Hey there Nilima! So you're running barefoot now? Wow! How is it? I've never tried it.
As for the newsletter, it won't be so much a revolution as an evolution. Not a dramatic change, more of just continuing to evolve it. Especially now that it won't be tethered to the website anymore. Just taking it one post at a time 😃
Sounds like you have a plan! One step at a time is the way to go with anything! :)
I love running barefoot! You have to run like a kid again, but your feet get used to it. Not calloused and hard like you would imagine. Rather they adjust to the ground and get pretty supple. Let's put it this way. . . it's an art, but your body appreciates it!
Loved reading your article last week about losing your love for running for awhile,,, and then getting it back. I'm 70, and been going through some of what you did. So, you've inspired me to just keep on keeping on......
Thank you so much.... Training for a h/m for Sept... Really feeling tired, but it's in 3 weeks, so I just think I'm overly Tired. Gonna cut back this week....
Just let it go. Actually it's a money saver in terms of transportation and lodging--and disappointment if you DNF.
I wrote to the SF Marathon cuz I was scheduled to run a 10K on July 24 this year. I just knew I couldn't do the distance--no way!. Told them to pass on my entry to some lucky person. They said they couldn't do that, but moved my entry to 2023. Pretty nice of them. I'll start training next Spring. In the meantime, I feel a whole lot better not having training hanging over my head.
Take your time til running feels enjoyable again. Your body and mind will thank you for it!
Congratulations!!! Best to you in your next chapter !!! Question, how long does it take to recover from covid and run effectively. I am fit and 75 and run about 15 miles/week. No complications from covid. Expect slower and shorter, just a perspective.
While there for Jack and Jill, Picked up c19 in Seattle (or on flights to/from). Jog/walk 6 miles / week. Next couple of weeks will tell. Good luck on your recovery
I enjoyed your newsletter , was alerted to half marathons, but now focus on trails, and ultras, ran my first 100 miler the end of July so yes I continue to run , and have been a runner for over 50 yrs, when I have to return to shorter road races will reconnect
I am disappointed that you are leaning away from listing races. I have found some of my favorite places on your list and would not have chosen them without the review. Hopefully you will continue with a few and as always I follow halfmarathon.net.
I'm glad you've healed and are ready to go... For the first time in my life, I've got shin splints ... Decided to add weights & cross train... I might have overdone it... Any suggestions on how to get rid of them??? My shoes are crying in my closet... LOL
Yikes, Steve! For me, rest is really the only cure that's ever worked when I'm injured. Here's a link to a good post on Runner's World about shin splints and how to treat them:
Hi Steve. I’m sorry you have to deal with shin splints...those are no fun! But what helped me through them is a massage stick, ice cups (fill a Dixie cup w/ water, throw it in the freezer, and after your run tear the cup around the sides to expose the ice and rub the ice over your shins for about 12 mins). Also focusing on stretching/strength training focused on my abs, glutes, and hips should help! I hope this helps and you’ll be back to running soon!
Love your honesty and reading about your journey to seek truth through running. Totally relatable. Your words speak volumes. Great move on your part. Looking forward to your upcoming reads. Always inspire and you will succeed!
Congratulations on the sale and welcome back! Started training again and am signed up for a few races in the Fall and Spring - looking forward to cooler weather! Any suggestions on how often a person should do strength training per week if training for a half or full marathon?
Hi Donna! Thanks so much! As for strength training, here's a good piece I found in Runner's World with some good advice:
"Most coaches would recommend two or three sessions a week. But if you’re seriously pushed for time, there’s some evidence to suggest just one 20-minute strength training session per week can be effective in building and then maintaining strength."
Yay welcome back. Good to have your letters as accountability words for me as I ramp up my training again - finding good running spots in Texas summer is hard!
Thanks, Ernest! You know what, based on reader response (like yours!), I'm reconsidering and will probably keep doing the race lists. They're fun, readers love them, and so... why not?
This summer has been pretty busy but I’m almost done with physical therapy! Yay! Over these next few weeks I will finally be able to get into the swing of running again! I’m ready for the those beautiful fall runs here in Montana! Fall is definitely the best season!
Welcome back! The weather has finally cooled to a respectable mid-80’s here in southern Indiana. I am training for a half marathon in Chugwater, WY, over Labor Day weekend. Why Chugwater? Why not?
