Great input. I just finished a half marathon last weekend and have another to do on May 1st. I agree with Murakami...keep in training without taking two days off in a row, even if you run a few miles...."muscles are like work animals." The "half" last weekend was like a mud run given the torrential downpour and running along trails through woody areas but because of steady training, I ended strong. Much better than I anticipated and when I crossed the finish line, I could have kept going!
This is so great to hear, Linda! Wow, those conditions sound pretty daunting. I've run one race like that, the Marine Corps Marathon in D.C. -- though it wasn't through mud, it was on the streets. Where was this race you're mentioning? You're a die hard!
Moraine State Park, north of Pittsburgh. Sunday, May 1st is the Pittsburgh half. Hope to do another one this summer however, as we all can agree, there are "life happens" moments that collide with our running time.
Thought San Francisco.....not sure. It all depends on the calendar and commitments but I am good to go! Terrell, meant to ask you....I just started my Substack column, are you willing to share your email?
Hi Terrell. I love this article. As a Mom, I was in sympathy for Zamparini's Mom. I wanted to share that our training group did a particularly hard hill repeat series two Wednesdays in a row- in different locations- both equally hard. Our coach was so proud of the effort we all put in and he encouraged us to write a note or write on our bathroom mirror "I did that hard thing!". He wanted us to wake up to it the next day feel good about the work. I left mine up all week! Celebrating the hard things makes doing the next hard thing feel not so hard!
Thank you T. This was very timely and very well written. I am struggling big time. I ran a half in mid-March but was not fully ready. After that I got back to running a little but then had an issue a few weeks ago.
I soiled my shorts on a morning run. I just could not get to a place that was safe to go (the woods, 100 yards from my house) As I walked down hill to get to them it just came out.
It has been very difficult to make myself get back out there. It is unlikely to repeat but was just quite frustrating. I love running, but that is not the only thing that has held me back.
I’m going to go out again. Tomorrow. I have to. I do not want to give up this lifestyle. It means too much to me. And the stories today help tremendously. Thank you for your continued transparency and great life lessons.
Good morning, Ben! Thank you for the kind words, and I can relate to your struggles. I've experienced them too. What else do you think is holding you back? And, could you try taking it down a notch rather than pushing through too hard -- like, say, walking, or mixing in walking with your running? The one thing I always try to guard against is getting hurt -- walking, or relaxing our pace, can really help with that. What do you think?
The other part of my struggle is motivation in general. I started BP medicine in Dec. It has messed with my metabolism in the morning. It is hard for me to WANT to get up early. So my brain has been winning out over my heart’s desire. I have not been running too hard. Yes, I could walk, if I could just make myself get out there.
I have been riding my bike, which is my usual cross-training. I did 4 rides in Mar but then April has been rainy. I was able to do 18 miles last evening so that was great.
I have a 6 month checkup the first week of June. So we will be discussing it. She is a runner too, so hopefully will be able to help with that. And my BP is only a little bit high.
Great articles as always. I read the Hillenbrand book when it came out, and saw the movie. Amazing story. The idea of pushing yourself rather than easing up takes me back to the movie Secretariat. After winning the first two stops of the triple crown, rather than easing up and just staying healthy for the Belmont, they pushed him harder than ever. He won Belmont by 30 lengths.
Thank you, DMW!! You are so kind. Strangely enough, I was talking with a friend about that recently. It's still very much at the drawing board stage, but a book possibly/maybe/we'll see could be on my radar. I think I need to figure out first, what would it be about? 😃 (That's kind of a key thing for a book!) We shall see...
Ah, yes! Little! 8 year olds can have you tearing your hair! Mine was like that, but she calmed down. I've had the adventure, though, of having one that is Trans. Gone through the Boy routine early on, but then the Girl was even more challenging at age 30. Life is a great experience!
Running and walking as I can. As I said before, time on the trail is limited. I seem to spend most of my time looking for a new place to live. Dear old management has moved this place out of reach. We start looking at new homes tomorrow. I do like the upper area above Seattle. Not only is it much cheaper to live, there are lots more parks and trails.
Enjoyed the article you sent. I seldom go several days in a row of not running. At times, it feels like a chore, but the feeling of accomplishment and well-being afterwards are worth it!
Still waiting for Monterey. Isn't it almost the end of April?! :)
Yes! That's exactly what I was thinking. I just checked their website and it says "late April" -- so it can't be far off now! https://www.montereybayhalfmarathon.org/
Definitely! And good luck with the new home search -- I know how stressful that can be. I've never liked moving; I get so emotionally attached to where I am, no matter where it is. The area above Seattle you describe sounds lovely. And life is definitely an adventure, isn't it?
