I should have done this last week but introduce yourself!
Let us know your name, where you live, what you are training for, and something nonrunning about you! Who knows…maybe there is someone that lives locally to you or training for the same race!
I'm Hollie and I'm currently living in Southern NJ (about 10 minutes from Philadelphia). I don't have any goal races this year, but I am doing a bunch just trying to get back into shape. Man, it's tough!
Nonrunning about me is I've been to 290 New Jersey Diners and about 350 in the United States. I want to go to a new diner in every state.
I’m Jude (judith) I live in Nottinghamshire England (Robin Hood county) I’m training for the Edinburgh marathon in May. I’m a master saddle fitter so get to see lots of beautiful horses for a living
Letícia, from south Brazil. I’m currently training for my second marathon in my home town Porto Alegre, and hoping to get there healthy, since I had to drop off last year due to injury. Nonrunning I’m a cardiologist and love to tell my patients that the heart loves movement!
Danielle, from Waltham MA I'm currently training for the OKC Memorial Marathon and my big goal of running a race in all 50 states. I'm currently at 27 states.
Non running I love history and geography all my travels usually involve a museum trip and I collect globes
Brad from Arvada (Denver suburb), ColoRADo. Training for my third Boston. I studied meteorology in college and will talk weather all day. My day job is Income Tax Accounting and I'm working on my CPA license. I also enjoy long walks on the beach, mustaches, dad jokes, and all my friends like me.
Hey! I'm Eleanor. I live in Pensacola, Florida. I'm training for a 10k at the end of March. I usually focus on halfs but I'm taking Spring to work on some shorter stuff for speed.
Nonrunning about me is I'm in my last year of grad school to be a mental health counselor! And I'm working as a legal assistant right now while in grad school.
Hi there, I'm April...I'm 42 years old and I live in Houston, Texas. I started running rather reluctantly when I was 38 swearing I'd never do more than a 5K. I completed my first full marathon in January (the Chevron Houston Marathon). I love races and do the short ones simply for fun. Especially if there's food and beer waiting at the finish line. :) I've overcome recurrent IT band knee pain by adding in weight training, but I'm still too scared to push myself running again so I'm currently trying to figure out if I want to start training for speed or just endurance/maintenance. Earlier this month I did the Houston Allstate Hot Chocolate 5k, and I will be traveling to Atlanta to watch the OT and run in the Publix Atlanta 5K. Other than that, so far I've booked the Houston DC Wonderwoman 10K, and a local pub's beer 5K (both in April). I'm always up for a fun 5k or 10K race and currently I'm trying to find a local-ish trail race. I've never done a trail race before and really want to try one.
Sounds like a busy spring for you. I wonder if you might need a more supportive (or less supportive shoe) to combat IT band/knee pain...a lot of the time...it’s that
Maybe! What would you suggest? I have femoral anteversion (per my dealings with orthopedic doctors, physical therapists, and arroisti providers) causing knee valgus and more so in my right knee, and the IT issues were attributed to muscle imbalances. But none of the providers I saw were ever avid runners so they couldn't really weigh in on any of my specific questions related to running. I started out running in Asics GT-2000s because I was told I pronate by a teenaged employee at my local running store (I found out I actually don't), then moved on to Brooks Glycerins. Currently I'm in Hokas (Cavu 1, Rincon, and just bought a pair of Bondi 6s) and Altras (escalante v1, escalante racers, and a torin iQ). I love reading your shoe reviews and have only recently started rotating my shoes around.
Steena, Madison, WI. I was training for an April 26.2 but I keep getting sick/set-backs so I'm brainstorming a plan B,C,D,E,F,G.... Looking for a Midwest fast & flat race in late April or May.
Another Midwesterner here! I like Hollie's suggestion (Flying Pig), but it's VERY hilly. The 500 Festival Half Marathon in Indy is a good one. It's flat and you get to do a lap around the race track, which seems to excite a lot of people (ha ha). Green Bay is also a good flat race.
I have run the Indy Mini 3x and it is awesome! Cheerleaders from the colleges, mascots from professional teams, and tons of really friendly people! Excellent post race at a park as well with food trucks and beer!
Hi! Kristen from Southern Delaware. I am currently training for two local ten miles as well as the Salisbury half marathon in April. Nonrunning I teach middle school business and love cooking and sunsets/sunrises! I have a instagram account dedicated to sunsets... @delawaresunsets
I'm Scott from Hampton, VA. I'm a retired U.S. Navy submariner who stays relatively fit (so I can stay relatively sane). After a handful of years running a marathon per year, I decided to back off as the training was killing my hips. I'm focused on 1/2's and less. I don't really enter too many large, organized races but still do a few (some of the entry fees these days?...oy!) and I'm decent in my Age Group (I'm 52). I've got the Oozlefinch 10 Miler in a couple of days, followed by the One City Half Marathon (NNews) the following week. Besides that, in October I'll take another crack at the Crawlin' Crab Half Marathon in Hampton <-- I've done that one once...and it was b-a-a-a-d.
Hello, my name is Shaw. I live in Northern Kentucky (about 4 miles south of Cincinnati), but I was born and raised in SE Ohio. I am currently training for the Flying Pig 4-Way with extra cheese which is 1 mile run on Friday, a 10k followed by a 5k on Saturday, and lastly the Full Marathon on Sunday.
Non-running I am also a huge foodie and craft beer fan. This area is great for both of you are ever in town.
Hey there , Love your social media and newsletters. My name is Mike. I'm a store owner of a Fleet Feet in Monroe Louisiana. Been a runner on and off most of my life. Last ten years have been the most fun for sure. Love competing against fellow old guys and sometimes taking it to some youngsters. Going to give the marathon one more go (not my favorite distance) in an effort to run Boston one more time! Going to head over to Chip Gaines race in Waco, Tx. #BravelikeGabe Then to Greenville, Sc to run with college buddies, a half marathon there in May. Then to the track and some shorter races this summer. Thanks to you for your voice and to you and your husband for the service to our country. God bless. Mike
I used to I work at the Fleet Feet in South Jersey during the summer, since I am a teacher, it was my fun job. The silos marathon is on my bucket list, I love all things Chip and Joanna Gaines, went to Waco last summer.
