I am only a solitary runner, not necessarily by choice. I have a marathon this weekend that i was honestly not looking forward to. I am overweight and i know it is going to SUCK and be slow. This was the pep talk i need Terrell. I am now looking forward to it and all the people i could meet. Thanks as always. You the man.
I've been there too, Brian. When I ran the RNR San Diego Marathon 20 years ago, I was NOT prepared. Just didn't have the time, and I felt it during the race for sure. I ended up walking an entire mile, somewhere in the teens. I just ran out of gas. I found that giving myself a little grace to be less-than-perfect was what I needed that day. (I did finish -- it wasn't pretty, but I finished!) I hope it goes well!
Thanks for that link. I need new running buddies. So hard to run for more than an hour lately.
I’d love a meet up race to do together!! For 2022, I’m signed up for the Cruel Jewel in Georgia, Martha Stewart’s vineyard in Massachusetts, Woolly Hollow half (again) in Arkansas, Indy 500 in Indiana, Runs with Scissors in Colorado, Free State trail here in Kansas, Orca in Washington, and a few more in Texas. It’s about time we get together as a group for a race. Perhaps we could even have t-shirts made for all of us for a small fee. Excuse me if I’m running with this (pun intended) but I love the idea!
Those races all sound awesome, Jennie! My wife has actually been prodding me to do T-shirts/other things like that for a while now. Maybe finally in 2022 I will! Great, great idea.
Fun thing to know about. Orca Running actually gives on option on its races for no t-shirts which I sign up for regularly. It's called "Ts for Trees." Instead of a t-shirt, for which I have hundreds, the monies for the T's go to plant a tree. You are sent the GPS location of the tree. Love it because it is environmentally sound and I don't have yet an other Tee to find space for. Also, their medals are on wood. Love them. I use mine for coasters under my coffee!
The Cruel Jewel is a rough trail race. I am both dreading and excited about this one. They have a 50 mile and 100 mile race held at Vogel Park in Blairsville, GA. I want to say that the incline is 3300 feet but that may be for 100 miler. I have yet to do a half marathon in Georgia so if you have a suggestion, I’m all ears. There are also some Yeti races that are in Georgia that I’d love to do…there’s a 7 trails and a 7/11 ultra yeti. Y’all have some amazing trails from why I hear!
This would be interesting and love the idea. What town in Georgia? I think Terrell and I might both be doing the Key West half this year so will be looking forward to that meeting, if so!
Maybe. I love Orca Races and the price is right! West Seattle is tough, but beautiful. Saturday is good. There was so much overflow that it was opened for Sunday. So was the Half on San Juan, but it is earlier. Windy and Cold. I'd rather pass!
You already know what I think Terrell! Love to get together on a group run with the folks here! Like I said before, Monterey is coming up, but there are jillions more that may be better and more accessible to others. . .
Registration opens in April which works for me as does the training during the warmer months--at least here in Washington!
Second Chance Lottery for the Big Sur Marathon open on December 13 if anyone is interested. Closes 12/29/2021. Expensive, but one to check off the old bucket list! :)
While I will agree that there is something special about gathering with a group of people who do not think it’s weird to run double digit miles; I cherish the time I spend pounding the streets at dawn by myself. That is what keeps me going back. As for a gathering to run just let me know when and where!
By force of habit, I've also become a solitary runner [started late in life too so likely byproduct] and do really enjoy it, though also do enjoy the "race" modes, as it pushes me just by having another nearby...
I got into a great (and growing) group in Jacksonville called Moms on the Run. I didn’t know a soul when I moved here and now I have 50+ wonderful friends, some of whom I’ve grown so close to. Having that group support and accountability means that runs are our social time, happy hour(s) and are not to be missed. I can’t underestimate their impact on how much I enjoy life in my adopted city. Run friends are everything!
That's really, really great, Sarah! That's like the ideal of what you hope will happen when you join a group like that. I wonder if any more readers here live near you and might love to join you!
