Never, Ever Stop

I am an avid reader of Runner's World magazine.  I read it cover to cover ever month when it arrives in my mailbox.  I can honestly say that it has been a great help in making me a better more knowledgeable runner.  I have learned about injury prevention, training, proper diet and numerous other things that have improved me as a runner.  I am no longer a novice runner.  I am a well seasoned semi-competitive weekend warrior.  Now new runners come to me for advice which I am happy to provide.  However, I always qualify any advice I give with the caveat that every runner and their bodies are different than mine.

I wanted to share with you two paragraphs from one of my favorite columnists in Runner's World -- Marc Parent.  I share this with you because I believe that whether you are a newbie or seasoned runner it truly encapsulates what you need to do to be a runner.  You will note it has nothing to do with training. Rather it is all about how to love running.

"Because there is nothing worse than the advice of a newbie, I've tried to resist the urge to offer any. I've hoped the bad example of my misguided efforts would provide at least a little direction. But since I've successfully made it from the couch to the road, let me leave you with this advice in the form of a promise: No matter how big and inactive you are, no matter how long-standing your hatred of running or exercise of any kind, if you give it a try and stick to it, the day will come when it no longer sucks, no longer feels like a crazy idea, no longer makes you want to die—when life itself no longer sucks, and you no longer feel like you're crazy. If you stick with running, the day will come when you'll want to live forever.

Always run as strong and as long and as fast as you can. Always be patient with injury. Always invite a non-runner to join you, and don't forget to tell him how beautiful he looks running. Always look for running partners, but never tolerate anyone who makes you feel unworthy. Don't ever let yourself believe you've had a bad run. Cross into the far lane before the car passes you. Wave. Run with a dog. Buy running gear you want and don't need. Race. Do anything to keep running. Never stop hoping for more, expecting the best, celebrating early (and often!), pushing harder. And to those of you who started with me, I hope that you're still running. We're all so much better-looking than we once were. Thanks for getting out with me. It's been so tremendous.
 Let's never, ever stop."

I agree with Marc.  We are much better-looking than we were when we first started running.  But more importantly we are much happier because we are runners.  So my friends, run long because you can and finish strong because you want to.

Mar. 16 – 6.10 miles (56:46, 9:18 pace)

Mar. 19 – 7.20 miles (1:07:36, 9:23 pace)

Mar. 20 – 6.20 miles (55:00, 8:52 pace)

Mar. 21 – 10.50 miles (1:31:21, 8:42 pace)

Mar. 22 – 7.10 miles (1:06:25, 9:21 pace)

Mar. 23 – 5.10 miles (45:02, 8:50 pace)

Mar. 24 – 3.10 miles (26:01, 8:24 pace)

Mar. 27 – 3.30 miles (44:04, 13:22 pace) - Run/Walk

Mar. 28– 10.20 miles (1:28:28, 8:40 pace)

Mar. 29 – 8.10 miles (1:14:11, 9:10 pace)

Mar. 30 – 5.20 miles (46:33, 8:57 pace)

Mar. 31 – 6.20 miles (56:15, 9:04 pace)

Apr. 2 – 7.20 miles (1:07:31, 9:23 pace)

Apr. 3 – 6.10 miles (54:54, 9:00 pace)

Apr. 4 – 8.10 miles (1:13:41, 9:05 pace)

Apr. 5 – 5.20 miles (45:46, 8:48 pace)

Total Miles:  104.9 miles

2015 Total Miles:  537.3 miles