some cool-a** race shirts (Running with the Cows in KS and Run in the New Year in Huntington Beach, CA)
I'm 55 years old in 2024, and I started running at 47 in 2016 in preparation for needing to keep up with my future toddler. Since then, I've run maybe seven 5Ks, six 10Ks, a dozen half marathons and one full marathon. I was injured in July 2023, which kept me off the road until Spring 2024, and since then I've run 2 or 3 times a week consistently. I live in Asheville, NC, so Hurricane Helene interrupted my training for a month or so. Now I'm back into it and I'm planning for a spring half marathon.
I have a goal to run a half in every state in the US, but due to the pandemic, finances and parenting, I only have 4 down so far. I'd also like to have one more sub-two-hour half in my life -- we'll see!
Oh wow, so good to hear from you and glad you're okay -- how are things in Asheville after Helene? I love that area, I usually get up there with my family a couple of times a year.
Thanks for asking, Terrell. Everyone I know here has a different mix of things that are going well vs. still challenging. Our house was not catastrophically damaged, we've had reliable electricity and internet for a couple of weeks now, and my kid is finishing his first full week back to school this week (it was part time last week). On the other hand, my roof leaks in several spots due to Helene, and the insurance isn't covering it because of some pre-existing damage elsewhere on the roof. It's currently covered with tarps. I'm getting estimates from contractors, following up with FEMA, and possibly contesting the insurance company's decision. So it's a mix.
63 years old and have been running for over 30 years. I have recently started run/walk intervals (3 minute run, 1 minute walk) and have found it to be very beneficial. Instead of just trudging along just to get through a run, the walking gives my legs a break. I've found that at the end of the run, my per mile pace, while of course slower, is not that far off from just plodding along. Also, not that concerned with pace anymore. I do continue to do one, 4 miler just running to make sure I can still do it!
Just happy to be able to run, and feel with this change will be able to continue until I get old, LOL!
I also ref HS football and girls lacrosse, and pounding on the turf for a few hours, 3-4 times a week takes its toll.
I did the run-walk-run at the AthHalf last weekend, and at the Richmond Half Marathon last fall -- I'll run 6 or 7 or even 8 or 9 miles straight through, but once I get over that, I always do run-walk-run. Your'e so right, it gives you that little break you need to keep going. Love that you're a referee too! Sounds like you get quite a lot of outdoor recreation -- which is awesome.
I'm currently training for my second ever half marathon (last one was in September 2020, pre-baby). I am running it to celebrate my 30th birthday. 😳 I've been training for several months now and have already had to overcome some hurdles (such as weeks of shortness of breath that ended in a diagnosis of Adult Onset Asthma). Now I'm currently battling a sinus infection, and my race is 2 weeks from tomorrow. I did my longest run of my training plan this past Sunday, so I feel like I'll be able to do it. I'm just concerned that my taper is too much due to illness.
Oh wow, Bonny -- I hope you feel better and are in good health for your race. I feel for you with the asthma; what an unexpected thing to experience! How are you feeling now?
The inhalers my doctor gave me seem to be working! So that's a blessing! Now I'm just dealing with headaches because of the weather changing (it has been raining a lot after a big drought). I can push through a lot of things, but headaches are not something I can usually push through.
Bad running summer but my daughter, 3 of her boys and my 17yo and I all just started training for a half in March. Kinda excited for my local support 😊
There is a very small half in Richfield PA. Called the Roger Snyder memorial race. About 150 people. I usually do the tenK so gonna step it up. Last half I did was in Virginia Beach. Fun but a LOT of folks
I started running consistently in June 2023, when I had a pair of trail running shoes I bought on sale! I figured I should take that pair on an actual trail one day. Little did I know that the first trail run led me to a journey of self healing and discovery. At the time, I was struggling with severe heartbreak and challenging dynamics in my work community. That run healed me in ways that so many other therapeutic activities did not. Since then, I've run up to 30-40 miles a week. I am averse to participating in formal races but I love trail running the most, up to 20 miles, and have grown to love road running over the last couple months. I love trying different shoes and letting each pair take me on a special journey!
For the newbies to THM, I live in Coral Springs which is in South Florida and have been doing half marathons and 10Ks and 5Ks since early 2008: the Spacecoast half (Cocoa, FL) on 12/1 will be my 135th half (family doctor says I drank too much of the Kool-Aid!). Recently retired so more time to stay fit. Favorite distance is the half … much time to talk to other runners, joke with the spectators and high-five little kid spectators. I don’t train nearly enough so if I get in 5-10 miles a week, I’m happy. I love to travel out of town for half marathons … gives wife and me a chance to explore new destinations. Challenges? Aging! At just short of 75, my plan is to “keep this nonsense up for as long as I can”!
Hi- I have also been reading but not actively responding. I have been running for years- my favorite distance is a half marathon. Just did the Athens 5k and it was a lot of fun. Maybe shorter distances in the future. Getting back into running after an injury. Relocated to NE Georgia from Colorado so getting use to running on country roads with all sorts of wildlife.