You always have the right words for me.........I am having an MRI Monday to see what is going on with my knee........(it felt like it was hit by a lightening bolt while trying to push my self a little to increase my pace for a 15K.)......until we can see what is going on the Doc is just assuming a tear in the meniscus.......I have been unable to run since Dec. 1 and I am already dreading the chance to get back on my feet.......although yesterday was a day that I would have bundled up, grabbed my insulated running shoes and the dog and lived for the moment. But then I thought am I really going to get the will back..........I know it is something I need and I have a Doc who has agreed that she wants to do all possible to get me back to being a runner (I use that term loosely as my speeds are slow after an accident last year.......thus the reason to try to push in prep for the 15K.) You are always an inspiration and there is always truth in your words........I love the follow up as it also seems to bring more experience to encourage or warn of possible pitfalls. Thank you for putting this together.......for those of us that run alone......this is our group!!! Thank you for that!!!
First of all, loved the story of Dave Vogel in Words to Run By. So inspiring!!!
Secondly, I would love to participate in a group run. I am signed up for the Marine Corps Marathon. This will be the third year I attempt to run it (last two were cancelled). I don't know the exact date yet, but they always run it the last Sunday of October, so I am assuming 10/30. since I live in California and the MCM is held in DC, I plan to make a vacation of it and stop in Pennsylvania and New York, so I will be over there until the first or second week of November. I could try to be back in time for the Monterey Bay Half. Just gotta know with plenty of time to plan accordingly.
Definitely, Maria! I'll look at a few different options for us and see what might work best. I was actually just in Monterey over Thanksgiving -- SO, so beautiful.
Thx Terrell. While I've been good about the "doing", I, like everyone else, have generally busy lives and this simply reminds why I both like to, and need to, get out and run! It's appreciated...
Crazy timing…I had a torn meniscus fixed last week! No running for three weeks. Could’ve been worse! Made sure to get one last run in for the year first!
I am only a solitary runner, not necessarily by choice. I have a marathon this weekend that i was honestly not looking forward to. I am overweight and i know it is going to SUCK and be slow. This was the pep talk i need Terrell. I am now looking forward to it and all the people i could meet. Thanks as always. You the man.
I've been there too, Brian. When I ran the RNR San Diego Marathon 20 years ago, I was NOT prepared. Just didn't have the time, and I felt it during the race for sure. I ended up walking an entire mile, somewhere in the teens. I just ran out of gas. I found that giving myself a little grace to be less-than-perfect was what I needed that day. (I did finish -- it wasn't pretty, but I finished!) I hope it goes well!
Thanks for that link. I need new running buddies. So hard to run for more than an hour lately.
I’d love a meet up race to do together!! For 2022, I’m signed up for the Cruel Jewel in Georgia, Martha Stewart’s vineyard in Massachusetts, Woolly Hollow half (again) in Arkansas, Indy 500 in Indiana, Runs with Scissors in Colorado, Free State trail here in Kansas, Orca in Washington, and a few more in Texas. It’s about time we get together as a group for a race. Perhaps we could even have t-shirts made for all of us for a small fee. Excuse me if I’m running with this (pun intended) but I love the idea!
Those races all sound awesome, Jennie! My wife has actually been prodding me to do T-shirts/other things like that for a while now. Maybe finally in 2022 I will! Great, great idea.
Fun thing to know about. Orca Running actually gives on option on its races for no t-shirts which I sign up for regularly. It's called "Ts for Trees." Instead of a t-shirt, for which I have hundreds, the monies for the T's go to plant a tree. You are sent the GPS location of the tree. Love it because it is environmentally sound and I don't have yet an other Tee to find space for. Also, their medals are on wood. Love them. I use mine for coasters under my coffee!
That’s cool to know. I’d definitely opt out of the the t-shirt. I’m getting a quilt made out of a bunch of shirts I’ve gotten at races.
As for the medal, I got a wooden one for the Wild Alazea in Louisiana and loved it! No doubt one of my faves!!
Love this idea!
Orca Running is going Carbon Neutral in 2022. . . there is no running on a dead planet. :)
I will check them out!
Tell me more about the Cruel Jewel race -- the name alone sounds interesting!
The Cruel Jewel is a rough trail race. I am both dreading and excited about this one. They have a 50 mile and 100 mile race held at Vogel Park in Blairsville, GA. I want to say that the incline is 3300 feet but that may be for 100 miler. I have yet to do a half marathon in Georgia so if you have a suggestion, I’m all ears. There are also some Yeti races that are in Georgia that I’d love to do…there’s a 7 trails and a 7/11 ultra yeti. Y’all have some amazing trails from why I hear!
