To start our training cycle this upcoming fall off right — which we’ve just begun, for November’s Richmond Half Marathon, where we’ll meet up to run together (and you can too) — I thought I’d throw this question out, as it will help us get to know each other a little better, and get a sense of where everyone in our group is on their running journey.
Where are you with your running? A few ways to answer this question might be:
When did you start running?
How many miles/kilometers do you run every week?
What kinds of distances do you enjoy most?
Where do you like to run?
Are there any particular challenges you’re having right now?
I’ll drop my answers in too — and, even if you can’t meet up with us this November, I’d still love to know where you are, and your story 🙌 — Terrell
Hello from Long Island, NY! I ran four miles today as my long run. It was amazing. I love training and knowing my runs will get longer as the weather gets cooler is quite motivating!
I started running 10 years ago. I made a comment during a presentation about having a 5K on my bucket list, which came out of nowhere. I decided to make it a reality and ran my first 5K two months later. I’m not very consistent with my running right as I traveled quite a bit for work for the past 16 months, but I’m trying to get back on track. I have a 10K this weekend. A friend and I have been running in the morning 2-3 times a week - generally a 4 mile loop. When we have a race to train for, we’ll run together on the weekends, too. I used to do a weekly race series and through that developed a group of running friends who are very supportive of one another. I think those friendships are part of what I love about running. I go to the gym and was doing yoga, though I have been lax on that this year. I need to get back to it as I can feel the tightness in my hips.
Hello, I recently developed plantar fasciitis. I was already doing a walk/run and taking it easy with my increases. Not sure what happened. I am currently doing the stretches, rolling balls and of course wearing good shoes at all times. I've cut down my run walk to either no walk or two very short walks (one in am and one in pm). My Labrador is also suffering:( Haven't went to the doc yet as we just moved and aren't established yet. Any tricks of the trade are welcome.
I’m reading alot of just started running after 50! I was 48 and amazed that athletes walked during a race. A 5 k at that. I joined a local running stores Tuesday night run, and loved it! I signed up for a running class and helped with the next one. I have run 2 or 3 full marathons and alot of halfs. 10 miles were my favorite distance, but haven’t hit that for a couple of years. With female runners being murdered on runs, I’ve had to take a different approach- be aware of my surroundings and see if we can’t find a couple of guys to run with us. I still live running, just not alone, seems life gets in our way sometimes. Rarely miss a Saturday run, but my pals during the week, life! I’ve always been a three day a week runner, trying to sneak an extra one in occasionally. Have been to PT for running related minor injuries. Look forward to challenges - hills, what not. I stretch a lot, and always do a recovery workout of 30 minutes before my long runs. That’s alot of info, but me in a nutshell of 10 years of running. If I can, I find a race while on vacation too! More competitive than I like to admit- probably what I haven’t raced competitively since Covid 19 pandemic.
I started running about 10 years ago, figuring, if I could walk 18 holes of golf, worst case I could wals a 5k. I ran parts of it, and worked with my prosthetist to get a blade for running (*MUCH* better!). I did several 5Ks and 10Ks, and one day, I decided to do a 1/2... Then COVID actually took the wind out of my sails a bit. Recently, I did another 1/2 (Monterey, for which I was seriously under-trained). I am signed up for my third 1/2 in November (Monterey again, great race), so now I'm trying to build up miles again after injury and slack. Up to 10k a week, next goal is to get to 13mi/week, and build from there. Fingers crossed that I can get back to my page from the first 1/2 (a bit over 2.5hrs). I still haven't seen another amputee runner at an event, though - where are you folks!?!?