Does anyone like moving?! We've been in the same complex, the same apartment for over 10 years, so it's a bit jarring. I was just getting to know this place!
Going North in WA is higher, colder and more mountainous. I haven't done mountains since Mercer Island, but they are incredibly good for training and Half Marathons. I'm actually looking forward to something new!
I watch Monterey almost every day, so I'll be sure and let you know! :)
Great read. Perfect for me right now, finally back into the "doing" and have been, gradually, pushing it up! Nice to be reminded that there is a light at the end of the tunnel - that's also not a train! Hope to run my first race in June, a 10k, then first half in NYC in July. Thx again for the read, though you may think simple, sometimes simply is the best...
I forgot about Unbroken as well. Great book & movie! Thanks for this reminder.
By the end of the school year I’m at my wits end with my “mischievous” students. Why can’t they just behave? This reminds me that they may have that wildness inside them that will one day save them. They just need to find their focus.
Thanks again! Louie was one of a kind. Love his story!
Have any suggestions on coping with a running addiction? 🏃♂️ 10K in pikeville Ky this weekend, forecast for 59 and sunny at the start of the race. That in its self is reason enough to do, but you get a shot of moonshine at the finish line.
Next six weekends are all 5K’s so I can pile up some miles during the week. Just got confirmation that the Indy500 challenge is on again this year, so I need to finish the 353 miles of the Sheltowee Trace virtual by the middle of June. 1000 miles of independent running, 48 races by the end of the year. See why I asked the question. Have a wonderful weekend!!
Great input. I just finished a half marathon last weekend and have another to do on May 1st. I agree with Murakami...keep in training without taking two days off in a row, even if you run a few miles...."muscles are like work animals." The "half" last weekend was like a mud run given the torrential downpour and running along trails through woody areas but because of steady training, I ended strong. Much better than I anticipated and when I crossed the finish line, I could have kept going!
This is so great to hear, Linda! Wow, those conditions sound pretty daunting. I've run one race like that, the Marine Corps Marathon in D.C. -- though it wasn't through mud, it was on the streets. Where was this race you're mentioning? You're a die hard!
Moraine State Park, north of Pittsburgh. Sunday, May 1st is the Pittsburgh half. Hope to do another one this summer however, as we all can agree, there are "life happens" moments that collide with our running time.
Oh, definitely! Good luck at the Pittsburgh Half! What are you looking at for the summer?
Thought San Francisco.....not sure. It all depends on the calendar and commitments but I am good to go! Terrell, meant to ask you....I just started my Substack column, are you willing to share your email?
Definitely! It's terrell@halfmarathons.net 👍
Hi Terrell. I love this article. As a Mom, I was in sympathy for Zamparini's Mom. I wanted to share that our training group did a particularly hard hill repeat series two Wednesdays in a row- in different locations- both equally hard. Our coach was so proud of the effort we all put in and he encouraged us to write a note or write on our bathroom mirror "I did that hard thing!". He wanted us to wake up to it the next day feel good about the work. I left mine up all week! Celebrating the hard things makes doing the next hard thing feel not so hard!
I love that about the note, Cindi!! And thank you -- I'm definitely in sympathy with Louise Zamperini too.
Thank you T. This was very timely and very well written. I am struggling big time. I ran a half in mid-March but was not fully ready. After that I got back to running a little but then had an issue a few weeks ago.
I soiled my shorts on a morning run. I just could not get to a place that was safe to go (the woods, 100 yards from my house) As I walked down hill to get to them it just came out.
It has been very difficult to make myself get back out there. It is unlikely to repeat but was just quite frustrating. I love running, but that is not the only thing that has held me back.
I’m going to go out again. Tomorrow. I have to. I do not want to give up this lifestyle. It means too much to me. And the stories today help tremendously. Thank you for your continued transparency and great life lessons.
Good morning, Ben! Thank you for the kind words, and I can relate to your struggles. I've experienced them too. What else do you think is holding you back? And, could you try taking it down a notch rather than pushing through too hard -- like, say, walking, or mixing in walking with your running? The one thing I always try to guard against is getting hurt -- walking, or relaxing our pace, can really help with that. What do you think?
