'When it came to running at a young age, I noticed how it changed my mood from sad or upset to happy and calm. Running was my escape. It was my way of dealing with pain.'
This is great! Maybe my favorite line distills the essence of running, particularly trail running: "What will I see, hear, and smell? It’s glorious." Go get that 100-mile buckle, Julie.
Hi John! Thank you so much for reading and for your message. The sights, smells, and sounds—aren't we lucky to be runners? I'm grateful every day I get to head out on foot. Enjoy your running, and thank you again. Yes...I want a buckle. :) I'm curious: Has it always been a buckle for 100 miles? How many do you have?
I'm so grateful to have stumbled into running as a passion. It has allowed me to grow -- and see, smell, hear ... feel -- so much. I've earned 3 100-mile buckles, and these were on beautiful courses in the mountains. I believe the history of buckle goes all the way back to Western States, the oldest 100-miler in the U.S. It used to be a horse race, hence the belt buckle.
Hi John, This is so cool to learn, and I'm curious to know more. This is my research project for today. :) Wow, three! That's incredible. Did you run Western States?
I'm grateful running is a passion of mine as well. Training for life. Have a great Thursday.
Western States is one of two 100s on my bucket list. I'll have 16 tickets in the lottery for 2026, but chances are slim. I'll keep trying until I get in (to get a ticket, you have to run a qualifier each year). As for 100s, I'm 3 for 4. I dropped out of my last 100 after puking my way around the course from mile 43-72. I realized that it was more important to live another day than to drag myself to the finish. (We were running in a heat advisory, and a couple of runners got airlifted off the course ... the joy!) Best of luck on this journey. It is a privilege to be able to do these things, especially when they become not fun. :)
Hi Chris! I hear you. I thought 50 miles was impossible, and now that I've crossed the line, it's amazing how my perspective has changed. Isn't that cool? Thank you so much for reading, and congratulations on your 13.1 miles! Incredible.
Totally get it. I never thought I'd do a half. And a full marathon is my next goal, but it seems so daunting to consider right now. I believe I can do it, and I almost started training for an end of year one in early fall, but work got too busy and I just couldn't make enough time. Still, I'm planning, trying to decide when the time will be right!
By which I mean - I believe the next step is possible, so even though 50 seems positively ridiculous to me, I can see it as achievable! Still - amazing that you have done it and are looking even higher. Love it!
Hi Chris, I love that you're working towards the marathon distance. You will absolutely love it, and yes, the training is essential yet doable. (one step at a time)
I hope you can figure out the timing. Fall marathons are fun. If I can do 50, you can do 26.2. GO!GO!GO! I'm cheering you on!!
You are an inspiration … and you have a beautiful family. Your story tells me to push on … I’m on Day-13 in the journey to care for my wife who fractured her left arm while we were visiting the kids and grandkids in NC.
Jules, I love what you tell your younger self and the credit you give running as the through line to the present. As usual, your authenticity, honesty, integrity, vulnerability and supreme effort all surface to show us what it takes to live and lead a high performance life. May you continue to go from strength to strength. God Bless you and your precious family...
Hi Clark! Thank you for your message and the nudge to share with The Half Marathoner. God Bless you and yours Clark. I'm so grateful our paths have crossed and look forward to your weekly haikus. :)
Thank you so much for reading and for your message! I'm grateful to be able to share what I've learned and am still learning to encourage others. Keep going and moving. :)
This is great! Maybe my favorite line distills the essence of running, particularly trail running: "What will I see, hear, and smell? It’s glorious." Go get that 100-mile buckle, Julie.
Hi John! Thank you so much for reading and for your message. The sights, smells, and sounds—aren't we lucky to be runners? I'm grateful every day I get to head out on foot. Enjoy your running, and thank you again. Yes...I want a buckle. :) I'm curious: Has it always been a buckle for 100 miles? How many do you have?
I'm so grateful to have stumbled into running as a passion. It has allowed me to grow -- and see, smell, hear ... feel -- so much. I've earned 3 100-mile buckles, and these were on beautiful courses in the mountains. I believe the history of buckle goes all the way back to Western States, the oldest 100-miler in the U.S. It used to be a horse race, hence the belt buckle.
Hi John, This is so cool to learn, and I'm curious to know more. This is my research project for today. :) Wow, three! That's incredible. Did you run Western States?
I'm grateful running is a passion of mine as well. Training for life. Have a great Thursday.
Western States is one of two 100s on my bucket list. I'll have 16 tickets in the lottery for 2026, but chances are slim. I'll keep trying until I get in (to get a ticket, you have to run a qualifier each year). As for 100s, I'm 3 for 4. I dropped out of my last 100 after puking my way around the course from mile 43-72. I realized that it was more important to live another day than to drag myself to the finish. (We were running in a heat advisory, and a couple of runners got airlifted off the course ... the joy!) Best of luck on this journey. It is a privilege to be able to do these things, especially when they become not fun. :)
Love reading these. What amazing accomplishments. 50 miles seems impossible to me, but so did 13.1 before I had done it the first time.
Hi Chris! I hear you. I thought 50 miles was impossible, and now that I've crossed the line, it's amazing how my perspective has changed. Isn't that cool? Thank you so much for reading, and congratulations on your 13.1 miles! Incredible.
Totally get it. I never thought I'd do a half. And a full marathon is my next goal, but it seems so daunting to consider right now. I believe I can do it, and I almost started training for an end of year one in early fall, but work got too busy and I just couldn't make enough time. Still, I'm planning, trying to decide when the time will be right!
By which I mean - I believe the next step is possible, so even though 50 seems positively ridiculous to me, I can see it as achievable! Still - amazing that you have done it and are looking even higher. Love it!
Hi Chris, I love that you're working towards the marathon distance. You will absolutely love it, and yes, the training is essential yet doable. (one step at a time)
I hope you can figure out the timing. Fall marathons are fun. If I can do 50, you can do 26.2. GO!GO!GO! I'm cheering you on!!
You are an inspiration … and you have a beautiful family. Your story tells me to push on … I’m on Day-13 in the journey to care for my wife who fractured her left arm while we were visiting the kids and grandkids in NC.
Oh, wow, Dave! Tell her I’m thinking about her and I hope she heals as quickly as possible 🙏
Hi David! Thank you so much for the message and kind words. You're a hero!
Yes, push on, one step at a time. I'm sending you strength, patience, and love as you care for your wife.
Thanks again, Julie
"I enjoy the longer distances and would like to continue working my way up to a 100 mile race."
Such a fascinating journey you've been on. Thanks for sharing this, and here's to getting 100 miles in the books!
Hi Jeremy, Thank you so much for reading and for your message. Keep up the great work and happy running. Onward to 100! :)
Jules, I love what you tell your younger self and the credit you give running as the through line to the present. As usual, your authenticity, honesty, integrity, vulnerability and supreme effort all surface to show us what it takes to live and lead a high performance life. May you continue to go from strength to strength. God Bless you and your precious family...
Hi Clark! Thank you for your message and the nudge to share with The Half Marathoner. God Bless you and yours Clark. I'm so grateful our paths have crossed and look forward to your weekly haikus. :)
Received "the" M.O.M. book today and your sweet note. Thank you!!!!!!
Oh YIPPEE! :) What an honor to dedicate those miles and beyond to Howard. Thank you again.
Wonderful, thank you for sharing. So motivating.
Thank you so much for reading and for your message! I'm grateful to be able to share what I've learned and am still learning to encourage others. Keep going and moving. :)
Have a great Thursday!