Glad to see you back! I've kept up with running this summer as I'm training for my first Ultra in September (the Red Feather Jamboree 50k). I've never run that far and I am intimidated as hell by the distance - but I'm gonna do it anyways! And what I've learned through this last year is that I am the best version of myself when I run. The joy of moving my body, being totally present to it, being my own cheerleader, and being constantly amazed by how strong it is and grateful for the beautiful places that it brings me. There's something metaphoric about running akin to life - the bond created with fellow runners through the shared commitments and struggles. Some miles are easier than others, just like some days are easier than others. It's perseverance through those hard miles that gives me confidence to persevere through those hard days. And gratitude. SO MUCH GRATITUDE.
Erin, I LOVE this reply! What you're describing is exactly what I love about it too, and the whole reason I write here. I want to hear more about the Red Feather Jamboree 50K! That sounds amazing! How are you training for it? What's the farthest distance you've run so far?
It's the pilot year for this race, hosted by the Gnar Runners Team (which produce at least 9 other trail races in northern CO; Never Summer 60k & 100k, Black Squirrel 1/2 marathon, Blue Sky marathon, Quad Rock 25mi & 50mi, etc). I'm following a beginner 50k trail race plan from Higher Running, increasing mileage and elevation each week w/ a 3-week build and a back-off week and workouts sprinkled in. My furthest distance ever was the Quad Rock 25 mi race (with 5500ft! of elevation gain). This 50k has 3800ft of gain, so it will be more "runnable" but the whole thing is at a higher elevation. Challenge trade-offs! haha. I have 20miles planned for my long run this weekend, and I hope to do most of that on the course itself. Come check it out!
Yay! You're back. Perhaps a different mode, but who cares!
I'm still running. Barefoot now, and on trails. Got my mojo back on and am ready to do miles!
Congrats on selling the website. We'll look forward to the newsletter!
Hey there Nilima! So you're running barefoot now? Wow! How is it? I've never tried it.
As for the newsletter, it won't be so much a revolution as an evolution. Not a dramatic change, more of just continuing to evolve it. Especially now that it won't be tethered to the website anymore. Just taking it one post at a time 😃
Sounds like you have a plan! One step at a time is the way to go with anything! :)
I love running barefoot! You have to run like a kid again, but your feet get used to it. Not calloused and hard like you would imagine. Rather they adjust to the ground and get pretty supple. Let's put it this way. . . it's an art, but your body appreciates it!
Loved reading your article last week about losing your love for running for awhile,,, and then getting it back. I'm 70, and been going through some of what you did. So, you've inspired me to just keep on keeping on......
Just keep on going! Run, Walk,,no matter what. Amazing, but it does work. The outdoors is magical--never fails to put me in a better frame of mind!
I walked to the Market and back this morning. My strength-bearing exercise. Start out empty and walk back with 30lbs of fresh produce!
Tomorrow will be fun. . . a straight out run on the trail with no weight!
Thank you so much.... Training for a h/m for Sept... Really feeling tired, but it's in 3 weeks, so I just think I'm overly Tired. Gonna cut back this week....
Just let it go. Actually it's a money saver in terms of transportation and lodging--and disappointment if you DNF.
I wrote to the SF Marathon cuz I was scheduled to run a 10K on July 24 this year. I just knew I couldn't do the distance--no way!. Told them to pass on my entry to some lucky person. They said they couldn't do that, but moved my entry to 2023. Pretty nice of them. I'll start training next Spring. In the meantime, I feel a whole lot better not having training hanging over my head.
Take your time til running feels enjoyable again. Your body and mind will thank you for it!
Congratulations!!! Best to you in your next chapter !!! Question, how long does it take to recover from covid and run effectively. I am fit and 75 and run about 15 miles/week. No complications from covid. Expect slower and shorter, just a perspective.
Thanks
Thanks, David! That is a great question about running after Covid -- let me do a little research and get back to you.
While there for Jack and Jill, Picked up c19 in Seattle (or on flights to/from). Jog/walk 6 miles / week. Next couple of weeks will tell. Good luck on your recovery
Thank you !!!
Change can be hard, but I sense an excitement in your writing that hasn't been there for awhile! So glad you're back and recharged!
Thanks, Martha! I am too!
Great comment, I agree...
I enjoyed your newsletter , was alerted to half marathons, but now focus on trails, and ultras, ran my first 100 miler the end of July so yes I continue to run , and have been a runner for over 50 yrs, when I have to return to shorter road races will reconnect
Wow, Penny, that is amazing!!! What race was it? How did it go?
I am disappointed that you are leaning away from listing races. I have found some of my favorite places on your list and would not have chosen them without the review. Hopefully you will continue with a few and as always I follow halfmarathon.net.
