Terrell, when I used to fall into states of inertia re: running, I wondered why my business work ethic was so much more consistent than my training discipline. The answer was that many people were counting on me showing up to work every day and I could not let them down but for an emergency. So I formed a running group of 4 good friends and we promised to show up at Sunrise 4x a week. We were not going to disappoint. And we maintained that “promise” over 7 years until the group disbanded as people moved out of town. Lesson for me: Social animals need others to make the tough commitments stick. I know few solo runners, though there are many,
where they can better maintain their promises to themselves more than they can to a group of friends. Trusted running relationships work!
This is such good advice, Clark. I actually had a great group until about 5 or 6 years ago -- but one friend left to move away, another got divorced and decided to stop running, and so we just kind of scattered. I would love to have that again -- and thanks to what you've shared here, I'm going to try to get it together with a new group here. Thank you my friend.
I understand what you mean. I've been running since 1977 and probably covered over 60,000 miles. From the 9th of February until March 11 I am confined to M D Anderson Cancer Center's hospital undergoing a stem cell transplant. I have managed to walk around the unit with George (my IV pole). I do 40 laps a day about 2.8 miles. I hope to get back into half marathon shape by the end of the year. And when my 75th birthday comes around in 2024, I intend to walk the Camino de Santiago.
Kudos to you and your doctor for trying stem cell transplant instead of chemo! You may be down for a while, but not for long.
Reminiscent of my older brother, who is 76, had both a heart attack one year and then a stroke 2 years later. Nothing kept him down.. He did alternative vitamin therapy on himself, then, when he was strong enough, got off the cane and walked. He now goes to the gym 3 times a week. While his right leg still bothers him, he said he would run the 5K with me at Red Rock next year no matter how fast or how slow.
An admirable accomplishment that you are doing. Keep up the good work. I know you can do it! Take care! :)
At 69, running long for 29 years, 90 marathons, 5 Boston marathons, and Perfect Disney marathoner,
I ran the Disney marathon last month trying the Galloway method for the 1st time. Totally enjoyed it for 20 miles. I resisted Gallowaying a marathon, now I am a TRUE believer!
I attended a live Galloway speech in Tampa a few years ago. Thank you so much Jeff!
The ultramarathoner who taught me how to run marathons told me just before marathon #1 that I would love it or hate it. Well.......need I say more! Boston is one of those marathons you run because you've qualified. It's an expensive weekend, it's a hard race with lots of hills you don't even realize when watching it on TV, but if I qualify again, I would do it in a heartbeat!
If I get out, I get out. Winter is not my favorite sport, so if I make it, I make it! Running for me comes most naturally and fun when I can shed the winter gear, go out in the sunshine in shorts, top, and running shoes and feel alive. Doesn't pay to force myself. . . :)
I thought I was scheduled for 7 miles today, and it intimidated me after yesterday's weight training. So when I hit 3, I just decided to stop. Completely talked myself out of finishing my run. Said I'd make it up tomorrow. Later, when I went to log in the mileage, I saw I was scheduled to run 5--which I could have done. My mind has been my biggest foe lately, always trying to talk me down from my goals. Timely post! Thanks!
I loved this story. I am here waiting for the time to be right to get back into training. I guess I just need to "do It" and make myself find time. Thanks for a great read.
I've recently been reading John (the Penguin) Baldwin "Courage to Start",who Terrell frequently quotes in the newsletter. Baldwin delves into the same subject and encourages you, no matter what you look like, no matter what you think, you are an athlete! Definitely worth reading.
I can remember my track coach telling me, "if you feel yourself getting tired, lean forward as far as you dare... you'll find that you'll keep running instead of falling... IT DIDN"T WORK!!! I FELL!
Proper running form works much better... run/walk never worked for me...
I keep a comfortable upright position, keep my foot strikes light and move my arms in unison with the pace I set...that is until I see the finish line, than it's all out speed until I cross the line...for me, negative splits work.
Terrell, when I used to fall into states of inertia re: running, I wondered why my business work ethic was so much more consistent than my training discipline. The answer was that many people were counting on me showing up to work every day and I could not let them down but for an emergency. So I formed a running group of 4 good friends and we promised to show up at Sunrise 4x a week. We were not going to disappoint. And we maintained that “promise” over 7 years until the group disbanded as people moved out of town. Lesson for me: Social animals need others to make the tough commitments stick. I know few solo runners, though there are many,
where they can better maintain their promises to themselves more than they can to a group of friends. Trusted running relationships work!