I'm Howie...living south of Houston. Grew up in Southern Delaware (Georgetown) and have enjoyed running the December HM in Rehoboth the past two years. Trying to get the 2020 schedule in tact to coordinate with my wife's traveling. We enjoy race-cations a lot (7 states / 9 HMs in the past two years!) I served 30+ years in the Air Force (rescue helicopter pilot) and when not running teach online leadership courses for the AF (through Air University) helping equip officers to be our future leaders.
Well...that's what is up in the air right now. Love the recommendations I'm seeing in this thread, like Miami, Big Sur, and others. Appreciate your newsletter and the interaction here!!
Hey y’all! I’m Ellen from New Orleans. Currently in a taper for the Atlanta full marathon the day after the trials! Long time life goal is to complete all the majors (first will be New York in the fall!) and do a half/full in every state in the U.S. When I’m not running, I’m probably reading a book or shopping at a thrift store to see if I can find anything cool :)
Hi everyone! I’m Paul from Green Bay Wi and my big race this year is doing an ultra, Door County 50. Plus a few half marathons with one coming next week in Atlanta. Yes we’ll be there for the Olympic Marathon trials and my daughter is running in it! Non running is spending time visiting breweries and wineries and working out.
Hey I’m Gina. Philly girl until I was 13, moved to Florida and now have been in TN since 1992. Started running in 2011 at age 41. At this time I’m not training g for anything. I run for mental therapy and just to make me happy. Coffee is my life lol. Been married 25 years. We have two beautiful daughters, one son in law and three beautiful grand babies.
My name is Sophie and I live in the Shenandoah Valley in VA and work remotely with an NGO in DC so I am there once a month. I am one year back into running after a decade off - and loving it. I am training a local 10k in a week, 10 miler in Charlottesville, and then a local half. In September, I am running Berlin!
Hi, My name is Larry. I live in the Southern Tier of NY. Have signed up for 4 races this year. The important ones are the August 1st 50 mile trail (Beast of Burden) and the September 12th 50 mile Pine Creek Challenge). Also in for a hilly 15k and 50k in May. The 15k I ran into my first rattlesnake (Timber). My ultrasignup age rank is 97.42 (ultra running score). I'm retired and enjoying my workouts and races (till the day my times start to go in reverse :)
City of Hornell. About 65 miles south of Rochester. This winter was very easy till February. Big Yankee fan- but it's over 300 mile to Yankee Stadium :)
Which 50k in May? There are a lot of good ones on the east coast! I was planning to do the Pine Creek Challenge 50 miler last fall and got injured, and I think I deferred to this year. Looks like a nice race!
That's the one in Hector, NY? Close by for me. Very challenging course. Lot of muddy running according to race reports. One thing you can quit after 33 miles (2 laps) and be put in with 50k runners. Beast of Burden 25, 50 and 100 mile trail race is in Lockport, NY There is also the Twisted Branch 100k (actual 64.7) in Naples, NY (a Western States 100 mile qualifying race). Also there is Many on the Genny 40 miler (actual 41.5) in Castile, NY.
Hi! Mike from Corning NY. Training to keep being healthy as I approach my mid-50s! I have been running for coming up on 32 years (since after college), doing actual distance running for the last 8 years (before that was ~12-15 miles/wk).
Non-running ... moved to Corning in 2008 from the Boston MA area (due to economy, of course), so after 40+ years there I am now 12 years here! Work for Corning as statistician and measurement development engineer.
Hi! I’m Julia! I live in PA. I’m currently getting my Masters in occupational therapy. I’m training for the Love run which I’ve heard is super fun! This is my fourth half. This training season has been really hard as the expectations of grad school have increased plus working, so I’m a little nervous I won’t be as ready as I want to be.
Hey Julia! I'm in grad school and working right now too, and training has been tough. Just focus on what you CAN do...your best is different in every season :) Sometimes I've gotta skip a run to sleep more, and that's what best for my body! Don't forget to rest :)
You totally get it then! It’s hard to pack it in and all the time it takes to thoroughly run, stretch, and recover in the way I want too. I’ve really been trying to listen to my body and not push myself too hard to the point of burn out. Thanks so much for your reminder 😊 wish you the best this training season!!
I’m on week 4 of a 10 week Training plan I created for the Love Run in March in Philly, which is super flat compared to where I live so I know where I’m running now prepares me well for kept races. Usually once I hit a certain mileage, I feel more prepared for race day, but I’m slowly getting there! I’ve done it before and I enjoy the process of training!
Hey Julia! I did the grad school/work/training thing a couple years ago..it's tough, but you're tougher. Listen to your body and be kind to yourself, be willing to give yourself grace when life gets overwhelming and you have to take some time to breathe. You can make it through this!
Katie in Lancaster, Pa. (But a MORRIStown N.J. native!). I'm training to stay healthy for a half-marathon in mid-May. I have PR'd each of my three halves thus far, but a back injury and Achilles problem that spanned early December until early this month has derailed my training. So, hoping to cross the finish line healthy with a group of co-workers then work to get my "old" speed back!
Hi! I'm Michelle and I live in the suburbs of Dallas, Tx. I just ran my first ultra - Black Canyon 60K outside of Phoenix. It was a humbling experience, to say the very least. I've been running for going on 12 years, but I discovered triathlon 5 years ago and fell in love. I've done 3 Ironman races (Maryland, Chattanooga, and Wisconsin), and 3 half Ironman distance triathlons. I am planning another Ironman this year, just not certain which one yet. I'll probably throw in a 70.3 too because they are so much fun.
I'm a music therapist and I work in special education with students who have special needs. I use music to help them with things that are non-music in nature (ex. most all of us learned our ABCs with the song).
I’m Brooke from Helena, Alabama. Not currently “training” for any races but still running. I had pretty much a “perfect season” in 2019 reaching all of my goals including my first ever BQ in the Indianapolis Marathon in November (3:17:27), -0:2:33 faster than BQ, so I’m hoping it makes the cutoff! PR’ed in every other distance throughout the year (5K, 10K, 15K, 10 Mile & Half). Ran Birmingham’s Mercedes Half Marathon Sunday morning for fun but decided to push the last 3 miles and did better than I expected, so maybe it’s time to get back to training! I enjoy following your IG acct and newsletter!
