Something I wonder, for those of you in Atlanta: should I include a place/time to meet up for our weekend runs, especially now that the weather's getting cooler and we actually *can* run outside?
Reminds me of my one and only marathon... January 2013 -age 63. Felt great at mile-13 (I had done 20 half marathons). At Mile 20, I hit the wall ... but I reminded myself “You put your money where your mouth is and challenged yourself ... let’s get this done!”
When you said “People really do this?” I genuinely laughed out loud 😂 Ah, to be young again. At age 21, I completed the Marine Corps Marathon—like an idiot—two weeks after recovering from the flu. I walked 16 of the 26.2 miles.
Lately, I’m finding that increasing my long run (which also makes me nervous!) goes better when I’m curious about how the distance will feel, as opposed to when I spend the whole time thinking You Must Complete This Godforsaken Long Run Or Else.
Yes!! I totally agree, and it’s so interesting you say that. (And, by the way, still finishing the race two weeks after having the flu — that’s hardcore! I think walking those miles is just fine 😃)
The push and pull inside our minds is always there, isn’t it?
I could feel the tension excitement nervousness as I read your post. I did the relay swim portion of half iron Man in Augusta. And I was so nervous in the wait portion, and then when I jumped in the Savannah River I had a moment of panic, like omg I'm doing this. Then I just started swimming and enjoyed it. Although I probably never want to do it again because open water swimming is not my thing. Give me a pool any day.
When i'm training, I run eighteen minute miles but race day go for it at two fourteen minute miles. Because I'm ready to go I feel comfortable and I'm so excited. I run alone all the time and I do my own training with this but I know, and we're all people and it feels good. To be out racing
Thank you for a very stirring article. Well wrote too as always. Got on my treadmill at 4:00 this morning to run 4 miles and was pondering over your thoughts. Hot here still in the south where I live. Caught myself asking — why exactly am I here doing this . Sometimes when I want to stop, or actually do stop , I make myself remember why I started in the first place. Poor health. Overweight. Life in decline. I remember that I like being able to see my belly button instead of the extra 20 pounds that used to be there. Lol! At nearly 60 I like knowing I can do now what I could not do at 50. Also, the vain part of me likes being able to do what my friends who are 20 years younger than me — can’t, or won’t. It keeps me getting up at 3:00 most mornings. I’m amazed, and thankful , that I’ve got 13 half’s and one full marathon in the books. Dreaming if I could make a half at 70. Why not? Again, thank you for the article. I’m glad you decided to keep running when you came out of the port o potty
Such a captivating story, Terrell. I thought you were talking about someone other than yourself! Loved it. . . and I'm sure it 's true! I look back at the same time span (my 20s) and realized I was standing on a ladder about 40 feet in the air, blowing in the wind and remodeling a brick building in Virginia City, NV. We do crazy things in our youth!
Have not been training for anything at the moment. I could not bring myself to spend the $$$ on a Marathon. . . or the trip to SFO.
Looking into trail running with poles. The vertical climbs around here demand them. Having used them a few times, it does make running easier, especially going uphill! (Maybe ultras are in the future. One can certainly go a lot slower out on the trail and I still have the stamina and the time!)
Rain and cool for the last few days and into the rest of the week. We do have an atmospheric river that has settled over the PacNW. . . one that was very necessary due to the drought we were in.
Enjoy your 10 mile stretch coming up. . . you'll certainly be in shape for it!! :)
I’m a Christian and I use running as a means of entering that secret place. The place to be alone and listen and worship. It my time to listen to podcasts, sermons, and books. A lot of times I just meditate in the Lord and he speaks to me.
"My faith journey has often felt like running a marathon, with its share of uphill struggles and unexpected turns. I draw inspiration from Hebrews 12:1-2, where the Bible likens life to a race. Just as a runner perseveres despite exhaustion, I've learned to endure through challenges, always keeping my eyes fixed on Jesus.
In the marathon of life, obstacles can hinder our progress, but I've found strength in faith. Embracing the teachings of the Bible, I've learned to cast aside burdens and sins, allowing me to run with perseverance. Every step I take is guided by the enduring belief that God paves the way.
With each stride, I am reminded of the ultimate race—life's purpose marked out for me. I find comfort in the knowledge that I am not alone on this journey; I am surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses, both past and present. Through faith, I draw upon their strength and press forward, fueled by the unwavering hope that God is my ultimate guide and the perfecter of my faith.
Just as a marathon tests a runner's endurance, my faith has been tested and strengthened. I am grateful for the lessons learned on this spiritual race, and I continue to run with determination, knowing that the finish line is not just an end but a new beginning—a glorious eternity with God."
As my walk with the Lord becomes deeper, as I get in better shape and increase my distances. Joy overcomes any weakness and exhaustion.
I keep pressing on knowing the the goal line is just up ahead.
Love these comments.........your body will stop you if you are doing the impossible.........but we can be our best if we try. Thank you for your encouragement!!!
Something I wonder, for those of you in Atlanta: should I include a place/time to meet up for our weekend runs, especially now that the weather's getting cooler and we actually *can* run outside?