Don't worry, I'll still do a few 👍
I'm glad you've healed and are ready to go... For the first time in my life, I've got shin splints ... Decided to add weights & cross train... I might have overdone it... Any suggestions on how to get rid of them??? My shoes are crying in my closet... LOL
Yikes, Steve! For me, rest is really the only cure that's ever worked when I'm injured. Here's a link to a good post on Runner's World about shin splints and how to treat them:
https://www.runnersworld.com/uk/health/injury/a760234/shinsplints-how-to-beat-them/
I hear you!
I''ll second Terrell, unfortunately, with TIME!
Hi Steve. I’m sorry you have to deal with shin splints...those are no fun! But what helped me through them is a massage stick, ice cups (fill a Dixie cup w/ water, throw it in the freezer, and after your run tear the cup around the sides to expose the ice and rub the ice over your shins for about 12 mins). Also focusing on stretching/strength training focused on my abs, glutes, and hips should help! I hope this helps and you’ll be back to running soon!
Love your honesty and reading about your journey to seek truth through running. Totally relatable. Your words speak volumes. Great move on your part. Looking forward to your upcoming reads. Always inspire and you will succeed!
That is great news! I can’t imagine splitting time between the two. Glad you can focus on the newsletter!
Congratulations on the sale and welcome back! Started training again and am signed up for a few races in the Fall and Spring - looking forward to cooler weather! Any suggestions on how often a person should do strength training per week if training for a half or full marathon?
Hi Donna! Thanks so much! As for strength training, here's a good piece I found in Runner's World with some good advice:
"Most coaches would recommend two or three sessions a week. But if you’re seriously pushed for time, there’s some evidence to suggest just one 20-minute strength training session per week can be effective in building and then maintaining strength."
Here's the link: https://www.runnersworld.com/uk/training/cross-training/a33573783/a-runners-guide-to-strength-training/
Yay welcome back. Good to have your letters as accountability words for me as I ramp up my training again - finding good running spots in Texas summer is hard!
Welcome back. Keep those lists coming though. Glad you’re running again.
Thanks, Ernest! You know what, based on reader response (like yours!), I'm reconsidering and will probably keep doing the race lists. They're fun, readers love them, and so... why not?
Excellent news.
Congrats on this next adventure!
This summer has been pretty busy but I’m almost done with physical therapy! Yay! Over these next few weeks I will finally be able to get into the swing of running again! I’m ready for the those beautiful fall runs here in Montana! Fall is definitely the best season!
Echo these congrats Terrell! Also hope that the heat and humidity of August dissipates and we can all enjoy some light air to run in!
Welcome back! The weather has finally cooled to a respectable mid-80’s here in southern Indiana. I am training for a half marathon in Chugwater, WY, over Labor Day weekend. Why Chugwater? Why not?
Glad to see you back! I've kept up with running this summer as I'm training for my first Ultra in September (the Red Feather Jamboree 50k). I've never run that far and I am intimidated as hell by the distance - but I'm gonna do it anyways! And what I've learned through this last year is that I am the best version of myself when I run. The joy of moving my body, being totally present to it, being my own cheerleader, and being constantly amazed by how strong it is and grateful for the beautiful places that it brings me. There's something metaphoric about running akin to life - the bond created with fellow runners through the shared commitments and struggles. Some miles are easier than others, just like some days are easier than others. It's perseverance through those hard miles that gives me confidence to persevere through those hard days. And gratitude. SO MUCH GRATITUDE.
Erin, I LOVE this reply! What you're describing is exactly what I love about it too, and the whole reason I write here. I want to hear more about the Red Feather Jamboree 50K! That sounds amazing! How are you training for it? What's the farthest distance you've run so far?
It's the pilot year for this race, hosted by the Gnar Runners Team (which produce at least 9 other trail races in northern CO; Never Summer 60k & 100k, Black Squirrel 1/2 marathon, Blue Sky marathon, Quad Rock 25mi & 50mi, etc). I'm following a beginner 50k trail race plan from Higher Running, increasing mileage and elevation each week w/ a 3-week build and a back-off week and workouts sprinkled in. My furthest distance ever was the Quad Rock 25 mi race (with 5500ft! of elevation gain). This 50k has 3800ft of gain, so it will be more "runnable" but the whole thing is at a higher elevation. Challenge trade-offs! haha. I have 20miles planned for my long run this weekend, and I hope to do most of that on the course itself. Come check it out!
Zen! Being one with your body makes a race an experience to be appreciated while being amongst a whole slew of fellow race family members.
Welcome back! Halfway through my own 6 week break, and has been enlightening to spend this much time away from the keyboard, Google Meet and Slack.
I can imagine! (And only imagine, at this point; what that must be like to spend so much time away from technology!)