Welcome to the HM exchange. My wife and I were in Athens for the meet-up. We both did the 5K and I did the half. Coming from FLA, the hills were a challenge.
Where I am literally with my running is in Kill Devil Hills, on the Outer Banks of NC. getting ready to run the Outer Banks Half Marathon on Sunday!
I started running in college, 35+ years ago. i was in Washington, D.C., and I loved running down the towpath and around the monuments. i would sometimes duck into a museum to cool down- and look around - and then run home.
I loved it! I have always loved how running makes me feel - the joy of it, the time inside myself, the way I get to interact with the weather and the landscape. my favorite thing to do in a new place is to get to know it by running!
I never thought of myself as a ‘real’ runner - I wasn’t fast and I didn’t really pay attention to times or distances. but when I met my super athlete husband - about a dozen years ago - he encouraged me to take myself seriously as a runner. to believe that I *am* a ‘real’ runner.
So in the last decade or so I’ve challenged myself to get better - and I have! I’ve discovered my competitive side :). and i am happy to say I am a faster runner at 58 than I was at 28. another thing that brings me joy.
When did you start running? 12 years ago, but I would get overheated and have seizures. Then during covid my manager encouraged us to get outside for an hour so I researched running with Epilepsy and found the Jeff Galloway method of Run Walk Run. Saved my running life.
How many miles/kilometers do you run every week? 15 - 20
What kinds of distances do you enjoy most? I did my first Marathon this year. Love the 13-15 distances.
Where do you like to run? Outside at the base of the Wasatch mountains or anyplace new to me.
Any particular challenges you’re having right now? It is just cold, so I bundle up. Any cold weather clothing recommendations for running would be much appreciated.
Like Stan above, I took the summer off and have just started up again this month (4 miles this morning) as I get ready for the spring 1/2 I run every year. I haven’t run a full marathon in ten years but two of my sisters think we should run the 50th Marine Corps marathon next year. I told them I’d ponder the idea.
My first half marathon was in Brussels, Belgium in 1985. In the years that followed, I averaged 4-6 halfs a year, with 5-10ks in the months in between, in the years I wasn’t deployed (career army). However, I decided this year to “retire” from half marathons. I feel that I’m now at the age (75) that I need to put more focus on strength training to maintain muscle mass and bone density. (My short-term goal is to be a body double for Chris Hemsworth in the next Thor movie). I’m still in the game for monthly 5 or 10ks, but using the training time harvested from half-marathon training for my new focus. That still meets my requirements for cardio while opening opportunities in my new direction.
I turn 75 next month (12/29) … retired in March and now head to gym to swim and do a mix of upper body workouts and time on stair climber and elliptical. Still like the social aspect of races (5K, 10K, halves)
Good on ya! Can't wait to see the body double!!
I took the summer off from running, had a bunch of nagging injuries and felt that time off would best serve - was right, feeling better now and back out and running. I'm typically a longer distance runner - plan on completing 2 1/2 marathons this winter [Dec, Feb] and may fit in a 10 miler in between. So far, so good.
When did you start running? Since I joined cross country in 5th grade!
How many miles/kilometers do you run every week? Roughly 20-30 miles
What kinds of distances do you enjoy most? Middle distance like half marathons but I want to train for more marathons and 50Ks
Where do you like to run? San Francisco Park and mountain trails!
Any particular challenges you’re having right now? End of daylight savings - it gets so dark early and it rules out running outside after work...
YES about the getting dark early... it's such a bummer, isn't it? I still haven't adjusted to it, and especially our dog hasn't -- she wants dinner at like 3 pm every day!
Standard time or daylight time, our piggy cat starts begging for her 2:30 treat at 2pm!
So true! Our cats get hungry so early
I started running in 2016, after we decided on a trip to Hawaii that we should run the Kona half while we are there. Loved that race and have probably done at least 20 halfs since then. Only two full marathons and I don't intend to do any more. I'm trying to get back to the speed I had in 2019, when I ran the Gate River Run 15K in just over 70 minutes. Had a heart surgery and some leg injuries the past few years that have held me back but I feel much better now, running four days a week. Also I highly recommend the Urban Bourbon half marathon in Louisville! I'm in my upper 40s and live in Northeast Florida.
Agree, full is not for me … 2nd 13 miles are not worth it! DID do the Armed Forces 1/2 in Jacksonville …. It may have been October but it was still hot and humid … even in the shade!
These all sound awesome! I've wanted to run the Urban Bourbon race for a long time; I've seen photos and it looks fantastic! And, love that you bounced back after those serious health challenges -- that takes stick-to-it-iveness. I'm seriously in awe.
Thank you. I enjoy the benefits running gives me plus seeing my boys get into it (the oldest is now running for the Coast Guard Academy!) is a better reward than a top 10% finish at the Gate River Run (although the hat you get for accomplishing that is pretty sweet).