Reminds me of my one and only marathon... January 2013 -age 63. Felt great at mile-13 (I had done 20 half marathons). At Mile 20, I hit the wall ... but I reminded myself “You put your money where your mouth is and challenged yourself ... let’s get this done!”
Exactly! The only way out is through, right? :)
So so true
When you said “People really do this?” I genuinely laughed out loud 😂 Ah, to be young again. At age 21, I completed the Marine Corps Marathon—like an idiot—two weeks after recovering from the flu. I walked 16 of the 26.2 miles.
Lately, I’m finding that increasing my long run (which also makes me nervous!) goes better when I’m curious about how the distance will feel, as opposed to when I spend the whole time thinking You Must Complete This Godforsaken Long Run Or Else.
Yes!! I totally agree, and it’s so interesting you say that. (And, by the way, still finishing the race two weeks after having the flu — that’s hardcore! I think walking those miles is just fine 😃)
The push and pull inside our minds is always there, isn’t it?
Good psych words
I could feel the tension excitement nervousness as I read your post. I did the relay swim portion of half iron Man in Augusta. And I was so nervous in the wait portion, and then when I jumped in the Savannah River I had a moment of panic, like omg I'm doing this. Then I just started swimming and enjoyed it. Although I probably never want to do it again because open water swimming is not my thing. Give me a pool any day.
I’ve done 150 laps in my 26’ pool ... but I’m sticking to solid ground!
I hear you! When did you do the event in Augusta? (That’s where the grew up!)
2019
When i'm training, I run eighteen minute miles but race day go for it at two fourteen minute miles. Because I'm ready to go I feel comfortable and I'm so excited. I run alone all the time and I do my own training with this but I know, and we're all people and it feels good. To be out racing
It does! 😃
Thank you for a very stirring article. Well wrote too as always. Got on my treadmill at 4:00 this morning to run 4 miles and was pondering over your thoughts. Hot here still in the south where I live. Caught myself asking — why exactly am I here doing this . Sometimes when I want to stop, or actually do stop , I make myself remember why I started in the first place. Poor health. Overweight. Life in decline. I remember that I like being able to see my belly button instead of the extra 20 pounds that used to be there. Lol! At nearly 60 I like knowing I can do now what I could not do at 50. Also, the vain part of me likes being able to do what my friends who are 20 years younger than me — can’t, or won’t. It keeps me getting up at 3:00 most mornings. I’m amazed, and thankful , that I’ve got 13 half’s and one full marathon in the books. Dreaming if I could make a half at 70. Why not? Again, thank you for the article. I’m glad you decided to keep running when you came out of the port o potty
Such a captivating story, Terrell. I thought you were talking about someone other than yourself! Loved it. . . and I'm sure it 's true! I look back at the same time span (my 20s) and realized I was standing on a ladder about 40 feet in the air, blowing in the wind and remodeling a brick building in Virginia City, NV. We do crazy things in our youth!
Have not been training for anything at the moment. I could not bring myself to spend the $$$ on a Marathon. . . or the trip to SFO.
Looking into trail running with poles. The vertical climbs around here demand them. Having used them a few times, it does make running easier, especially going uphill! (Maybe ultras are in the future. One can certainly go a lot slower out on the trail and I still have the stamina and the time!)
Rain and cool for the last few days and into the rest of the week. We do have an atmospheric river that has settled over the PacNW. . . one that was very necessary due to the drought we were in.
Enjoy your 10 mile stretch coming up. . . you'll certainly be in shape for it!! :)
I’m a Christian and I use running as a means of entering that secret place. The place to be alone and listen and worship. It my time to listen to podcasts, sermons, and books. A lot of times I just meditate in the Lord and he speaks to me.
"My faith journey has often felt like running a marathon, with its share of uphill struggles and unexpected turns. I draw inspiration from Hebrews 12:1-2, where the Bible likens life to a race. Just as a runner perseveres despite exhaustion, I've learned to endure through challenges, always keeping my eyes fixed on Jesus.
In the marathon of life, obstacles can hinder our progress, but I've found strength in faith. Embracing the teachings of the Bible, I've learned to cast aside burdens and sins, allowing me to run with perseverance. Every step I take is guided by the enduring belief that God paves the way.
With each stride, I am reminded of the ultimate race—life's purpose marked out for me. I find comfort in the knowledge that I am not alone on this journey; I am surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses, both past and present. Through faith, I draw upon their strength and press forward, fueled by the unwavering hope that God is my ultimate guide and the perfecter of my faith.
Just as a marathon tests a runner's endurance, my faith has been tested and strengthened. I am grateful for the lessons learned on this spiritual race, and I continue to run with determination, knowing that the finish line is not just an end but a new beginning—a glorious eternity with God."
As my walk with the Lord becomes deeper, as I get in better shape and increase my distances. Joy overcomes any weakness and exhaustion.
I keep pressing on knowing the the goal line is just up ahead.
Matt
Love these comments.........your body will stop you if you are doing the impossible.........but we can be our best if we try. Thank you for your encouragement!!!