I ran cross country and track in high school, not great at sprints but enjoyed longer distances. In my 20’s, ran sporadically when I could fit it in as I finished college and started my career. In my 30’s, took a break to start a family. In my 40’s, picked up running again and have done several 5ks, 10k’s, half marathons and a few full marathons. At the start of my 50’s, I decided to set running goals. Wish I had done this when I was much younger! But, I’m on a journey to try to qualify for Boston at the Tucson Marathon in early December. I hired a run coach and have been building a base of strength and endurance since early May. It’s been challenging to effectively train in the summer heat in Phoenix Arizona as we’ve had several days over 110 degrees and the early mornings are around 90 degrees. It has forced me to get up early to avoid the extreme heat although I’m NOT a morning person. The training seems to be working thus far because my Garmin watch tells me that my VO2 max is “superior” for my age. I’m hoping my training feels better when the weather starts to cool off a bit so I can feel more optimistic about achieving my goal. Living on hope for now - time will tell!!!
I started running in 2017 when my eldest son entered the military academy. Running connected me to him while we were apart as I knew of the physical undertakings in the training. I felt him when I ran. I started with 3K runs and reached 7k. I noticed I got physically stronger and more fit that I thought of joining fun runs. It all was going well. I did runs in various cities I visited and I am proud of this. I ran in Moscow and Paris, in Singapore and Townesville, Australia, in Newport, RI, USA and Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia. I now remember how much I enjoyed running. I even ran with my dog. He can do kilometer runs too!
During the pandemic, I made my runs longer and farther. In the process, I hurt my knees and now, I sustained two injuries. I think I didn't train well, didn't stretch well and pushed myself inappropriately. Since then, I was not allowed to run like I used to. Sadly. I have varied my fitness activities.
I ran in high school cross country in high school, but was slow, basically bad at it. I kept running anyway all through college just because I loved it and loved being outside. Then my senior year of college my boyfriend at the time was training for a marathon. I said "well I'm running up to eight or ten miles at a time, maybe I'll sign up too!" and he was like "you'll never finish, I've been training for months and it's in eight weeks". I got really mad and bet that I could finish under 5 hours. I only had five weeks to train I just did the last 5 weeks of a training program, and squeaked in just under 5 hours. It was wild (and arguably ill-advised) but it made me realize that the longer distances are just more my thing. I like settling into the pace and getting to take in scenery and the sense of accomplishment. I didn't get hung up on how slow I was going, because I was invested in just finishing.
Since then my running has been exceedingly sporadic (went to medical school, did residency, had a kid, 2020 happened, I broke my big toe...) but I have a gap between jobs here and I'm using it in part to get back into shape. I'm running 30 miles a week, I'm signed up for the Marine Corps Marathon in October. Once I'm working though, all probably focus more on Half-Marathons because the running schedule seems doable with a job and a youngish kid. I'm mostly running on my local rail-trails.
Challenge right now: not being able to do the Richmond Half Marathon because my brother is getting married that day! (But I can't be too mad. He and his fiancee are both wonderful people :)
I started running in 5th grade when I joined my school's cross country and track. I ran throughout middle school, but high school PE made me stop because it sucked the fun out of it. I started back up in college because I went to school in Chicago and I loved running on the lakefront. It varies from week to week but I'd say generally I run 4-8 miles each time I go running. I live in San Francisco and love running on the Great Highway along the coast or in Golden Gate Park. One challenge is I'd like to train for my first marathon next year, and it's a trail one so I have to get used to that!
Thank you for this thread! I started running about 25 years ago, when a friend encouraged me to run a mile, then two, then a marathon (how did that happen?). Now I’m happiest with 3-5 miles, especially if I can get out there 3-5 times a week. I always say that I should train for another half marathon (because they're exhilarating), but I’d rather remain uninjured. (It seems like my luck runs out whenever I go longer / faster.) My typical route is from my house around the lake here in Oakland and back home again. It's the same thing over and over again, but it’s lovely.
I ran track in middle school 50 yard dash and 100 yard. Then at the age of 47 I said I'd like to start running again. I took off sprinting, that's all I knew. I lasted maybe a tenth of a mile. Found out what jogging was 🤣 and slowly increased my mileage .Now I've been at it for 11 years. I prefer 10k up to half marathon. (I still run 5ks but they're so much harder to me ) I'm a road runner but I Love love love trail running on vacation. Did a few trail events in Colorado. (I live in Florida) My first trail run was Leadville Heavy Half, I was hooked. Most memorable was Pikes Peak Ascent. Super hard and super fun. I may have cried a little when I finished. See you on Richmond!