Hi, Matt here from Lancaster, UK. Currently training for the Oldham Way Ultra in April, 40 miles of hills. Find me on Strava and Wordpress as Beards and Triathlons.
I'm Allayva and from Buffalo, NY. Currently I'm training for the Glass City Marathon (in Toledo). Non running: I'm big into gaming of all sorts. D&D, board, video, etc which is a nice way to relax when tired from all that is marathon training 😅
I'm Joe and I live in South Jersey. I'm training for the NYC Half in March and using the NYRR training program. 2 of my 3 kids live in Brooklyn, so I tend to look for races in NYC. This is my 53rd year of running (no, my knees are fine) but I am slowing down quickly. Cross training includes spin classes and yoga. I've tried long distance biking with little results. Recently retired.
Hi everyone! What a great community! I'm Anne, currently living in Madison, WI, but originally from central PA. I am just back to running after a long layoff due to injury last fall, so I'm really enjoying bumping up my time and mileage and regaining the fitness I had lost. I don't tend to race, but run more for the pure enjoyment of the movement. Random non-running fact... hm. I'm a nurse researcher and faculty member, and absolutely love academia, research, and working with students.
I grew up in York, and my parents still live there. I think you've visited and reviewed diners near there...? And I had friends who went to Ship, and know others who lived in Chambersburg. It's a small, small world!
Hi! I'm Andrea, living in Fairbanks, Alaska, and originally from South Jersey. Not sure what I'm doing next; debating a couple of sprint-distance triathlons in May. My non-running fun fact: I'm also a dog musher.
Hi everyone. I'm David Baker. I live in Southern Utah, in between Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park, so I've got some of the greatest trails in the world to run. I've only been running seriously for about four years, and started when we adopted a dog who loves to get outside and move. Right now I'm training for my second Boston Marathon, also waiting to hear whether I made it into the New York Marathon. My last race was just last week, when I paced the Sun Marathon down in St. George, UT.
Besides running, I write novels (still unpublished), and do community theater and competitive a cappella.
Hi Everybody! I'm Lynne from Hershey PA. I started running 8 years ago (at age 49) and just last weekend ran my first marathon!! I'm still so happy and floating about it! I started running after reading Chris MacDougall's Born To Run book while recovering from surgery. Running is the greatest thing for my mind, body, and spirit and I plan (hope) to run forever! My non-running life is full: work, 3 grown kids/1grandbaby, 3 dogs, caring for elderly parents, playing violin in a community orchestra, and marriage for 32 years to a very supportive husband! With all life has taught me, nothing has taught me more about myself than this recent marathon training. Feel so blessed.
Hi! My name is Alex. I live in Denver, Colorado. Currently nursing my hamstring back to health :) Running 18 minutes now! Hoping for a summer or Fall marathon this year or at a least a couple local races.
Work as a nurse and love my dog, Buxton Blue Bear! Love to be and do most anything outside in the Colorado sunshine!
Hi Everyone! I’m Tim. I live in Southern California. I am training in 2020 to do 4 races in 2021. Trying to do a 50k 50mi 100k 100mi throughout that year while sneaking a couple of 50ks in this year. Gonna be a challenge, but go big or go home right?!
Non-running.....We have 2 cats, a sphinx and a polydactyl, and a chihuahua that’s 17 years old (blind, deaf, and angry). All rescues.Wishing you all a great weekend coming up!
Thanks so much. I plan on doing all local races. Fortunately, the company I work for sponsors a lot of them so I can get free entry. I will be going for the (not in order) Hodges 50k, San Diego 50mi, Cuyamaca 100k and San Diego 100mi. 👍🏻
The only one of those I have not done is Cuyamaca 100K. They are all great races. Wish I worked for a company that paid race entry but small price to pay for pure enjoyment. I will be a pacing a friend at the SD100 this year.
I am a bit nervous about the 100mi. to be honest with you. Never done any distance like that and my biggest fear would be going off course and getting lost. I am guessing it will be marked well enough to prevent that from happening, but it is causing some anxiety.
Hello! My name is Anna and I live in Tucson, AZ. I’m training for a trail half in April called the Vail Scramble, but bigger picture, I want to break 2 hours in a half marathon this year. Unrelated to running, I’m graduating in May with a degree in ASL interpreting so I can work in K-12 schools. Anyone else live out west?
Hi, I’m Donna & live in Charlotte, NC. I ran a couple of 4 mile races this month & I'm signed up for the Craft Beer 5 miler & Cooper River Bridge 10K. I took up biking & swimming last year & competed in my first mini triathlon. When, I’m not working out, I like to cook & belong to a book club.
It went great, thank you. It was the Best thing that I did in 2019. Makes me think of a song with these lyrics, “when was the last time, you did something for the first time.” Always great to try new things!
Charlotte's my hometown! There's a stellar running community there (I miss it a ton), Run for your life puts on a BUNCH of races. The American 4 miler on the 4th of July is always a fun one! There's a pretty good tri community there too, it's where I first started training for triathlons. The Whitewater center usually hosts open water swims during the summer if that's something you're interested in :)
Thanks so much Rachel. I moved here 2 years ago from Southern California & I’ve been incredibly fortunate to become friends with a wonderful group of women who love to run & are also triathletes. They are a great inspiration to me! I will definitely keep the July 4th race on my radar!
John from Columbus, OH. Just getting back into it over the last couple months, aiming for the Cap City Half Marathon in late April and the Columbus Marathon in October.
When I’m not running in the winter, I’m on the ice as a curler!
It’s a great game to learn, and curlers are a great bunch of people. I always recommend that people find a club near them and go to a Learn-to-Curl to see if they like it.
John, I did the C-Bus marathon in 2018. First half of the course was great! Lots of spectators and folks running & supporting the concurrent 1/2 mar. The second half...however...oof.
Hi, y’all! I’m Jeff and I live in Boerne, TX (just outside San Antonio). I’m nursing a slight knee injury so I don’t have anything on the schedule right now. I plan on hopping in some shorter road and trail races this summer, maybe leading up to a fall ultra. Outside of running I’m a total book nerd. I also enjoy cooking and spending time with my 3 year old goldendoodle named Duncan.
