Excellent and thoughtful post. I’m sitting in the US on vacation from the UK and pondering running ahead. This time last year completed London Marathon, now running is throttled back to a couch to five volume. Found out need new hips. The future is uncertain, but it will include running and a pivot to more triathlon multi sports. If the second half of life had an adjective it could be adaptable..
Welcome back. Good to read your words again and glad you relaxed on vacation. Summer is a difficult time to rebuild. Heat, humidity, barbecues and other distractions take a toll. Just go slowly, one step at a time. Left, right,left….
Yes, who knows what is ahead. Entertain all the options. I had no idea, at 55, that I would run my first, and only, 50 mile trail race at 64. Keep on moving.
I ran it at Indiana Trail Race. Super well organized event. The course is moderate rolling terrain, mostly two track width with smooth surface. Lots of shade. Aid stations are outstanding, everything you could hope for from food to first aid. And of course people, very good people! Lodging nearby or you can camp in the park. All but one aid are accessible for crews. At the finish I had chocolate chip cookie and bacon sandwich. Go for it and Happy Trails
Great post, Terrell. I couldn't help but grin reading it. I think since I've read the newsletter for years now, this is the first time I'm running regularly and you're not. Of course, we're all in this together and it's not a competition. I think I'm just surprised is all. And, as others have mentioned, who knows where we'll be tomorrow. I'll enjoy it for as long as I can, and wish you a speedy ramp up to your previous running level. Maybe I'll see you at a fall race, such as the 4 Bridges in Chattanooga. God bless.
Thanks so much, Larry! And so good to hear from you, by the way 👋 I would LOVE to run the Four Bridges race in Chattanooga -- the photos I've seen of it look amazing. Is it in October/November?
I always look forward to what you have to say. I have a folder for your newsletters - the oldest is from December of 2015. I always find encouragement from what you write.
I ran my first Half marathon in 2014; I was just shy of 59 then. I ran steadily until a bout of Covid in 2020. Since then I've started over multiple times, but it's really hard to keep things moving. I'm determined to start again and I will look forward to seeing how your journey unfolds.
Randy, I’m tearing up reading this incredibly kind and thoughtful comment. You seriously made my year! Let’s get back on this horse together, shall we?
As with so many of your newsletters, this is another one I will keep. When I signed up for the Beach to Beacon here in Maine next month with one daughter and a September race with another daughter, I told my husband "I need to do this while I still can!" Well, last month I had a "catch" and lots of pain in my knee. I took a week off from running and tried a gentle run whereby the same thing happened. Long story short, I had an MRI and have a complex tear of my lateral meniscus. I saw the orthopedic doctor who did my other knee four years ago (it was very successful and I have done several half marathons and shorter races since), and am waiting for the surgery date. Funny how my emotions have been since this happen... I am not "addicted to running" but I surely enjoy it and my spirits are elevated after every run. I think when I am given the green light to start up what I love again, I will look back at your post and what your son's coach shared. At 66 I have been blessed to "get to run" for the pasty 22 years and I am ever prayerful, I will return.
Terrell: Enjoy those runs as you get back into it, and do a mile for me, please:)
Twice now in my 50s, coming back from injury, I’ve done the Peloton “You Can Run Outdoors” program, which I felt a little ridiculous doing as it is essentially a couch to 30 minutes running program. But it was actually perfect for my needs each time, as it reminded me of all the basics about form, breathing, cadence etc. It even had me running to a metronome in one class!
I appreciate the real talk. I’m slowly building back from an Achilles injury. I’m running the Chicago Half in September. My training is very different than my usual - shorter runs every other day plus PT and strength work and rolling. I also decided to give the Galloway method a try and so far it’s going well. I’m adding miles but instead of one long day, padding each run to net weekly increases. Humbling.
Thanks so much, Julie! And I'm a fan of the Galloway method as well -- especially on longer runs, it's a game-changer. Those Achilles injuries can be so humbling, you're right... they really force you to stop for a while and just not do anything. They really test our patience, don't they?! Here's to better days for you very soon -- though it sounds like you're already on the way there 🙌
Hi, Terrell. I'm not too far behind you. Stirrings are good. I couldn't help but appreciate the juxtaposition between the plan from the XC coach for your son and not knowing exactly how to respond to the internal stirring for yourself. I look forward to reading your next post.
