33 Comments
Mar 31, 2022Liked by Terrell Johnson

Perfect timing Terrell. I am actually almost finished reading Running and Being right now. And I have gotten a few of my run friends to read it as well. Very surprising that a book written that many years ago could still be relevant today. But it is. The play aspect is my favorite part of his message!!! (Although I do get a little tired when he "whines" about a 3:15 marathon being a poor performance 😂

Expand full comment

Hi Terrell, Thank you for this post! It's funny I've been playing around with a poem on how running is my playtime. I hear "I play soccer" "I play basketball" How cool would it be to hear "I play running". Thanks again and happy running.

Expand full comment
Mar 30, 2022Liked by Terrell Johnson

I LOVE this post--especially since I used Seinfeld as my "discipline/routine" role model starting in January. I was trying to finish the edits of my manuscript--to get them to an editor--while working a full-time CEO gig. Only way I could do that was to get up at 2-3 am EVERY.DARN.DAY. I would write until 6--do an hour of exercise--and then get ready to go to the 'paid' gig. At first it was a challenge--and then it just became "something I did." I had been told that Jerry had a goal of "write jokes for 3 hours a day." So I thought I would do the same. Write on my novel for 3 hours a day. And it worked!

Expand full comment

Love this post. I too "fight" the training schedule. It feels heavy like a chore which removes the play and the joy of running. There is a balance between the repetition needed and the creativity to run as a way to learn about my body and mind. Sheehan was an early inspiration for me. That section you mentioned so resonates with me.

Expand full comment
Mar 31, 2022Liked by Terrell Johnson

Thank you T. Good email. Great email. I had to laugh though, at myself. You have quoted Sheerhan before. But I didn’t know who he was. In my mind I always picture Ed Sheerhan, the British singer. And I thought “wow, what an insight person.”

So I am glad you included a picture this time. It helps me think more clearly this time. 😬 Seriously the deep thinking subject matter and self revelation is very good.

We had an uncharacteristic Spring day here in Cincinnati. It has been in the 40’s & 50’s. Today was near 80. I went on a 20 mile bike ride after work. It is my version of cross training and helped a lot last Fall with AF 1/2. The ride was awesome! Fun. Relaxing. Yes it was a bit much. But I had a blast. It was my 4th this season. Others have been colder.

So thank you for the deep thoughts. And know that we all struggle with them. I turned 58 on Mon. And I started high BP meds in Dec. it has been really hard to get physically and psychologically motivated over the winter. I have another 1/2 coming up the 1st weekend in May. And I needed this shot in the arm. So thanks. You are doing great work my friend!

Expand full comment

I’ve run two races in my life, both were just 5ks, and I did so because my stepdad asked me to do the first one with him and the second because I thought maybe it was for me. It wasn’t. My father has run all his life, along with things like softball and basketball as ways to exercise. My stepdad used to run marathons a long time ago (he just passed), and one of my stepmoms (I’m on my third) was a marathon runner and speed walker. It was memorable running my first race with my biological father on one side and my stepdad on the other, along with the fact that I ran really fast to the finish line with tears in my eyes because I was so amazed I actually made it, but that’s about it. No offense, but I’ll take roller skating any day! 😊

Expand full comment
Mar 31, 2022Liked by Terrell Johnson

Simply, Thank You! Perfect timing. As I read this I felt like you must have been living in my head for the past 2 weeks.

Expand full comment
Mar 31, 2022Liked by Terrell Johnson

It is ironic that when I force myself to do hard things life is easier and I am happier. The routines help keep me centered but it is important for me to keep everything in perspective. My life today is beyond my wildest dreams.

Expand full comment

Really appreciate this post. I've been a competitive runner for 13 years, and so often give much more weight to and appreciation for the work I do with my body as a runner, than the work I do writing. But in reality, running and following a training plan is so straightforward--you just keep putting in miles and get fitter and faster. Writing requires us to create something from nothing--that's next to impossible!

Puts it all in perspective for me.

Expand full comment
Mar 31, 2022Liked by Terrell Johnson

Great article, perfect timing. I am entering the last 4 weeks of training for the Eugene OR 1/2 marathon and it is getting hard - but will all be worth it after crossing the finish line. No matter how long it takes to get there. Thanks.

Expand full comment
Mar 31, 2022Liked by Terrell Johnson

Great note Terrell as always! Ran my first speed workout yesterday as I'm planning to RACE the Helderberg in Albany on 4/16. And then, this happened: I am headed to Portugal in late April/May. I always look for races when I travel - such a great way to participate in a local community. Well, if they didn't move their March Half to May...when I am there, in Lisbon! The biggest Half Marathon in Europe and currently the world record course for both men and women. So OF COURSE i signed up...to run this one, not to race, but cannot wait. That, my running friends, is how my running is going!

Expand full comment
Mar 31, 2022Liked by Terrell Johnson

I had the great opportunity to meet Dr. George Sheehan when he visited the EX PHYS lab in about 1979 at the University of Illinois when I was working on my doctoral degree. I had read his work in RW, and was quite inspired when he came into the lab.

Time passes quickly!

Expand full comment
Mar 31, 2022Liked by Terrell Johnson

Wow wow! I just found out about your page and really like this piece. I'm training for my first ever half marathon too and have been struggling with discipline and suffering through the plan and rigid scheduling. Play is important! This is much needed

Expand full comment
Mar 31, 2022Liked by Terrell Johnson

Great life/running philosophy. It is a shame that Running and Being isn’t in print anymore. So many runners missing such great insight.

Expand full comment

I haven't run in an organized race for maybe 5 years now. I used to run 2 or 3 every month. The pressure of being race-ready was too much, and not fun. Imagine being injured and wasting $50-100!! These days, I run because I run. I prefer it.

Expand full comment