This is such good advice, Clark. I actually had a great group until about 5 or 6 years ago -- but one friend left to move away, another got divorced and decided to stop running, and so we just kind of scattered. I would love to have that again -- and thanks to what you've shared here, I'm going to try to get it together with a new group here. Thank you my friend.
I understand what you mean. I've been running since 1977 and probably covered over 60,000 miles. From the 9th of February until March 11 I am confined to M D Anderson Cancer Center's hospital undergoing a stem cell transplant. I have managed to walk around the unit with George (my IV pole). I do 40 laps a day about 2.8 miles. I hope to get back into half marathon shape by the end of the year. And when my 75th birthday comes around in 2024, I intend to walk the Camino de Santiago.
Kudos to you and your doctor for trying stem cell transplant instead of chemo! You may be down for a while, but not for long.
Reminiscent of my older brother, who is 76, had both a heart attack one year and then a stroke 2 years later. Nothing kept him down.. He did alternative vitamin therapy on himself, then, when he was strong enough, got off the cane and walked. He now goes to the gym 3 times a week. While his right leg still bothers him, he said he would run the 5K with me at Red Rock next year no matter how fast or how slow.
An admirable accomplishment that you are doing. Keep up the good work. I know you can do it! Take care! :)
I admire that you can look into the future and see what you want and know that you'll be able to do it... you'll be in my thoughts...
Jim, your story is so inspiring. I would love to be there to walk it in 2024 too! What an amazing adventure that will be.
❤️
At 69, running long for 29 years, 90 marathons, 5 Boston marathons, and Perfect Disney marathoner,
I ran the Disney marathon last month trying the Galloway method for the 1st time. Totally enjoyed it for 20 miles. I resisted Gallowaying a marathon, now I am a TRUE believer!
I attended a live Galloway speech in Tampa a few years ago. Thank you so much Jeff!
He's the best, isn't he? So you've run 90 marathons?! How amazing is that? How were those 5 Bostons?
The ultramarathoner who taught me how to run marathons told me just before marathon #1 that I would love it or hate it. Well.......need I say more! Boston is one of those marathons you run because you've qualified. It's an expensive weekend, it's a hard race with lots of hills you don't even realize when watching it on TV, but if I qualify again, I would do it in a heartbeat!
I've tried it but I find myself looking forward to stopping...
getting thru a long term injury and minus 20 windchills is proving a real challenge. The will to suffer is hard to conger up at the moment..:)
Sounds liker the weather in northern Minnesota... running in the snow with boots on takes ask the fun out of running...
If I get out, I get out. Winter is not my favorite sport, so if I make it, I make it! Running for me comes most naturally and fun when I can shed the winter gear, go out in the sunshine in shorts, top, and running shoes and feel alive. Doesn't pay to force myself. . . :)
I thought I was scheduled for 7 miles today, and it intimidated me after yesterday's weight training. So when I hit 3, I just decided to stop. Completely talked myself out of finishing my run. Said I'd make it up tomorrow. Later, when I went to log in the mileage, I saw I was scheduled to run 5--which I could have done. My mind has been my biggest foe lately, always trying to talk me down from my goals. Timely post! Thanks!
I know the feeling, Courtney! Thanks!
Same here. We’ll get there eventually :)
I loved this story. I am here waiting for the time to be right to get back into training. I guess I just need to "do It" and make myself find time. Thanks for a great read.
Thanks so much, Claudia!
https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2022/02/22/athlete-definition-exerciser-difference/
this was an article I read today and I would love some commentary. I have my own thoughts but would love to hear from others.
This might make a great topic for a Friday thread discussion 👍 Reading now…
Agreed!
I've recently been reading John (the Penguin) Baldwin "Courage to Start",who Terrell frequently quotes in the newsletter. Baldwin delves into the same subject and encourages you, no matter what you look like, no matter what you think, you are an athlete! Definitely worth reading.
I can remember my track coach telling me, "if you feel yourself getting tired, lean forward as far as you dare... you'll find that you'll keep running instead of falling... IT DIDN"T WORK!!! I FELL!
Proper running form works much better... run/walk never worked for me...
Really? So what do you focus on when it comes to running form?
I keep a comfortable upright position, keep my foot strikes light and move my arms in unison with the pace I set...that is until I see the finish line, than it's all out speed until I cross the line...for me, negative splits work.
I will keep you informed of when I will be going.