The other part of my struggle is motivation in general. I started BP medicine in Dec. It has messed with my metabolism in the morning. It is hard for me to WANT to get up early. So my brain has been winning out over my heart’s desire. I have not been running too hard. Yes, I could walk, if I could just make myself get out there.
I have been riding my bike, which is my usual cross-training. I did 4 rides in Mar but then April has been rainy. I was able to do 18 miles last evening so that was great.
Have you talked with your doctor about the medication and your metabolism? I wonder if s/he might have some good ideas...
I have a 6 month checkup the first week of June. So we will be discussing it. She is a runner too, so hopefully will be able to help with that. And my BP is only a little bit high.
Hmmmm... I can definitely relate to this too. This may be a good idea for a future essay... let me noodle on it 🤔
Love your articles
Thanks, Alfred!
Great articles as always. I read the Hillenbrand book when it came out, and saw the movie. Amazing story. The idea of pushing yourself rather than easing up takes me back to the movie Secretariat. After winning the first two stops of the triple crown, rather than easing up and just staying healthy for the Belmont, they pushed him harder than ever. He won Belmont by 30 lengths.
Excellent article about a fascinating man!! Thank you so much for sharing. This was very inspiring!
Great information and timely, too!
Thank you, Belle! Hope you are well, my friend!
Fantastic blog post--the book remains one of my favorites. Speaking of books--we are all waiting for yours. :)
Thank you, DMW!! You are so kind. Strangely enough, I was talking with a friend about that recently. It's still very much at the drawing board stage, but a book possibly/maybe/we'll see could be on my radar. I think I need to figure out first, what would it be about? 😃 (That's kind of a key thing for a book!) We shall see...
I have a feeling that if you went back and reread all your wonderful blog posts, the 'theme' would emerge...........
Ah, yes! Little! 8 year olds can have you tearing your hair! Mine was like that, but she calmed down. I've had the adventure, though, of having one that is Trans. Gone through the Boy routine early on, but then the Girl was even more challenging at age 30. Life is a great experience!
Running and walking as I can. As I said before, time on the trail is limited. I seem to spend most of my time looking for a new place to live. Dear old management has moved this place out of reach. We start looking at new homes tomorrow. I do like the upper area above Seattle. Not only is it much cheaper to live, there are lots more parks and trails.
Enjoyed the article you sent. I seldom go several days in a row of not running. At times, it feels like a chore, but the feeling of accomplishment and well-being afterwards are worth it!
Still waiting for Monterey. Isn't it almost the end of April?! :)
Yes! That's exactly what I was thinking. I just checked their website and it says "late April" -- so it can't be far off now! https://www.montereybayhalfmarathon.org/
Keep looking. I will, too and let you know if I see it first! :)
Definitely! And good luck with the new home search -- I know how stressful that can be. I've never liked moving; I get so emotionally attached to where I am, no matter where it is. The area above Seattle you describe sounds lovely. And life is definitely an adventure, isn't it?
Does anyone like moving?! We've been in the same complex, the same apartment for over 10 years, so it's a bit jarring. I was just getting to know this place!
Going North in WA is higher, colder and more mountainous. I haven't done mountains since Mercer Island, but they are incredibly good for training and Half Marathons. I'm actually looking forward to something new!
I watch Monterey almost every day, so I'll be sure and let you know! :)
That was awesome Terrell. Thank you so much.
Thank YOU, Holly!
Great read. Perfect for me right now, finally back into the "doing" and have been, gradually, pushing it up! Nice to be reminded that there is a light at the end of the tunnel - that's also not a train! Hope to run my first race in June, a 10k, then first half in NYC in July. Thx again for the read, though you may think simple, sometimes simply is the best...
Thanks, Stan! And yes, it's comforting to know it's not a train! 😃
I forgot about Unbroken as well. Great book & movie! Thanks for this reminder.
By the end of the school year I’m at my wits end with my “mischievous” students. Why can’t they just behave? This reminds me that they may have that wildness inside them that will one day save them. They just need to find their focus.
Thanks again! Louie was one of a kind. Love his story!
Have any suggestions on coping with a running addiction? 🏃♂️ 10K in pikeville Ky this weekend, forecast for 59 and sunny at the start of the race. That in its self is reason enough to do, but you get a shot of moonshine at the finish line.
Next six weekends are all 5K’s so I can pile up some miles during the week. Just got confirmation that the Indy500 challenge is on again this year, so I need to finish the 353 miles of the Sheltowee Trace virtual by the middle of June. 1000 miles of independent running, 48 races by the end of the year. See why I asked the question. Have a wonderful weekend!!