This would be interesting and love the idea. What town in Georgia? I think Terrell and I might both be doing the Key West half this year so will be looking forward to that meeting, if so!
I hear Key West is a must! I know a guy that does it every year. I’m up for that!
Which Orca Half are you doing? It's gotten so big, there are 2 days of it!
Wow! I had no idea. This one is September 17th in Seattle, Washington. Are you going?
Maybe. I love Orca Races and the price is right! West Seattle is tough, but beautiful. Saturday is good. There was so much overflow that it was opened for Sunday. So was the Half on San Juan, but it is earlier. Windy and Cold. I'd rather pass!
Sounds like a great idea! I’m all on board for a meet up race
You already know what I think Terrell! Love to get together on a group run with the folks here! Like I said before, Monterey is coming up, but there are jillions more that may be better and more accessible to others. . .
Monterey would be PERFECT, I think! Also give everyone plenty of time to train, since it's in November. Definitely worth considering...
Up to everyone else. . . I'm game!
Registration opens in April which works for me as does the training during the warmer months--at least here in Washington!
Second Chance Lottery for the Big Sur Marathon open on December 13 if anyone is interested. Closes 12/29/2021. Expensive, but one to check off the old bucket list! :)
While I will agree that there is something special about gathering with a group of people who do not think it’s weird to run double digit miles; I cherish the time I spend pounding the streets at dawn by myself. That is what keeps me going back. As for a gathering to run just let me know when and where!
Will do! I'm going to noodle on it and try to figure out when the best time might be. Stay tuned :)
That would be fun!
By force of habit, I've also become a solitary runner [started late in life too so likely byproduct] and do really enjoy it, though also do enjoy the "race" modes, as it pushes me just by having another nearby...
I got into a great (and growing) group in Jacksonville called Moms on the Run. I didn’t know a soul when I moved here and now I have 50+ wonderful friends, some of whom I’ve grown so close to. Having that group support and accountability means that runs are our social time, happy hour(s) and are not to be missed. I can’t underestimate their impact on how much I enjoy life in my adopted city. Run friends are everything!
That's really, really great, Sarah! That's like the ideal of what you hope will happen when you join a group like that. I wonder if any more readers here live near you and might love to join you!
You always have the right words for me.........I am having an MRI Monday to see what is going on with my knee........(it felt like it was hit by a lightening bolt while trying to push my self a little to increase my pace for a 15K.)......until we can see what is going on the Doc is just assuming a tear in the meniscus.......I have been unable to run since Dec. 1 and I am already dreading the chance to get back on my feet.......although yesterday was a day that I would have bundled up, grabbed my insulated running shoes and the dog and lived for the moment. But then I thought am I really going to get the will back..........I know it is something I need and I have a Doc who has agreed that she wants to do all possible to get me back to being a runner (I use that term loosely as my speeds are slow after an accident last year.......thus the reason to try to push in prep for the 15K.) You are always an inspiration and there is always truth in your words........I love the follow up as it also seems to bring more experience to encourage or warn of possible pitfalls. Thank you for putting this together.......for those of us that run alone......this is our group!!! Thank you for that!!!
Fast alone, further together. It's amazing how much we can accomplish when we have a supportive wellness circle of friends!
Amen, Paul! 🙌
First of all, loved the story of Dave Vogel in Words to Run By. So inspiring!!!
Secondly, I would love to participate in a group run. I am signed up for the Marine Corps Marathon. This will be the third year I attempt to run it (last two were cancelled). I don't know the exact date yet, but they always run it the last Sunday of October, so I am assuming 10/30. since I live in California and the MCM is held in DC, I plan to make a vacation of it and stop in Pennsylvania and New York, so I will be over there until the first or second week of November. I could try to be back in time for the Monterey Bay Half. Just gotta know with plenty of time to plan accordingly.
Definitely, Maria! I'll look at a few different options for us and see what might work best. I was actually just in Monterey over Thanksgiving -- SO, so beautiful.
Thx Terrell. While I've been good about the "doing", I, like everyone else, have generally busy lives and this simply reminds why I both like to, and need to, get out and run! It's appreciated...
Thank you, Stan!
Crazy timing…I had a torn meniscus fixed last week! No running for three weeks. Could’ve been worse! Made sure to get one last run in for the year first!
Yikes! Take it easy and rest up -- the roads/trails will be here when you're ready :)
Yes they will!