Vanessa from Ann Arbor, MI. I am not currently training for anything - just enjoying running and working out. I am a data analyst and visualize data for a start up consulting firm and I have lived in 6 different states (Iowa, Kentucky, Kansas, New York, Wisconsin, and Michigan).
In the words of J. Bieber, never say never. There aren't plans to move but who knows what will happen in the future. I'll probably forever hoard broken down boxes juuuuust in case there is another move...
Chris and I am in Charlotte NC. Was training for my first marathon but "ran" into some plantar fasciitis. Currently working on getting back to 1/2 marathon distance. Have the Around The Crown 10K coming up. Nonrunning....I work for my college fraternity and travel between campus in NC SC TN and KY working with undergraduate men on being better leaders.
I am up to almost daily runs of 6 miles. I am using a rolling ball and compression sleeves to keep it at bay. I am going to PT next month to hopefully get some dry needling done
Mark here from the Southside Chicago area,signed up for 20+ halfs this year ,might have a bit of a problem but most are run vacations doing Red Rick canyon this weekend
Did Houston, Daytona, upcoming are Red Rock Canyon,Alamo 13.1,Presidential half in Springfield,Ill,Kentucky derby,Indy,Rocknroll Chicago ,Denver,Philly,Virginia Beach and San Antonio the Indianapolis monumental,Chicago half,Madison and couple 5 local ones
Hey, I'm Katie from Philadelphia. I am currently training for a couple trail races this spring and summer, starting with the new Philly Trail Marathon in April! When I'm not running, I love coffee, my miniature schnauzer, and Law & Order!
Hi, I'm Anne from Newport, Oregon. I retired from Law Enforcement in NC, moved to Wyoming for 6 years and finally landed in Oregon. I love to run, mainly for mental and physical health, but try to do 2 half marathons a year. I have a blog runningmyselfragged.com. I also try to run a different state each time.
Hey everyone! I'm Megan from Brooklyn, NY. I'm currently training for my second marathon, Shamrock in Virginia Beach.
Nonrunning fact--I'm a violinist and have a master's in music performance. I still play regularly though most of my income comes from something completely different (digital product management). hey NYC's expensive, and this rungry girl's gotta eat. ;-)
Hi! I’m Maddie, currently living in Atlanta by way of upstate NY and Madison, WI. I’m running the Atlanta Marathon in just over a week 😳 (the day after the trials) and trying to figure out what’s next after that!
I am from the Washington, D.C. area and I am about to start training for several marathons and half marathons. I am excited to be running the Marine Corps. Half in May and the MCM in October. I would like to travel to more remote races, but we have many great events right here in the D.C. area.
I would also like to run the Cherry Blossom race. It seems difficult to get a spot, but I am sure it is well worth the effort. Many of our races take place on the towpath in Georgetown area, which is also very scenic.
I'm Katie. I grew up in New York, but have been in Bethlehem PA for 20 years now (stayed after grad school). I'm a school psychologist, and have two kids (daughter is a collegiate swimmer, son is in HS, swims and runs XC/track - swinging back to the house to get him for the end miles of my long runs has been excellent training for me). I'm training for the NJ Marathon in April, which I think will be my 14th marathon?
I'm Susan from southern WV. I'm actually not much of a runner--more of a biker. My S/O is an avid runner, though, so I like to read and share the information everyone shares with him.
Random Susan fact is that I have 4 furbabies-2 cats, 2 dogs, and my social media presence is basically just documenting them.
I'll go first.
I'm Hollie and I'm currently living in Southern NJ (about 10 minutes from Philadelphia). I don't have any goal races this year, but I am doing a bunch just trying to get back into shape. Man, it's tough!
Nonrunning about me is I've been to 290 New Jersey Diners and about 350 in the United States. I want to go to a new diner in every state.
Have you trained or raced on the Schuylkill River Trail? Have been on it, lot of bike traffic. The trail must be somewhat close to you?
Yes I really like running there!
I’m Jude (judith) I live in Nottinghamshire England (Robin Hood county) I’m training for the Edinburgh marathon in May. I’m a master saddle fitter so get to see lots of beautiful horses for a living
That is so cool!
Letícia, from south Brazil. I’m currently training for my second marathon in my home town Porto Alegre, and hoping to get there healthy, since I had to drop off last year due to injury. Nonrunning I’m a cardiologist and love to tell my patients that the heart loves movement!
Wow that’s awesome and what a great career.
Danielle, from Waltham MA I'm currently training for the OKC Memorial Marathon and my big goal of running a race in all 50 states. I'm currently at 27 states.
Non running I love history and geography all my travels usually involve a museum trip and I collect globes
I love following your journey Danielle!
Brad from Arvada (Denver suburb), ColoRADo. Training for my third Boston. I studied meteorology in college and will talk weather all day. My day job is Income Tax Accounting and I'm working on my CPA license. I also enjoy long walks on the beach, mustaches, dad jokes, and all my friends like me.
Nice to see some familiar SM faces here.
Mustaches 😂😂
Just proving we can disagree on important things and still be friends.
I know you...
Hey! I'm Eleanor. I live in Pensacola, Florida. I'm training for a 10k at the end of March. I usually focus on halfs but I'm taking Spring to work on some shorter stuff for speed.
Nonrunning about me is I'm in my last year of grad school to be a mental health counselor! And I'm working as a legal assistant right now while in grad school.
That’s awesome and contests on your final year. I love shorter stuff too.
Hi there, I'm April...I'm 42 years old and I live in Houston, Texas. I started running rather reluctantly when I was 38 swearing I'd never do more than a 5K. I completed my first full marathon in January (the Chevron Houston Marathon). I love races and do the short ones simply for fun. Especially if there's food and beer waiting at the finish line. :) I've overcome recurrent IT band knee pain by adding in weight training, but I'm still too scared to push myself running again so I'm currently trying to figure out if I want to start training for speed or just endurance/maintenance. Earlier this month I did the Houston Allstate Hot Chocolate 5k, and I will be traveling to Atlanta to watch the OT and run in the Publix Atlanta 5K. Other than that, so far I've booked the Houston DC Wonderwoman 10K, and a local pub's beer 5K (both in April). I'm always up for a fun 5k or 10K race and currently I'm trying to find a local-ish trail race. I've never done a trail race before and really want to try one.