I started running at age 50, and I’ve been running almost two years now. I’ve done two half marathons, one 10K, and 4 5Ks. I really like the half marathon distance, but as I just moved from the very temperate Bay Area to the very hot and humid NYC, I am struggling a bit with my training. (I’ve signed up for a bunch of fall races, but I don’t know if I’ll race them or just run them, if that makes sense, due to the weather.) I’d never run on a treadmill before moving here, but I’ve found it doable. I tend to fall asleep during movies, so I’ve actually finished a couple of films that my husband and I watched. I’ve signed up for my first triathlon too, although that’s not until next summer. The focus now is on the Staten Island Half -- so about 10 weeks of training to go. Initially I’d hoped I could PR (and break 1:50) but at this rate, I’ll be happy to just run it under 2 hours.
Hi! I started running with my Uncle when I was 5 years old. He took me to all the local 1 mile road races and then 5ks. I loved to run and still do! It's helped me through so many of life's troubles and challenges. I love to run marathons and in the woods. :)
I started running twelve years ago although I’d been a middle-of-the-pack runner in high school XC. In the last three years I’ve had two kids, so I’ve had to start over after each birth. I’m just getting back to 15 miles or so per week, but I like running 20. Training and running 10ks seems like it’ll be the sweet spot these next few years since my time is so limited. It’s been discouraging to get fit only to get pregnant, gain lots of weight, lose fitness, but I keep telling myself that it’s just a season and whatever running I get in helps make me a better and saner parent.
I started running about 24 years ago and run 28-30 miles a week. I run 2-3 half marathons a year. I feel like I’m in a sweet spot of running. I love the training and while I get anxiety at races, I know it’s good for me to race. I live in Las Vegas, so I run on a treadmill after work in the hot months when I’m back at school. I don’t enjoy the treadmill, but I try to make it fun by watching videos and listening to music. My favorite place to run usually is around my neighborhood. We have walking paths that are awesome and we are on the edge of town, so I get a view of the mountains and open desert. Right now I’m just dealing with running in the heat, but it won’t last forever.
I have recovered enough with my therapy of my fractured humerous in my right arm on 4/23 I have been back to running for the last 5 weeks. My longest run was last Sunday 7.9 miles. Still have 6 more weeks for the Bird-In-Hand Half marathon. Trying to run about 29 miles / week. Would love to be able to do 32-35. Run basically from my townhouse. Run downhill to the main street and then it is back uphill. Need to find a trail where I would encounter more elevation.
Another old guy (69) here. Started running at age 13, in Kansas, because Jim Ryan was our local sports hero. 45 marathons, numerous halfs later, still at it, just much slower. Hope to keep at it a few more years, then drop back to daily walking. I run in the morning, then walk with my wife in the evening. Run 20-25 miles a week, we live on the edge of town (College Station TX), so I am almost running on country roads, lots of deer, not many cars.
I’ve been a runner since the start of my Army career in 1970. My first “organized” non-army run was the Brussels 20k in 1985. Since then I’ve averaged 6 halfs per year, during the years conditions permitted. That slowed with the pandemic near-shutdown of organized runs, and some orthopedic repairs. I’m now working my way back with my current milestone the Army 10, as above.
My sweet spot now is the 10k. I’ve also participated in middle distance runs, particularly in the National Senior Games. I medaled in the 400, 800, 1500, 5k, and 10k over two years (3 gold, 2 silver, 2 bronze) in the Virginia qualifying games, then went on to the national games in Albuquerque, where I placed 16th nationally in both the 5k and 10k. (Probably could have done a little better except for training at sea level for races at 6000 ft). I recommend that program (also called the Senior Olympics in some states) for runners over 65. A little intense competition is a great motivator for sticking to a robust training program.
My current crusade is pushing back against my mid 70s.
Probably a treadmill cuz it's too darn hot! Haha. Although I was out at 7am walking the dog today and was mildly jealous of the joggers, so there is the ambition.
