Making running fun…by making fun of it
It’s been a week since I ran the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, D.C. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t enjoying the brief respite from running as part of my marathon recovery. After a marathon — and 18 long, intense weeks of training — it’s nice to plop myself on the couch and not worry about when I’ll go running—or do any exercise. It’s very tough returning to running after a marathon. Just as with the 26.2 mile distance, marathon recovery is a marathon, not a sprint. Here’s how I recover.
Runners sure are picky about their shoes—and rightfully so. With several shoe models from many different brands at our feet, we’d be foolish not to build our running shoe rotation wisely. But how can we be sure what’s right for our feet, biomechanics, and ego? Use these great running shoe pairs to add excitement and variation to your runs.
I used a modified version of the 18 week/55-70 mile Pfitzinger marathon training plan to try and run my first sub-three-hour marathon at the 2023 Marine Corps Marathon. Simply put, I got in the best shape of my life because of the 18-week plan. I’ve been running for nearly two decades, and I never had more fun training for a marathon—or any race. Find out if the plan is right for you.
Last Sunday, I ran the 2023 Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, DC — my fifth marathon and first with a sub-three-hour goal. The stage was set for a fairytale ending. Yet, despite the stars aligning, I fell like a crashing meteor. So, what went wrong? Well, I’m not one to make excuses, but I’d be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge the role of one very important element. Here’s what happened…
The only time I run without listening to music or podcasts is when I run with someone. As much as I love running, I still need a good podcast episode to keep me motivated for the long haul on those long runs. Or a “beast mode” playlist to help me tame that “beast” of a speed workout. There are many days when I’m not motivated to run. But, knowing I can take my mind off the task of running and get lost in a good discussion or a memorable verse with an up-tempo beat to help pass the miles is all I need to pass through my front door.
Running is one of the greatest ways to discover new roads, neighborhoods, trails, the best views, and any other part of the setting we call home. But, often times, we don’t have to stray from our beaten path to find a new perspective. Running makes us consider our surroundings in new ways. The same scenes we pass every day by car feel completely different on foot. So, how do running routes impact our running mindset?
