How do you know when the time is right to consider moving up to a full marathon? Until quite recently, this is a question that I didn’t think that I would ever ponder. Running 26.2 miles was for other runners. I had no desire to run a marathon. However, a…
With my head completely cluttered from the latest news and predictions surrounding the coronavirus pandemic, I tied my sneakers and headed out the door. I needed to run. My feet settled into a rhythm as I zoned out to the podcast in my ears. I was hearing the sound, but…
This past Saturday morning, I completed my first virtual race. Previously, I had never seriously considered participating in a virtual race. Sure, I had seen advertisements for virtual races with really cool looking medals that were tempting, but the idea of a virtual race never fully made sense to me.…
As humans, we usually look for the easy way out. We want to know how to hack the system. How can I do this faster? How can I do it easier? How can I do it with the least amount of effort? When given the choice between difficult and easy,…
Are you looking for something to watch while getting your miles done on the treadmill? These films are more than just good distractions. They are inspiring stories about everyday people training for and participating in endurance sports. Run along with these amazing folks and they will motivate you to finish…
Recently, I was chatting about running with someone I know and respect who is a non-runner. After briefly discussing the upcoming half-marathon that I’m training for, the conversation shifted. Suddenly, he knew more about running than me. He declared that running is bad for the knees. He then went on…
Standing in line at the grocery store, I glanced down at my cart full of food and was surprised. For the first time in a long time, I was happy with what I saw there. As I placed the items onto the belt, I felt good about the choices that…
Staying motivated to do your best during a race can be challenging. Overcoming mental barriers is no small feat. Some runners use visualization during races to conquer negative thoughts before they even start. I tried visualization for the first time during a 10k, and it was an experience that I…
I just wasn’t feeling it. My legs were heavy as I trudged along the side of the road. Why had I chosen to sleep late, instead of getting up and out on my run early as I had planned? I had somewhere to be later. Now, I had to shorten…
Some people assume that a runner’s best race is the one with the fastest finish time. That’s just not so. I experienced one of my best 5k races when I ran my slowest. The lessons that I learned from that race are priceless. Not long after completing a half-marathon, I…