Started this half marathon “craze” in 2008 … haven’t looked back. Retired in 2024 (I’ll be 77 in December) so travel now includes destination races. My next phase is”ongoing” … staying healthy
and traveling and researching the next half marathon.
T-I don't have anything to add to the great comments below--apart from an observation of how supportive of you--and of each other--this community you've built is. And isn't that a wonderful thing?
It so is! It’s the most wonderful thing about writing/doing this newsletter; I honestly think about it all the time. THM isn’t really a newsletter or an email, it’s the connections we’ve all built here together over the past several years, and carry around with us in our heads as we re-gather here every week or so. I never expected this when I started it, but it’s been such a happy, serendipitous thing to see happen. ❤️
Thank you for sharing your ponderances with us. As you know we are of similar age so I often identify with many of your thoughts. I hope you find joy in getting back at it and maybe even a chance to run some with your son. Glad you had a great trip, and that floating bar is super cool! (My next event is Saturday running a Half on the beach. It'll be a new experience and I am super excited for it.)
I appreciate the real talk. I’m slowly building back from an Achilles injury. I’m running the Chicago Half in September. My training is very different than my usual - shorter runs every other day plus PT and strength work and rolling. I also decided to give the Galloway method a try and so far it’s going well. I’m adding miles but instead of one long day, padding each run to net weekly increases. Humbling.
Excellent and thoughtful post. I’m sitting in the US on vacation from the UK and pondering running ahead. This time last year completed London Marathon, now running is throttled back to a couch to five volume. Found out need new hips. The future is uncertain, but it will include running and a pivot to more triathlon multi sports. If the second half of life had an adjective it could be adaptable..
Perfectly said, Tim! “Adaptable” is exactly it 💯
Good luck with the hips.
Are you here for the World Cup, btw?
Welcome back. Good to read your words again and glad you relaxed on vacation. Summer is a difficult time to rebuild. Heat, humidity, barbecues and other distractions take a toll. Just go slowly, one step at a time. Left, right,left….
Yes, who knows what is ahead. Entertain all the options. I had no idea, at 55, that I would run my first, and only, 50 mile trail race at 64. Keep on moving.
Happy trails
Hoping to do a true 50 mile trail in 2027. Like Terrell I'd love to know where yours was as well. Congrats on completing one!
I ran it at Indiana Trail Race. Super well organized event. The course is moderate rolling terrain, mostly two track width with smooth surface. Lots of shade. Aid stations are outstanding, everything you could hope for from food to first aid. And of course people, very good people! Lodging nearby or you can camp in the park. All but one aid are accessible for crews. At the finish I had chocolate chip cookie and bacon sandwich. Go for it and Happy Trails
Most of my halves have been road races but this year the plan is for two trail races. These are outside Orlando so mostly flat
Awesome!!!
That's so cool, Jerry! (And good to hear from you, my friend! 👋) Where was your 50-mile trail race, btw? This is such great advice.
Great post, Terrell. I couldn't help but grin reading it. I think since I've read the newsletter for years now, this is the first time I'm running regularly and you're not. Of course, we're all in this together and it's not a competition. I think I'm just surprised is all. And, as others have mentioned, who knows where we'll be tomorrow. I'll enjoy it for as long as I can, and wish you a speedy ramp up to your previous running level. Maybe I'll see you at a fall race, such as the 4 Bridges in Chattanooga. God bless.
Thanks so much, Larry! And so good to hear from you, by the way 👋 I would LOVE to run the Four Bridges race in Chattanooga -- the photos I've seen of it look amazing. Is it in October/November?
It is a Sunday race, Oct. 25th this year. I missed it a few times because I had run the Red Carpet race in Dalton but plan to this year!
I always look forward to what you have to say. I have a folder for your newsletters - the oldest is from December of 2015. I always find encouragement from what you write.
I ran my first Half marathon in 2014; I was just shy of 59 then. I ran steadily until a bout of Covid in 2020. Since then I've started over multiple times, but it's really hard to keep things moving. I'm determined to start again and I will look forward to seeing how your journey unfolds.
