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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!

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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.

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Aug 3, 2023Liked by Terrell Johnson

Question for you all: what kinds of cross training do you all do?

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Excellent question, Rosalie; I was actually just thinking about this earlier this week, that I need to do cross-training, which I really haven't ever done much of, except for when I had a gym membership a decade ago or so. I want to start with things like push-ups and planks every day, just slowly -- a few here and there, not push myself too hard too quickly. Or, are you thinking of another kind of cardio cross-training?

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Yeah I have a gym membership now so I'm curious what kinds of cross training people do on gym equipment

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I started working with a trainer once a week about five years ago. I knew nothing about lifting weights or proper form, so I wanted to make sure I learned how to use the equipment correctly. Having a trainer keeps me accountable since I really don’t like the gym. What he has me do varies, but its full body, though we’ll modify if I have a race so I don’t have overly sore legs on race day.

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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.

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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.

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Jul 31, 2023Liked by Terrell Johnson

Just realized that I am running this Half marathon. Exciting to know we are training together for this

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Awesome, Kimberly! Can't wait to meet up!

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Jul 30, 2023Liked by Terrell Johnson

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!?!?

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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!!!

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Wow! It’s great how you picked up raining again and how ‘correctly’ you are preparing for bigger runs. 🙂 wishing you well for the rest of your training and running journey!

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Thanks for sharing! I hope to be able to train harder and chase big goals when my kids get older. Thanks for the inspiration!

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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!

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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 :)

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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!

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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.

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Jul 28, 2023Liked by Terrell Johnson

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!

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WOW! So you did the Pikes Peak Ascent -- I'd love to hear more about it!

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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.

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Just under 2 hours is still fantastic, especially after just taking this up a couple of years ago. Where do you get out to run in NYC? I've had the chance to run a few times around the city, including in Central Park, which was just the best.

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I won’t lie: I chose an apartment based on the proximity to good runs. So sometimes I run along the Hudson River Greenway, but long runs so far have been in Central Park. I have a 10K coming up there in about a month! Eeek! So exciting! Feels very “big time”

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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. :)

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Five years old! That's so cool -- I can see how that would cultivate a love of running :)

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yes! I'm so grateful for my uncle.

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Jul 28, 2023Liked by Terrell Johnson

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.

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I know the feeling, Bethany -- not having the kids myself, but in getting sidetracked from running and the level of fitness I enjoyed, and having to start all over again from scratch. I tell myself the same thing!

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Jul 28, 2023Liked by Terrell Johnson

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.

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Jul 28, 2023Liked by Terrell Johnson

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.

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That's awesome about the 7.9 miles, Thomas!

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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.

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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.

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Oops typo. The senior games start at age 55.

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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.

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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. ♥️👣♥️

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Jul 28, 2023Liked by Terrell Johnson

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.

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Hey Chris! I started running for the same reason, ha ha! During the same week in October this year I will be celebrating 4 years of continuous sobriety and running my first half marathon. After 15 years destroying myself with alcohol, it feels pretty great to be taking daily action to go the other direction :)

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That is AMAZING Michelle. Huge congrats! Keep up the great work!

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This is so incredible to hear, Chris -- I love hearing a success story like yours around getting sober, as so many of them don't end up that way. (I had an uncle who struggled with alcohol addiction for most of his adult life, and ended up dying from cancer about 15 years ago.) And I love that you experienced an epiphany like that in a place called "Paradise Valley" -- how cool!

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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.

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That's seriously cool, Ben! (And, I love that you "unknowingly entered a trail race" -- how did that happen?) Was the run at the winery at timed run?

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Regarding the trail race, I knew nothing about the course or the race. I figured it was a cross country-style run. I figured I was there, so I might as well attempt it.

The race at the winery was a timed run. If I remember correctly, it was a two, four, and eight hour run.

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Ben - I made the same mistake about 5 years ago. I didn’t read the fine print and thought I was signing up for just another half marathon. It turned out to be a trail half in January with steep and slippery hills with a light cover of snow that hid the tree roots. I face-planted three times. I got distracted one time when the course officials called a halt and asked the runners to help find a woman who either gotten injured or lost her way (she was found about 15 minutes later totally disoriented but ok). 3.5 hours after starting I finally knew what the saying “cold as hell’ really means; I had just been through it. First and last trail run. Ever.

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David, I share that same sentiment. My course was muddy from previous rain and had plenty of leaves. So, it was slick. My shoes were muddy and I fell a couple times. Actually stopped by a Wal-Mart afterward so I could have a clean jacket.

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On the other hand, I do enjoy obstacle runs. Although they usually have a lot of mud involved, it’s different - not nearly as dangerous. The obstacles themselves can be challenging with their integrated mud, but at least its deliberate and visible. I like the strength and agility challenges the obstacles add to the running.

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Jul 28, 2023Liked by Terrell Johnson

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(?)

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Oh, wow! I'd love to hear more about the Tour du Mont Blanc -- what was it like? And yes, you should definitely join us in Richmond this November!

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Jul 28, 2023Liked by Terrell Johnson

I would put it up there with child birth. Hardest thing I’ve ever done but so worth it. My 1st time to Europe. Hiked through the Alps of 3 countries either straight up or straight down, seemed to me. Heidi, Sound of Music and the Eiger Sanction all rolled up in one. We had 2 guides which was the only way I could have completed it. Used trail runners instead of hiking boots. Definitely would have trained more for the hills, being from Florida. But I did it!!

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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?

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I’m already signed up for what will be my third Army 10-miler. I highly recommend it. It has a unique expo, with many of the Army’s capabilities and equipment in hands-on displays. Great fun for tween-aged boys, if you have one. Maybe I’ll see you there.

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Oh wow, Frank! I'm so sorry about that! What a bummer... is your ankle okay now? (I assume so, based on the fact that you're getting back to the track a little.) The Army 10-Miler is in D.C., right? That sounds like an amazing race to come back to.

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Jul 28, 2023·edited Jul 28, 2023Liked by Terrell Johnson

My ankle may never be back to 100%, but both my doctor and physical therapist say I won't reinjure myself if I increase my running workouts gradually. It felt so GOOD to get back to some running! Cardio is still terrible :-) but that will get better. (Yes, the Army 10-mIler is in DC - one of the highlights of the running year around here.)

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