I started running after law school graduation in 1972. Fifteen pounds overweight, I “drove” up to the H.S. track and did Ken Cooper’s Aerobic time test. I flunked. The rest is a history of 51 years of lacing up to run or walk at least 5 days a week. ♥️👣♥️
Started running after getting sober in late 2019. It really started while hiking with my wife at the Paradise Valley trails out here in Maltby. Forgot how much I enjoyed being out in nature.
Started seeing trail runners pass us on those hikes and I thought to myself, that would be really cool. Got some appropriate gear and got going. It started to snowball from there. Ended up doing 12 races last year and about 8 this year ranging from the Seattle Half to trail runs up in the Cascade mountains.
I prefer trail runs to pounding on the concrete, but both are amazing. I even ended up getting a full sleeve nature tattoo to celebrate the life change that happened. In my 50's now.
Running, lifting weights and discovering discipline has changed everything for me.
I started running again back in 2020 and took on a couple of marathons and multiple halves on my own. Right now, I’m just trying to keep moving and get myself close to where I was before all the stress from that last job.
I’m getting there slowly, which is fine.
I’m keeping my eyes on some fall local races around here, too.
In my first few races back last year I ran 16 miles during a 4-hour run at a hilly winery, completed a half, and unknowingly entered a trail race and completed half before needing to DNF because of a couple of hills that gave me problems on the previous loop. I was still proud of my performance, however.
Hmm. I have a sister in Richmond! Might be a good excuse to visit her… I’m a run/walker who is about to hit Medicare age this November. I’m happy I can still get out there and run/walk. Some days everything hurts ! Completed 1 , 1/2 marathon and a local series of about 7 short races last year. Just finished a bucket list of mine- hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc with a group of women. Can’t believe some people actually run it! Plan to run/walk the same short series again this year and maybe a half(?)
Jul 28, 2023·edited Jul 28, 2023Liked by Terrell Johnson
It's been a year of recovery for me. I broke my ankle by stepping off a curb awkwardly at the Cherry Blossom 10-Miler in DC this past April. Healing has been slow, and I only started running a little in early July. Just a little track work so far. So no marathons this year, and probably no halfs, either. Maybe the Army 10-Miler in October?
Hello from Long Island, NY! I ran four miles today as my long run. It was amazing. I love training and knowing my runs will get longer as the weather gets cooler is quite motivating!
I started running 10 years ago. I made a comment during a presentation about having a 5K on my bucket list, which came out of nowhere. I decided to make it a reality and ran my first 5K two months later. I’m not very consistent with my running right as I traveled quite a bit for work for the past 16 months, but I’m trying to get back on track. I have a 10K this weekend. A friend and I have been running in the morning 2-3 times a week - generally a 4 mile loop. When we have a race to train for, we’ll run together on the weekends, too. I used to do a weekly race series and through that developed a group of running friends who are very supportive of one another. I think those friendships are part of what I love about running. I go to the gym and was doing yoga, though I have been lax on that this year. I need to get back to it as I can feel the tightness in my hips.
Question for you all: what kinds of cross training do you all do?
Hello, I recently developed plantar fasciitis. I was already doing a walk/run and taking it easy with my increases. Not sure what happened. I am currently doing the stretches, rolling balls and of course wearing good shoes at all times. I've cut down my run walk to either no walk or two very short walks (one in am and one in pm). My Labrador is also suffering:( Haven't went to the doc yet as we just moved and aren't established yet. Any tricks of the trade are welcome.