Randy, I’m tearing up reading this incredibly kind and thoughtful comment. You seriously made my year! Let’s get back on this horse together, shall we?
My Covid year was 2022. Still managed to get a dozen halves in… plan for 2026 is 7.
As with so many of your newsletters, this is another one I will keep. When I signed up for the Beach to Beacon here in Maine next month with one daughter and a September race with another daughter, I told my husband "I need to do this while I still can!" Well, last month I had a "catch" and lots of pain in my knee. I took a week off from running and tried a gentle run whereby the same thing happened. Long story short, I had an MRI and have a complex tear of my lateral meniscus. I saw the orthopedic doctor who did my other knee four years ago (it was very successful and I have done several half marathons and shorter races since), and am waiting for the surgery date. Funny how my emotions have been since this happen... I am not "addicted to running" but I surely enjoy it and my spirits are elevated after every run. I think when I am given the green light to start up what I love again, I will look back at your post and what your son's coach shared. At 66 I have been blessed to "get to run" for the pasty 22 years and I am ever prayerful, I will return.
Terrell: Enjoy those runs as you get back into it, and do a mile for me, please:)
Twice now in my 50s, coming back from injury, I’ve done the Peloton “You Can Run Outdoors” program, which I felt a little ridiculous doing as it is essentially a couch to 30 minutes running program. But it was actually perfect for my needs each time, as it reminded me of all the basics about form, breathing, cadence etc. It even had me running to a metronome in one class!
I’ve got to try that! Going to the Google machine to find it now… 😀
I appreciate the real talk. I’m slowly building back from an Achilles injury. I’m running the Chicago Half in September. My training is very different than my usual - shorter runs every other day plus PT and strength work and rolling. I also decided to give the Galloway method a try and so far it’s going well. I’m adding miles but instead of one long day, padding each run to net weekly increases. Humbling.
Thanks so much, Julie! And I'm a fan of the Galloway method as well -- especially on longer runs, it's a game-changer. Those Achilles injuries can be so humbling, you're right... they really force you to stop for a while and just not do anything. They really test our patience, don't they?! Here's to better days for you very soon -- though it sounds like you're already on the way there 🙌
Galloway works
So far, so good!
Hi, Terrell. I'm not too far behind you. Stirrings are good. I couldn't help but appreciate the juxtaposition between the plan from the XC coach for your son and not knowing exactly how to respond to the internal stirring for yourself. I look forward to reading your next post.
Thanks so much, Jamie! 🙏
Up comes and goes it’s the forward that matters good to see your voice
Started this half marathon “craze” in 2008 … haven’t looked back. Retired in 2024 (I’ll be 77 in December) so travel now includes destination races. My next phase is”ongoing” … staying healthy
and traveling and researching the next half marathon.
You’re my hero, Dave!
No Sir, just a happy - albeit now slightly unhappy coincidence! Naples, Fl, so we were close the the Miami venue. It’s been a great holiday..
T-I don't have anything to add to the great comments below--apart from an observation of how supportive of you--and of each other--this community you've built is. And isn't that a wonderful thing?
It so is! It’s the most wonderful thing about writing/doing this newsletter; I honestly think about it all the time. THM isn’t really a newsletter or an email, it’s the connections we’ve all built here together over the past several years, and carry around with us in our heads as we re-gather here every week or so. I never expected this when I started it, but it’s been such a happy, serendipitous thing to see happen. ❤️
Thank you for sharing your ponderances with us. As you know we are of similar age so I often identify with many of your thoughts. I hope you find joy in getting back at it and maybe even a chance to run some with your son. Glad you had a great trip, and that floating bar is super cool! (My next event is Saturday running a Half on the beach. It'll be a new experience and I am super excited for it.)
Go big.
I appreciate the real talk. I’m slowly building back from an Achilles injury. I’m running the Chicago Half in September. My training is very different than my usual - shorter runs every other day plus PT and strength work and rolling. I also decided to give the Galloway method a try and so far it’s going well. I’m adding miles but instead of one long day, padding each run to net weekly increases. Humbling.
Great post, Terrell. And love, love that Jerry Seinfeld bit. Nailed it.
Thanks, Anne! (And Avery!) ❤️