Sounds like a busy spring for you. I wonder if you might need a more supportive (or less supportive shoe) to combat IT band/knee pain...a lot of the time...it’s that
Maybe! What would you suggest? I have femoral anteversion (per my dealings with orthopedic doctors, physical therapists, and arroisti providers) causing knee valgus and more so in my right knee, and the IT issues were attributed to muscle imbalances. But none of the providers I saw were ever avid runners so they couldn't really weigh in on any of my specific questions related to running. I started out running in Asics GT-2000s because I was told I pronate by a teenaged employee at my local running store (I found out I actually don't), then moved on to Brooks Glycerins. Currently I'm in Hokas (Cavu 1, Rincon, and just bought a pair of Bondi 6s) and Altras (escalante v1, escalante racers, and a torin iQ). I love reading your shoe reviews and have only recently started rotating my shoes around.
Steena, Madison, WI. I was training for an April 26.2 but I keep getting sick/set-backs so I'm brainstorming a plan B,C,D,E,F,G.... Looking for a Midwest fast & flat race in late April or May.
Sounds like me...one step forward, 17 back. Let me know what you decide Steena. Maybe Flying Pig? Not sure if that counts as Midwest.
Very hilly race (I think it ranks 3rd in the nation).
I'd count Flying Pig as Midwest, I've heard is a beast with hills though, not a BQ-hopeful course for me.
My good friend and running buddy Skip loves it.
Another Midwesterner here! I like Hollie's suggestion (Flying Pig), but it's VERY hilly. The 500 Festival Half Marathon in Indy is a good one. It's flat and you get to do a lap around the race track, which seems to excite a lot of people (ha ha). Green Bay is also a good flat race.
Thanks for the 500 Fest suggestion! It's too bad they don't have a full 26.2 option.
I did Green Bay in 2017 & really enjoyed it. It's on my maybe list!
I have run the Indy Mini 3x and it is awesome! Cheerleaders from the colleges, mascots from professional teams, and tons of really friendly people! Excellent post race at a park as well with food trucks and beer!
Hi! Kristen from Southern Delaware. I am currently training for two local ten miles as well as the Salisbury half marathon in April. Nonrunning I teach middle school business and love cooking and sunsets/sunrises! I have a instagram account dedicated to sunsets... @delawaresunsets
Southern Delaware is beautiful. What a cool account!
Hi Hollie.
I'm Scott from Hampton, VA. I'm a retired U.S. Navy submariner who stays relatively fit (so I can stay relatively sane). After a handful of years running a marathon per year, I decided to back off as the training was killing my hips. I'm focused on 1/2's and less. I don't really enter too many large, organized races but still do a few (some of the entry fees these days?...oy!) and I'm decent in my Age Group (I'm 52). I've got the Oozlefinch 10 Miler in a couple of days, followed by the One City Half Marathon (NNews) the following week. Besides that, in October I'll take another crack at the Crawlin' Crab Half Marathon in Hampton <-- I've done that one once...and it was b-a-a-a-d.
The Crawlin Crab is usually so hot and humid he years I run Lol
Hello, my name is Shaw. I live in Northern Kentucky (about 4 miles south of Cincinnati), but I was born and raised in SE Ohio. I am currently training for the Flying Pig 4-Way with extra cheese which is 1 mile run on Friday, a 10k followed by a 5k on Saturday, and lastly the Full Marathon on Sunday.
Non-running I am also a huge foodie and craft beer fan. This area is great for both of you are ever in town.
That’s awesome. I’ve heard Flying Pig is great. Good luck!
Hey there , Love your social media and newsletters. My name is Mike. I'm a store owner of a Fleet Feet in Monroe Louisiana. Been a runner on and off most of my life. Last ten years have been the most fun for sure. Love competing against fellow old guys and sometimes taking it to some youngsters. Going to give the marathon one more go (not my favorite distance) in an effort to run Boston one more time! Going to head over to Chip Gaines race in Waco, Tx. #BravelikeGabe Then to Greenville, Sc to run with college buddies, a half marathon there in May. Then to the track and some shorter races this summer. Thanks to you for your voice and to you and your husband for the service to our country. God bless. Mike
Thanks Mike and I appreciate our conversations. Greenville is so beautiful.
I used to I work at the Fleet Feet in South Jersey during the summer, since I am a teacher, it was my fun job. The silos marathon is on my bucket list, I love all things Chip and Joanna Gaines, went to Waco last summer.
Nice. That store still there? Looking forward to the atmosphere there!
No it closed. Best of luck in Waco!
I'm Howie...living south of Houston. Grew up in Southern Delaware (Georgetown) and have enjoyed running the December HM in Rehoboth the past two years. Trying to get the 2020 schedule in tact to coordinate with my wife's traveling. We enjoy race-cations a lot (7 states / 9 HMs in the past two years!) I served 30+ years in the Air Force (rescue helicopter pilot) and when not running teach online leadership courses for the AF (through Air University) helping equip officers to be our future leaders.
That’s awesome Howie and thank you for service. Which states are next for you?
Well...that's what is up in the air right now. Love the recommendations I'm seeing in this thread, like Miami, Big Sur, and others. Appreciate your newsletter and the interaction here!!
Hey y’all! I’m Ellen from New Orleans. Currently in a taper for the Atlanta full marathon the day after the trials! Long time life goal is to complete all the majors (first will be New York in the fall!) and do a half/full in every state in the U.S. When I’m not running, I’m probably reading a book or shopping at a thrift store to see if I can find anything cool :)
I actually love thrifting for books. I’ve found random books I never through I would read that way. Good luck in NYC!
Hi everyone! I’m Paul from Green Bay Wi and my big race this year is doing an ultra, Door County 50. Plus a few half marathons with one coming next week in Atlanta. Yes we’ll be there for the Olympic Marathon trials and my daughter is running in it! Non running is spending time visiting breweries and wineries and working out.
Congrats to your daughter Paul, that’s such an accomplishment.
Thanks Hollie! Really like your news letter!
Howdy y'all!