I’m reading alot of just started running after 50! I was 48 and amazed that athletes walked during a race. A 5 k at that. I joined a local running stores Tuesday night run, and loved it! I signed up for a running class and helped with the next one. I have run 2 or 3 full marathons and alot of halfs. 10 miles were my favorite distance, but haven’t hit that for a couple of years. With female runners being murdered on runs, I’ve had to take a different approach- be aware of my surroundings and see if we can’t find a couple of guys to run with us. I still live running, just not alone, seems life gets in our way sometimes. Rarely miss a Saturday run, but my pals during the week, life! I’ve always been a three day a week runner, trying to sneak an extra one in occasionally. Have been to PT for running related minor injuries. Look forward to challenges - hills, what not. I stretch a lot, and always do a recovery workout of 30 minutes before my long runs. That’s alot of info, but me in a nutshell of 10 years of running. If I can, I find a race while on vacation too! More competitive than I like to admit- probably what I haven’t raced competitively since Covid 19 pandemic.
Just realized that I am running this Half marathon. Exciting to know we are training together for this
I started running about 10 years ago, figuring, if I could walk 18 holes of golf, worst case I could wals a 5k. I ran parts of it, and worked with my prosthetist to get a blade for running (*MUCH* better!). I did several 5Ks and 10Ks, and one day, I decided to do a 1/2... Then COVID actually took the wind out of my sails a bit. Recently, I did another 1/2 (Monterey, for which I was seriously under-trained). I am signed up for my third 1/2 in November (Monterey again, great race), so now I'm trying to build up miles again after injury and slack. Up to 10k a week, next goal is to get to 13mi/week, and build from there. Fingers crossed that I can get back to my page from the first 1/2 (a bit over 2.5hrs). I still haven't seen another amputee runner at an event, though - where are you folks!?!?
I ran cross country and track in high school, not great at sprints but enjoyed longer distances. In my 20’s, ran sporadically when I could fit it in as I finished college and started my career. In my 30’s, took a break to start a family. In my 40’s, picked up running again and have done several 5ks, 10k’s, half marathons and a few full marathons. At the start of my 50’s, I decided to set running goals. Wish I had done this when I was much younger! But, I’m on a journey to try to qualify for Boston at the Tucson Marathon in early December. I hired a run coach and have been building a base of strength and endurance since early May. It’s been challenging to effectively train in the summer heat in Phoenix Arizona as we’ve had several days over 110 degrees and the early mornings are around 90 degrees. It has forced me to get up early to avoid the extreme heat although I’m NOT a morning person. The training seems to be working thus far because my Garmin watch tells me that my VO2 max is “superior” for my age. I’m hoping my training feels better when the weather starts to cool off a bit so I can feel more optimistic about achieving my goal. Living on hope for now - time will tell!!!
I started running in 2017 when my eldest son entered the military academy. Running connected me to him while we were apart as I knew of the physical undertakings in the training. I felt him when I ran. I started with 3K runs and reached 7k. I noticed I got physically stronger and more fit that I thought of joining fun runs. It all was going well. I did runs in various cities I visited and I am proud of this. I ran in Moscow and Paris, in Singapore and Townesville, Australia, in Newport, RI, USA and Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia. I now remember how much I enjoyed running. I even ran with my dog. He can do kilometer runs too!
During the pandemic, I made my runs longer and farther. In the process, I hurt my knees and now, I sustained two injuries. I think I didn't train well, didn't stretch well and pushed myself inappropriately. Since then, I was not allowed to run like I used to. Sadly. I have varied my fitness activities.
I miss running.
Here's honoring all those who do. Keep running!
I ran in high school cross country in high school, but was slow, basically bad at it. I kept running anyway all through college just because I loved it and loved being outside. Then my senior year of college my boyfriend at the time was training for a marathon. I said "well I'm running up to eight or ten miles at a time, maybe I'll sign up too!" and he was like "you'll never finish, I've been training for months and it's in eight weeks". I got really mad and bet that I could finish under 5 hours. I only had five weeks to train I just did the last 5 weeks of a training program, and squeaked in just under 5 hours. It was wild (and arguably ill-advised) but it made me realize that the longer distances are just more my thing. I like settling into the pace and getting to take in scenery and the sense of accomplishment. I didn't get hung up on how slow I was going, because I was invested in just finishing.
