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Nilima Srikantha's avatar

Don't we all have our moments of doubt? Just thinking of how many messes I've gotten myself into--millions, I bet. Some seem as scary as Roosevelt's; most are not. The only way out is through, and being human, with our creativity and ingenuity, the likelihood of survival is pretty great.

Scariest part for me is standing at the start line of 13.1 miles and wondering if I can make it. The most elating part is seeing the Finish at the end!

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Terrell Johnson's avatar

Same here, Nilima! 😀

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Nilima Srikantha's avatar

Glad I'm not alone!

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Helena's avatar

This was not only touching but also personal to me Terrel.

I was born and raised in the Brazilian jungle.

Survival was a way of life, the only way we knew. Sharing the rivers with Piranhas and Anacondas and having malaria the first 7 years of my life are just few of the challenges.

And yet, I too have doubts in the middle of a training.

But like you said: we're more than half way done. We've come this far. There's no doubt that will stop us now.

Thank you for bringing this book back here. It's on my list now.

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Terrell Johnson's avatar

Thank you, Helena! And may I say, wow -- what an amazing life story you have. Where in Brazil did you grow up? I had the chance to visit there a few times about 20 years ago, when I was working for a company that had me travel there often for work. Absolutely loved the time I got to spend there.

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Helena's avatar

Thank you. I was born up North in the Tocantins state in a place called "Ilha do Bananal"

I'm going back there in April for a whole month. I'll be spending the first week of the trip in Fernando de Noronha Island.

Check it out https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fernando_de_Noronha

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Steve Leitschuh's avatar

Unlike now, when I decided to do my first marathon, I'd probably only done 5 to 6 miles at one time. In the early 70's, only the crazy people did 26 mile runs... hell from where I lived, everything I needed wasn't even that far away.

I was fascinated by the early runners but there were very few races at that distance where I lived. In high school I ran the 880 and although I trained hard for it, the race was over in a little over two minutes. I can attest to the fact that anyone, male or female can do a marathon if they have enough time and are stubborn enough. I started off cocky but finished HOURS & HOURS later with my tail between my legs. I wasn't the last one but I finished just behind the older lady I'd run... let me be truthful... walked with for the last hour-and-a-half with. I was humbled and sore for days later. I love the way Terrell is training our bodies to adjust to slowly increasing distances. I love the camaraderie and craziness of waiting for the start and the feeling of relief and accomplishment at the finish. I hope I'm never too old and feeble to lace up my shoes and go out on a run.

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Terrell Johnson's avatar

I do too, Steve!!

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Paula's avatar

This is a really great article Terrell! I’ve been enjoying your newsletter for some time now and finally decided to become a paid subscriber even though I’m really not running much these days. However, I am beginning to get back to regular treadmill workouts and who knows? Perhaps I’ll start really training again. It’s hard to do that at 67 years with more aches and pains during a long winter in Alberta but this article inspired me. Thank you for that and all the best!

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Terrell Johnson's avatar

Oh wow, thank you so much, Paula!!

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Paula's avatar

You’re very welcome! By the way...are there many walkers in this group as well? Thanks!

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Jim Gilroy's avatar

Paula, I walk every other day. Haven't run consecutive days in years. When I run (jog) I'm usually out on the local rail trail, but I walk the neighborhoods.

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Terrell Johnson's avatar

There definitely are quite a few -- and that’s a great reminder for me to write more about walking! I’ll find a few of the posts I have for you...

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Paula's avatar

Thanks! That’d be wonderful! I really love the wide variety of info you share, book recommendations, lists of things to listen to and your easy to read writing style. Well done!

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Terrell Johnson's avatar

You just made my day, Paula! 🤗

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Mark Feighery's avatar

Exactly how I felt days before my first marathon, 12 years ago.

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Terrell Johnson's avatar

Which marathon was your first?

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Mark Feighery's avatar

Ohio River Road Runners, Xenia, Ohio. No stand-up mile markers or big crowds, but great volunteers.

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Corrina T.'s avatar

Love this! I needed it! Thank you. 👍🏼

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Terrell Johnson's avatar

Thanks, Corrina!

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Stan's avatar

Terrell, your writings are very inspiring, makes me think that, mo matter what, with perserverance and work anything can be worked thru. While I haven’t run with the plan, I have been able to get going again with running. As I was able to work throughout the time when I could not run, right now I’m on your pace, maybe a little ahead, and ‘m hopeful of getting an event in near the end of April & May [maybe 10k] and, if iI can bet to NYC in July, a half with my nieces there! You provide us with an outlet and I now, again, look forward to getting out on the road and going! Thank you. [I’ve been reading everything but starting to feel like I can again be a part…]

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Terrell Johnson's avatar

That's great to hear, Stan! Which half would you be running in NYC in July? There are so many good ones there...

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Stan's avatar

I’m thinking of running the firecracker half-marathon. It’s in the rockaway’s. It’s where I grew up so it will be good going home I’ll also give me something “productive” to do while there…

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Brian Pillsbury's avatar

Good Article Terrell. I felt this one. Staying a couple nights in Akin SC in a few weeks. Hoping the weather will be nice.

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Terrell Johnson's avatar

Thanks so much, Brian!! Enjoy Aiken — it’s got a beautiful downtown.

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