Recently retired, I'm a genetically non-gifted, senile, senior Canadian who hates the cold.
Currently, I'm leading running clinics in London, Ontario at the Running Room. Some of you know me as @runs4coffee.
You may find me running anything from a 5K to a marathon but actually I've probably just misplaced my car keys (again)
The amount I lose my car keys is embarrassing hahaha
Runner brain - it's a thing!
Hey I’m Gina. Philly girl until I was 13, moved to Florida and now have been in TN since 1992. Started running in 2011 at age 41. At this time I’m not training g for anything. I run for mental therapy and just to make me happy. Coffee is my life lol. Been married 25 years. We have two beautiful daughters, one son in law and three beautiful grand babies.
Running for being happy is the most important!
My name is Sophie and I live in the Shenandoah Valley in VA and work remotely with an NGO in DC so I am there once a month. I am one year back into running after a decade off - and loving it. I am training a local 10k in a week, 10 miler in Charlottesville, and then a local half. In September, I am running Berlin!
Berlin looks and sounds amazing! I love Charlottesville, I have inlaws that live there and it’s such a fun place to run.
Good morning,
I’m Kari and I live in New York City. I’m training for the BAA 5k and for the Brooklyn half and I always want to be half marathon ready.
As for something non running related, I have a cat named Harmony who is my pride and joy!
Yay cats!!
Hi, My name is Larry. I live in the Southern Tier of NY. Have signed up for 4 races this year. The important ones are the August 1st 50 mile trail (Beast of Burden) and the September 12th 50 mile Pine Creek Challenge). Also in for a hilly 15k and 50k in May. The 15k I ran into my first rattlesnake (Timber). My ultrasignup age rank is 97.42 (ultra running score). I'm retired and enjoying my workouts and races (till the day my times start to go in reverse :)
What part of NY? I love upstate NY but only in the spring, summer, and fall LOL.
City of Hornell. About 65 miles south of Rochester. This winter was very easy till February. Big Yankee fan- but it's over 300 mile to Yankee Stadium :)
That’s awesome. I spent a lot of time in Rochester when I worked in Oswego
Which 50k in May? There are a lot of good ones on the east coast! I was planning to do the Pine Creek Challenge 50 miler last fall and got injured, and I think I deferred to this year. Looks like a nice race!
Katie, Cayuga Trails 50 in Ithaca, NY 6000 ft of elevation gain. Pine Creek- is my top race for this year. Looking to run under 8hrs.
Cool! Have you done the Finger Lakes 50? That will be my first 50 miler this summer. Looking forward to some new trails!
That's the one in Hector, NY? Close by for me. Very challenging course. Lot of muddy running according to race reports. One thing you can quit after 33 miles (2 laps) and be put in with 50k runners. Beast of Burden 25, 50 and 100 mile trail race is in Lockport, NY There is also the Twisted Branch 100k (actual 64.7) in Naples, NY (a Western States 100 mile qualifying race). Also there is Many on the Genny 40 miler (actual 41.5) in Castile, NY.
Hi! Mike from Corning NY. Training to keep being healthy as I approach my mid-50s! I have been running for coming up on 32 years (since after college), doing actual distance running for the last 8 years (before that was ~12-15 miles/wk).
Non-running ... moved to Corning in 2008 from the Boston MA area (due to economy, of course), so after 40+ years there I am now 12 years here! Work for Corning as statistician and measurement development engineer.
That’s awesome! Corning is beautiful.
Hi! I’m Julia! I live in PA. I’m currently getting my Masters in occupational therapy. I’m training for the Love run which I’ve heard is super fun! This is my fourth half. This training season has been really hard as the expectations of grad school have increased plus working, so I’m a little nervous I won’t be as ready as I want to be.
Hey Julia! I'm in grad school and working right now too, and training has been tough. Just focus on what you CAN do...your best is different in every season :) Sometimes I've gotta skip a run to sleep more, and that's what best for my body! Don't forget to rest :)
You totally get it then! It’s hard to pack it in and all the time it takes to thoroughly run, stretch, and recover in the way I want too. I’ve really been trying to listen to my body and not push myself too hard to the point of burn out. Thanks so much for your reminder 😊 wish you the best this training season!!
I can’t even imagine balancing grad school, running, and work. You’ll be ready? Which half are you doing?
I’m on week 4 of a 10 week Training plan I created for the Love Run in March in Philly, which is super flat compared to where I live so I know where I’m running now prepares me well for kept races. Usually once I hit a certain mileage, I feel more prepared for race day, but I’m slowly getting there! I’ve done it before and I enjoy the process of training!
Hey Julia! I did the grad school/work/training thing a couple years ago..it's tough, but you're tougher. Listen to your body and be kind to yourself, be willing to give yourself grace when life gets overwhelming and you have to take some time to breathe. You can make it through this!
Katie in Lancaster, Pa. (But a MORRIStown N.J. native!). I'm training to stay healthy for a half-marathon in mid-May. I have PR'd each of my three halves thus far, but a back injury and Achilles problem that spanned early December until early this month has derailed my training. So, hoping to cross the finish line healthy with a group of co-workers then work to get my "old" speed back!
Boo for Achilles, that’s what I’m currently dealing with...and trying to get my old speed back.
Hi! I'm Michelle and I live in the suburbs of Dallas, Tx. I just ran my first ultra - Black Canyon 60K outside of Phoenix. It was a humbling experience, to say the very least. I've been running for going on 12 years, but I discovered triathlon 5 years ago and fell in love. I've done 3 Ironman races (Maryland, Chattanooga, and Wisconsin), and 3 half Ironman distance triathlons. I am planning another Ironman this year, just not certain which one yet. I'll probably throw in a 70.3 too because they are so much fun.
I'm a music therapist and I work in special education with students who have special needs. I use music to help them with things that are non-music in nature (ex. most all of us learned our ABCs with the song).
Musical therapy is so cool. Congrats on your first 60k...I cannot imagine how tough it was.