Since then my running has been exceedingly sporadic (went to medical school, did residency, had a kid, 2020 happened, I broke my big toe...) but I have a gap between jobs here and I'm using it in part to get back into shape. I'm running 30 miles a week, I'm signed up for the Marine Corps Marathon in October. Once I'm working though, all probably focus more on Half-Marathons because the running schedule seems doable with a job and a youngish kid. I'm mostly running on my local rail-trails.
Challenge right now: not being able to do the Richmond Half Marathon because my brother is getting married that day! (But I can't be too mad. He and his fiancee are both wonderful people :)
I started running in 5th grade when I joined my school's cross country and track. I ran throughout middle school, but high school PE made me stop because it sucked the fun out of it. I started back up in college because I went to school in Chicago and I loved running on the lakefront. It varies from week to week but I'd say generally I run 4-8 miles each time I go running. I live in San Francisco and love running on the Great Highway along the coast or in Golden Gate Park. One challenge is I'd like to train for my first marathon next year, and it's a trail one so I have to get used to that!
Thank you for this thread! I started running about 25 years ago, when a friend encouraged me to run a mile, then two, then a marathon (how did that happen?). Now I’m happiest with 3-5 miles, especially if I can get out there 3-5 times a week. I always say that I should train for another half marathon (because they're exhilarating), but I’d rather remain uninjured. (It seems like my luck runs out whenever I go longer / faster.) My typical route is from my house around the lake here in Oakland and back home again. It's the same thing over and over again, but it’s lovely.
I ran track in middle school 50 yard dash and 100 yard. Then at the age of 47 I said I'd like to start running again. I took off sprinting, that's all I knew. I lasted maybe a tenth of a mile. Found out what jogging was 🤣 and slowly increased my mileage .Now I've been at it for 11 years. I prefer 10k up to half marathon. (I still run 5ks but they're so much harder to me ) I'm a road runner but I Love love love trail running on vacation. Did a few trail events in Colorado. (I live in Florida) My first trail run was Leadville Heavy Half, I was hooked. Most memorable was Pikes Peak Ascent. Super hard and super fun. I may have cried a little when I finished. See you on Richmond!
I started running at age 50, and I’ve been running almost two years now. I’ve done two half marathons, one 10K, and 4 5Ks. I really like the half marathon distance, but as I just moved from the very temperate Bay Area to the very hot and humid NYC, I am struggling a bit with my training. (I’ve signed up for a bunch of fall races, but I don’t know if I’ll race them or just run them, if that makes sense, due to the weather.) I’d never run on a treadmill before moving here, but I’ve found it doable. I tend to fall asleep during movies, so I’ve actually finished a couple of films that my husband and I watched. I’ve signed up for my first triathlon too, although that’s not until next summer. The focus now is on the Staten Island Half -- so about 10 weeks of training to go. Initially I’d hoped I could PR (and break 1:50) but at this rate, I’ll be happy to just run it under 2 hours.
Hi! I started running with my Uncle when I was 5 years old. He took me to all the local 1 mile road races and then 5ks. I loved to run and still do! It's helped me through so many of life's troubles and challenges. I love to run marathons and in the woods. :)
I started running twelve years ago although I’d been a middle-of-the-pack runner in high school XC. In the last three years I’ve had two kids, so I’ve had to start over after each birth. I’m just getting back to 15 miles or so per week, but I like running 20. Training and running 10ks seems like it’ll be the sweet spot these next few years since my time is so limited. It’s been discouraging to get fit only to get pregnant, gain lots of weight, lose fitness, but I keep telling myself that it’s just a season and whatever running I get in helps make me a better and saner parent.
I started running about 24 years ago and run 28-30 miles a week. I run 2-3 half marathons a year. I feel like I’m in a sweet spot of running. I love the training and while I get anxiety at races, I know it’s good for me to race. I live in Las Vegas, so I run on a treadmill after work in the hot months when I’m back at school. I don’t enjoy the treadmill, but I try to make it fun by watching videos and listening to music. My favorite place to run usually is around my neighborhood. We have walking paths that are awesome and we are on the edge of town, so I get a view of the mountains and open desert. Right now I’m just dealing with running in the heat, but it won’t last forever.
