Monument Avenue 10k
Racing Reflection

Monument Avenue 10k Recap: Quite the Monumental Race

Despite nearly two decades of running, I’d never registered for a 10k race. I’ve conquered everything from 5Ks to marathons, yet the 6.2-mile length was the one distance that eluded me. That all changed this past weekend, when I ran Richmond’s Monument Avenue 10k through the scenic streets of Virginia’s capital city steeped in American history.

Beautiful race setting aside, it wasn’t why I decided to run the race. It was another runner—a newer runner—who forced my hand, or, rather, feet into racing.

post-marathon recovery plan
Reflection Training

My Post-Marathon Recovery Plan: Winging It

It’s been said that marathon recovery is just as important as training. Why don’t I follow a post-marathon recovery plan like I do a training plan? The last thing I want to do after a four-month training block is follow another plan!

I recently recapped my disappointing sixth marathon, the Virginia Beach Shamrock Marathon, and failed second attempt at breaking three hours. As much as I’m determined to find my next marathon and begin a new training plan, I’ve been greatly enjoying a more carefree post-marathon recovery plan: no plan.

Pfitzinger marathon training plan
Reflection Training

Pfitzinger Marathon Training Plan at the Halfway Point

I’m halfway through the 12 week/55-70 mile Pfitzinger marathon training plan I’m using to run my first sub-3-hour marathon at the 2024 Virginia Beach Shamrock Marathon on March 17—St. Paddy’s Day. How does it compare to the Pfitzinger 18 week/55-70 mile plan from Advanced Marathoning?

I found out last fall that an 18-week training block is tough. It feels overly long (Duh, it’s 18 weeks) and it can be easy to lose motivation at times throughout the grueling 4+ months. But shaving six weeks off the plan is much more manageable, even if each of the 12 weeks demands more.

running blogs
Reflection

My Favorite Running Blogs of 2023: Part 1

Typically, year-end lists are comprised of diverse content pulled from a variety of sources. Not this one. This is my website, after all. Since launching The Size 15 Runner in April of this year, I’ve published more than 70 running blogs ranging from satirical to heartfelt. As a narcissist, I love everything I write, but it’d be ridiculous to feature all 70+ running blogs here…right? Right? Instead, I’ll break them into two parts. Without further ado, here is part one of MY favorite running blogs from the first year.

thankful for running
Reflection

Giving Thanks: Why I’m Thankful for Running This Year

I have a lot to be thankful for in 2023, both on and off the roads. With Thanksgiving around the corner (best of luck in dealing with your relatives), I figured I’d spend a blog post detailing why I’m thankful for running (and more) and sharing it with complete strangers like you. After all, gratitude helps us feel positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve health, and more. I can’t fit everything I’m thankful for into this post, so I chose six, in no particular order.