I’m Brooke from Helena, Alabama. Not currently “training” for any races but still running. I had pretty much a “perfect season” in 2019 reaching all of my goals including my first ever BQ in the Indianapolis Marathon in November (3:17:27), -0:2:33 faster than BQ, so I’m hoping it makes the cutoff! PR’ed in every other distance throughout the year (5K, 10K, 15K, 10 Mile & Half). Ran Birmingham’s Mercedes Half Marathon Sunday morning for fun but decided to push the last 3 miles and did better than I expected, so maybe it’s time to get back to training! I enjoy following your IG acct and newsletter!
Amazing job and what an awesome BQ. The year I ran Mercedes half it was 70 degrees and humid Lol. Thank you for reading Brooke!
Hi, Matt here from Lancaster, UK. Currently training for the Oldham Way Ultra in April, 40 miles of hills. Find me on Strava and Wordpress as Beards and Triathlons.
That’s awesome Matt! I don’t have a strava but I know a lot of people do!
I'm Allayva and from Buffalo, NY. Currently I'm training for the Glass City Marathon (in Toledo). Non running: I'm big into gaming of all sorts. D&D, board, video, etc which is a nice way to relax when tired from all that is marathon training 😅
Did I ever tell you my oldest brothers job is designing video games? Random but yeah he works for Microsoft
You did not, but that's really cool! My uncle works for MSFT as a software architect 😁
see below
I'm Joe and I live in South Jersey. I'm training for the NYC Half in March and using the NYRR training program. 2 of my 3 kids live in Brooklyn, so I tend to look for races in NYC. This is my 53rd year of running (no, my knees are fine) but I am slowing down quickly. Cross training includes spin classes and yoga. I've tried long distance biking with little results. Recently retired.
Do you have a spin class you like around us? I’ve been looking
Hi everyone! What a great community! I'm Anne, currently living in Madison, WI, but originally from central PA. I am just back to running after a long layoff due to injury last fall, so I'm really enjoying bumping up my time and mileage and regaining the fitness I had lost. I don't tend to race, but run more for the pure enjoyment of the movement. Random non-running fact... hm. I'm a nurse researcher and faculty member, and absolutely love academia, research, and working with students.
What part of central PA Anne? My husbands family lives in the shippensburg/chambersburg area.
I grew up in York, and my parents still live there. I think you've visited and reviewed diners near there...? And I had friends who went to Ship, and know others who lived in Chambersburg. It's a small, small world!
Hi! I'm Andrea, living in Fairbanks, Alaska, and originally from South Jersey. Not sure what I'm doing next; debating a couple of sprint-distance triathlons in May. My non-running fun fact: I'm also a dog musher.
Omg a dog musher? That’s so cool!
Hi everyone. I'm David Baker. I live in Southern Utah, in between Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park, so I've got some of the greatest trails in the world to run. I've only been running seriously for about four years, and started when we adopted a dog who loves to get outside and move. Right now I'm training for my second Boston Marathon, also waiting to hear whether I made it into the New York Marathon. My last race was just last week, when I paced the Sun Marathon down in St. George, UT.
Besides running, I write novels (still unpublished), and do community theater and competitive a cappella.
That’s really cool. What kind of novels?
My last few have been young adult (since I have teenaged children). I'm now working on a thriller set along the Arizona-Mexico border.
Hi Everybody! I'm Lynne from Hershey PA. I started running 8 years ago (at age 49) and just last weekend ran my first marathon!! I'm still so happy and floating about it! I started running after reading Chris MacDougall's Born To Run book while recovering from surgery. Running is the greatest thing for my mind, body, and spirit and I plan (hope) to run forever! My non-running life is full: work, 3 grown kids/1grandbaby, 3 dogs, caring for elderly parents, playing violin in a community orchestra, and marriage for 32 years to a very supportive husband! With all life has taught me, nothing has taught me more about myself than this recent marathon training. Feel so blessed.
That’s awesome and running is awesome that way
Hi! My name is Alex. I live in Denver, Colorado. Currently nursing my hamstring back to health :) Running 18 minutes now! Hoping for a summer or Fall marathon this year or at a least a couple local races.
Work as a nurse and love my dog, Buxton Blue Bear! Love to be and do most anything outside in the Colorado sunshine!
Ugh I know the hamstring story. Good luck Alex and I hope you heal quickly.
Hi Everyone! I’m Tim. I live in Southern California. I am training in 2020 to do 4 races in 2021. Trying to do a 50k 50mi 100k 100mi throughout that year while sneaking a couple of 50ks in this year. Gonna be a challenge, but go big or go home right?!
Non-running.....We have 2 cats, a sphinx and a polydactyl, and a chihuahua that’s 17 years old (blind, deaf, and angry). All rescues.Wishing you all a great weekend coming up!
Awe I love my rescues too. One of my brothers just got stationed in San Diego so I think I’ll be spending more time there.
All year round running weather! 👍🏻 Love it! Have a great weekend!
Best of luck Tin on your goal races. Do you have any planned?
Thanks so much. I plan on doing all local races. Fortunately, the company I work for sponsors a lot of them so I can get free entry. I will be going for the (not in order) Hodges 50k, San Diego 50mi, Cuyamaca 100k and San Diego 100mi. 👍🏻
The only one of those I have not done is Cuyamaca 100K. They are all great races. Wish I worked for a company that paid race entry but small price to pay for pure enjoyment. I will be a pacing a friend at the SD100 this year.
I am a bit nervous about the 100mi. to be honest with you. Never done any distance like that and my biggest fear would be going off course and getting lost. I am guessing it will be marked well enough to prevent that from happening, but it is causing some anxiety.
Understand the fear of unknown however the SD100 is well marked. You will do great.
Hello! My name is Anna and I live in Tucson, AZ. I’m training for a trail half in April called the Vail Scramble, but bigger picture, I want to break 2 hours in a half marathon this year. Unrelated to running, I’m graduating in May with a degree in ASL interpreting so I can work in K-12 schools. Anyone else live out west?
I would love to live out west, does that count?
I’m originally from NC so I’m gonna go with yes! Wore a crop top and shorts on my run today... :)
Hi, I’m Donna & live in Charlotte, NC. I ran a couple of 4 mile races this month & I'm signed up for the Craft Beer 5 miler & Cooper River Bridge 10K. I took up biking & swimming last year & competed in my first mini triathlon. When, I’m not working out, I like to cook & belong to a book club.
