I’m training for a marathon again – my first since injuring my foot in 2019 – which means it’s time to make a plan. Marathons don’t happen by accident nor by chance. 26.2 is a deeply intentional distance, and preparing for the race requires a combination of science, superstition, logic, preference and luck. To date … Continue reading Exit Strategy
Category: Running
Embracing Mediocrity
This post is a failure. Already by posting it today, I’ve failed. A longtime fan of New Year’s intentions, on January 1st I set a goal to publish one essay every calendar month. As achievable as I expected this goal to be, I struggled several times to try and finish this post. I sat down … Continue reading Embracing Mediocrity
Next Steps
Yesterday I had a good run – a really good run. It was the kind of run where mind, body and weather all cooperate. The kind of run where you dressed exactly right for the temperature. The kind of run where the only other people out are friendly or have cute dogs (or both). The … Continue reading Next Steps
Taking A Different Path
For the majority of my adult life, I’ve defined myself as a runner in a way that is central to my identity. Running has driven my wardrobe, my diet, my social life. This path has served me well and is the foundation for many of my closest friendships. There’s real value in belonging to a … Continue reading Taking A Different Path
Unimpressive
I’ve never met a problem I can’t outwork. .. Challenging deadline? Pour some coffee and buckle down. Committee needs a volunteer? Sign me up. Fitness starting to slip? Register for another marathon. ... When I injured my foot two years ago, I channeled that pain into rehabilitation. Weekend long runs were replaced by diligent lap … Continue reading Unimpressive
Your Body Is Fine.
Before you read any further, please know that your body is fine. Over the next few days and weeks, every weight loss scam and #fitspo influencer will try to tell you that you need to lose weight, or have a weird low calorie version of pie, or “earn” your turkey before you enjoy it. As … Continue reading Your Body Is Fine.
Both / And
A little over a month ago I ran my second half marathon of quarentine, and two weeks ago I ran a 10k. I didn’t post about either on Facebook. I’ve been engaging less and less on social media lately, and have hardly been writing at all. The world (and specifically my city of Portland) have … Continue reading Both / And
Virtually There
Tomorrow I run a half marathon. A year ago I couldn’t walk half a block without a cane. A bone bruise took me out of commission last April, and I’ve inched my way back. I spent months working with doctors and physical therapists to identify and solve the problem, and months more seeing glimmers of … Continue reading Virtually There
Both Sides Now
My wish to run again came true, but perhaps I should have been a bit more specific. I survived the bone bruise. I survived the rehab. I survived hours of physical therapy and countless one-legged squats, and now I can run! Hooray! Except not very well. I’m back on the trail, but it’s ugly. Although … Continue reading Both Sides Now
Enough
For as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to do more. I joined every club in school, signed up for too many committees at work, and found ways to stretch the limits of what a person can accomplish in 24 hours. I have a tendency to overcommit myself, but the truth is I enjoy … Continue reading Enough
Racing the Hare 