Running a marathon is all consuming, they say – I am they, as I’ve written about this often (here for example). 26.2 is out of reach for the casual athlete, so preparing for race day requires a high level of preparation. Over the course of several months, the longest weekly run gradually increases in distance, … Continue reading All Consuming
Tag: training
Exit Strategy
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
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
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
Flecti Non Frangi
Few things are more satisfying to me than having a plan and seeing it through to completion. I thrive with an agenda, and I’m baffled how anyone accomplishes anything without Excel spreadsheets and To-Do lists. Beyond that, I like tangible results and being able to look back and see what I’ve done. I take before … Continue reading Flecti Non Frangi
Unprofessional
A friend and I had an argument recently. I had set an early curfew for myself to be rested for my run the next morning, but when I started to leave my friend said, "You're not a professional, you know. You don't need to be this strict about everything. It's not like you're gunning for … Continue reading Unprofessional
The Optimist
I don't consider myself an optimist. Chipper affirmations are usually met with a wince and a heavy amount of side-eye. What may be intended as positivity is received as trite, simplistic, and belittling. Oh you have a problem? Chin up, sunshine. Everything happens for a reason. Life doesn't just work out because we smile and … Continue reading The Optimist
Best Laid Plans
Plan A is lovely. Plan A is preferred. Plan A is the best intentions of our best prepared best self. There's a reason it's at the top of the list. There's also a reason why we usually end up on plan B (or C or D...). Life is too messy for Plan A. The A … Continue reading Best Laid Plans
Trust the Process
If there's more, I want it. There it is, my approach to running and entertainment and work and love, wrapped up in six little words. The six-word memoir is one of my favorite writing exercises. Inspired by Hemingway's legendary short story "For sale: baby shoes, never worn," six-word stories force the writer to focus on … Continue reading Trust the Process
It’s Actually Only A Little Bit Hard Being Green
Left to my own devices, I'd eat Hershey kisses, guacamole, and Diet Coke for breakfast. Imagine that life... I'd be free! I'd be happy! I'd weigh 600 pounds and have lost all my teeth! It's possible this might affect my running. I need rules. I need boundaries. As someone who historically makes bad decisions, it helps to leave … Continue reading It’s Actually Only A Little Bit Hard Being Green
Racing the Hare 