How did your TRI go Donna?
It went great, thank you. It was the Best thing that I did in 2019. Makes me think of a song with these lyrics, “when was the last time, you did something for the first time.” Always great to try new things!
Charlotte's my hometown! There's a stellar running community there (I miss it a ton), Run for your life puts on a BUNCH of races. The American 4 miler on the 4th of July is always a fun one! There's a pretty good tri community there too, it's where I first started training for triathlons. The Whitewater center usually hosts open water swims during the summer if that's something you're interested in :)
Thanks so much Rachel. I moved here 2 years ago from Southern California & I’ve been incredibly fortunate to become friends with a wonderful group of women who love to run & are also triathletes. They are a great inspiration to me! I will definitely keep the July 4th race on my radar!
John from Columbus, OH. Just getting back into it over the last couple months, aiming for the Cap City Half Marathon in late April and the Columbus Marathon in October.
When I’m not running in the winter, I’m on the ice as a curler!
Curling looks like so much fun. Definitely on my bucket list of things to try.
It’s a great game to learn, and curlers are a great bunch of people. I always recommend that people find a club near them and go to a Learn-to-Curl to see if they like it.
John, I did the C-Bus marathon in 2018. First half of the course was great! Lots of spectators and folks running & supporting the concurrent 1/2 mar. The second half...however...oof.
Hi, y’all! I’m Jeff and I live in Boerne, TX (just outside San Antonio). I’m nursing a slight knee injury so I don’t have anything on the schedule right now. I plan on hopping in some shorter road and trail races this summer, maybe leading up to a fall ultra. Outside of running I’m a total book nerd. I also enjoy cooking and spending time with my 3 year old goldendoodle named Duncan.
What’s your favorite book Jeff?
Oh gosh, probably Again to Carthage by John Parker; it’s the sequel to Once a Runner.
Ben from Bumpass, VA. I quit running fulls last year and am training for Blue Ridge half right now. Something non-running is I also skateboard.
You do? I never knew that, that’s awesome!
Yeah, I just started back this year.
Vanessa from Ann Arbor, MI. I am not currently training for anything - just enjoying running and working out. I am a data analyst and visualize data for a start up consulting firm and I have lived in 6 different states (Iowa, Kentucky, Kansas, New York, Wisconsin, and Michigan).
That’s awesome Vanessa, do you have any plans to move again
In the words of J. Bieber, never say never. There aren't plans to move but who knows what will happen in the future. I'll probably forever hoard broken down boxes juuuuust in case there is another move...
Chris and I am in Charlotte NC. Was training for my first marathon but "ran" into some plantar fasciitis. Currently working on getting back to 1/2 marathon distance. Have the Around The Crown 10K coming up. Nonrunning....I work for my college fraternity and travel between campus in NC SC TN and KY working with undergraduate men on being better leaders.
Have you been able to get away from PF. That injury is rough
I am up to almost daily runs of 6 miles. I am using a rolling ball and compression sleeves to keep it at bay. I am going to PT next month to hopefully get some dry needling done
Mark here from the Southside Chicago area,signed up for 20+ halfs this year ,might have a bit of a problem but most are run vacations doing Red Rick canyon this weekend
20 halves? That’s awesome. Which ones? That’s a long list 😂
Did Houston, Daytona, upcoming are Red Rock Canyon,Alamo 13.1,Presidential half in Springfield,Ill,Kentucky derby,Indy,Rocknroll Chicago ,Denver,Philly,Virginia Beach and San Antonio the Indianapolis monumental,Chicago half,Madison and couple 5 local ones
Hey, I'm Katie from Philadelphia. I am currently training for a couple trail races this spring and summer, starting with the new Philly Trail Marathon in April! When I'm not running, I love coffee, my miniature schnauzer, and Law & Order!
That Philly trail marathon looks awesome...just hot.
Hi, I'm Anne from Newport, Oregon. I retired from Law Enforcement in NC, moved to Wyoming for 6 years and finally landed in Oregon. I love to run, mainly for mental and physical health, but try to do 2 half marathons a year. I have a blog runningmyselfragged.com. I also try to run a different state each time.
How many states have you run in Anne?
8 half’s in eight stAtes. I didn’t start racing until I was 59 so it’s not too many yet!
Hey everyone! I'm Megan from Brooklyn, NY. I'm currently training for my second marathon, Shamrock in Virginia Beach.
Nonrunning fact--I'm a violinist and have a master's in music performance. I still play regularly though most of my income comes from something completely different (digital product management). hey NYC's expensive, and this rungry girl's gotta eat. ;-)
NYC is so expensive...I LOVE SHAMROCK!! It’s my favorite race
Oh yay! I'm really looking forward to Shamrock. :) St. Patrick's Day was always a big deal in my family.
Hi! I’m Maddie, currently living in Atlanta by way of upstate NY and Madison, WI. I’m running the Atlanta Marathon in just over a week 😳 (the day after the trials) and trying to figure out what’s next after that!
Good luck Maddie!
I am from the Washington, D.C. area and I am about to start training for several marathons and half marathons. I am excited to be running the Marine Corps. Half in May and the MCM in October. I would like to travel to more remote races, but we have many great events right here in the D.C. area.
You have so many great races in DC. I am hoping to run cherry blossom
I would also like to run the Cherry Blossom race. It seems difficult to get a spot, but I am sure it is well worth the effort. Many of our races take place on the towpath in Georgetown area, which is also very scenic.
I'm Katie. I grew up in New York, but have been in Bethlehem PA for 20 years now (stayed after grad school). I'm a school psychologist, and have two kids (daughter is a collegiate swimmer, son is in HS, swims and runs XC/track - swinging back to the house to get him for the end miles of my long runs has been excellent training for me). I'm training for the NJ Marathon in April, which I think will be my 14th marathon?
Have you run NJ before?
I haven’t! I chose it mostly because it was a convenient weekend and my aunt lives nearby!
I'm Susan from southern WV. I'm actually not much of a runner--more of a biker. My S/O is an avid runner, though, so I like to read and share the information everyone shares with him.
Random Susan fact is that I have 4 furbabies-2 cats, 2 dogs, and my social media presence is basically just documenting them.
I’m more on my cats social media than mine