I started running in 1977 to lose weight. I have since gained most of it back, but at 75 and a two-time cancer survivor (lymphoma and leukemia) I am allowed to. I have covered over 60,000 miles in training and races. I have finished 17 full marathons, at least as many half marathons and many 5ks and 10ks. I am now running primarily 5ks and 10ks, but intend to get back to half marathons next year. Being at my age, there are so few runners that I can now win my age group. I do not intend to stop any time soon.
You are a survivor, Jim! Just... wow. And the 60,000 miles you've run over the years -- just incredible! Do you have a favorite of the marathons you ran?
First time long time. 45 years old, I've been running consistently for about 15 years (basically started running after quitting smoking). Finished two marathons, many halves, but it's been really challenging of late to find the time and motivation. Covid really messed things up, and that plus a demanding work schedule + parenting and it's been a struggle. I often find that the only time I have is 430AM, which is not unbearable but not ideal I haven't done a race since 2019, and I miss it terribly but struggle with finding the time for proper training.
I need it for my mental and physical well being, this newsletter is often really helpful and encouraging, so thank you.
I was working remotely 3 days a week for AT&T when COVID struck so migration to full time home was no problem .. the big problem was the disappearance of in-person races (16 months). Saving grace were virtual halves which got me some cool-a** race shirts (Running with the Cows in KS and Run in the New Year in Huntington Beach, CA)
I'm 55 years old in 2024, and I started running at 47 in 2016 in preparation for needing to keep up with my future toddler. Since then, I've run maybe seven 5Ks, six 10Ks, a dozen half marathons and one full marathon. I was injured in July 2023, which kept me off the road until Spring 2024, and since then I've run 2 or 3 times a week consistently. I live in Asheville, NC, so Hurricane Helene interrupted my training for a month or so. Now I'm back into it and I'm planning for a spring half marathon.
I have a goal to run a half in every state in the US, but due to the pandemic, finances and parenting, I only have 4 down so far. I'd also like to have one more sub-two-hour half in my life -- we'll see!
Oh wow, so good to hear from you and glad you're okay -- how are things in Asheville after Helene? I love that area, I usually get up there with my family a couple of times a year.
Thanks for asking, Terrell. Everyone I know here has a different mix of things that are going well vs. still challenging. Our house was not catastrophically damaged, we've had reliable electricity and internet for a couple of weeks now, and my kid is finishing his first full week back to school this week (it was part time last week). On the other hand, my roof leaks in several spots due to Helene, and the insurance isn't covering it because of some pre-existing damage elsewhere on the roof. It's currently covered with tarps. I'm getting estimates from contractors, following up with FEMA, and possibly contesting the insurance company's decision. So it's a mix.
63 years old and have been running for over 30 years. I have recently started run/walk intervals (3 minute run, 1 minute walk) and have found it to be very beneficial. Instead of just trudging along just to get through a run, the walking gives my legs a break. I've found that at the end of the run, my per mile pace, while of course slower, is not that far off from just plodding along. Also, not that concerned with pace anymore. I do continue to do one, 4 miler just running to make sure I can still do it!
Just happy to be able to run, and feel with this change will be able to continue until I get old, LOL!
I also ref HS football and girls lacrosse, and pounding on the turf for a few hours, 3-4 times a week takes its toll.
Happy Friday!
I did the run-walk-run at the AthHalf last weekend, and at the Richmond Half Marathon last fall -- I'll run 6 or 7 or even 8 or 9 miles straight through, but once I get over that, I always do run-walk-run. Your'e so right, it gives you that little break you need to keep going. Love that you're a referee too! Sounds like you get quite a lot of outdoor recreation -- which is awesome.
I'm currently training for my second ever half marathon (last one was in September 2020, pre-baby). I am running it to celebrate my 30th birthday. 😳 I've been training for several months now and have already had to overcome some hurdles (such as weeks of shortness of breath that ended in a diagnosis of Adult Onset Asthma). Now I'm currently battling a sinus infection, and my race is 2 weeks from tomorrow. I did my longest run of my training plan this past Sunday, so I feel like I'll be able to do it. I'm just concerned that my taper is too much due to illness.
You’re committed … for that, I tip my hat to you.
Oh wow, Bonny -- I hope you feel better and are in good health for your race. I feel for you with the asthma; what an unexpected thing to experience! How are you feeling now?
The inhalers my doctor gave me seem to be working! So that's a blessing! Now I'm just dealing with headaches because of the weather changing (it has been raining a lot after a big drought). I can push through a lot of things, but headaches are not something I can usually push through.
Bad running summer but my daughter, 3 of her boys and my 17yo and I all just started training for a half in March. Kinda excited for my local support 😊
Nice, Mombadear! Which half?
There is a very small half in Richfield PA. Called the Roger Snyder memorial race. About 150 people. I usually do the tenK so gonna step it up. Last half I did was in Virginia Beach. Fun but a LOT of folks