I have recovered enough with my therapy of my fractured humerous in my right arm on 4/23 I have been back to running for the last 5 weeks. My longest run was last Sunday 7.9 miles. Still have 6 more weeks for the Bird-In-Hand Half marathon. Trying to run about 29 miles / week. Would love to be able to do 32-35. Run basically from my townhouse. Run downhill to the main street and then it is back uphill. Need to find a trail where I would encounter more elevation.
Another old guy (69) here. Started running at age 13, in Kansas, because Jim Ryan was our local sports hero. 45 marathons, numerous halfs later, still at it, just much slower. Hope to keep at it a few more years, then drop back to daily walking. I run in the morning, then walk with my wife in the evening. Run 20-25 miles a week, we live on the edge of town (College Station TX), so I am almost running on country roads, lots of deer, not many cars.
I’ve been a runner since the start of my Army career in 1970. My first “organized” non-army run was the Brussels 20k in 1985. Since then I’ve averaged 6 halfs per year, during the years conditions permitted. That slowed with the pandemic near-shutdown of organized runs, and some orthopedic repairs. I’m now working my way back with my current milestone the Army 10, as above.
My sweet spot now is the 10k. I’ve also participated in middle distance runs, particularly in the National Senior Games. I medaled in the 400, 800, 1500, 5k, and 10k over two years (3 gold, 2 silver, 2 bronze) in the Virginia qualifying games, then went on to the national games in Albuquerque, where I placed 16th nationally in both the 5k and 10k. (Probably could have done a little better except for training at sea level for races at 6000 ft). I recommend that program (also called the Senior Olympics in some states) for runners over 65. A little intense competition is a great motivator for sticking to a robust training program.
My current crusade is pushing back against my mid 70s.
Probably a treadmill cuz it's too darn hot! Haha. Although I was out at 7am walking the dog today and was mildly jealous of the joggers, so there is the ambition.
I started running after law school graduation in 1972. Fifteen pounds overweight, I “drove” up to the H.S. track and did Ken Cooper’s Aerobic time test. I flunked. The rest is a history of 51 years of lacing up to run or walk at least 5 days a week. ♥️👣♥️
Started running after getting sober in late 2019. It really started while hiking with my wife at the Paradise Valley trails out here in Maltby. Forgot how much I enjoyed being out in nature.
Started seeing trail runners pass us on those hikes and I thought to myself, that would be really cool. Got some appropriate gear and got going. It started to snowball from there. Ended up doing 12 races last year and about 8 this year ranging from the Seattle Half to trail runs up in the Cascade mountains.
I prefer trail runs to pounding on the concrete, but both are amazing. I even ended up getting a full sleeve nature tattoo to celebrate the life change that happened. In my 50's now.
Running, lifting weights and discovering discipline has changed everything for me.
I started running again back in 2020 and took on a couple of marathons and multiple halves on my own. Right now, I’m just trying to keep moving and get myself close to where I was before all the stress from that last job.
I’m getting there slowly, which is fine.
I’m keeping my eyes on some fall local races around here, too.
In my first few races back last year I ran 16 miles during a 4-hour run at a hilly winery, completed a half, and unknowingly entered a trail race and completed half before needing to DNF because of a couple of hills that gave me problems on the previous loop. I was still proud of my performance, however.
Hmm. I have a sister in Richmond! Might be a good excuse to visit her… I’m a run/walker who is about to hit Medicare age this November. I’m happy I can still get out there and run/walk. Some days everything hurts ! Completed 1 , 1/2 marathon and a local series of about 7 short races last year. Just finished a bucket list of mine- hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc with a group of women. Can’t believe some people actually run it! Plan to run/walk the same short series again this year and maybe a half(?)
It's been a year of recovery for me. I broke my ankle by stepping off a curb awkwardly at the Cherry Blossom 10-Miler in DC this past April. Healing has been slow, and I only started running a little in early July. Just a little track work so far. So no marathons this year, and probably no halfs, either. Maybe the Army 10-Miler in October?