Marine Corps Marathon 2025: Motivated, Not Frustrated

As I've said a few times this year, something changed in my head this past summer. It was time to put less focus on time and pace and more focus on the enjoyment of running. But when my alarm went off at 2:30am (yes, you read that right), my first thought wasn't one of enjoyment. … Continue reading Marine Corps Marathon 2025: Motivated, Not Frustrated

Full Circle: Marine Corps Marathon 2025

Almost 20 years ago to the day, I ran my first marathon. The 2005 Marine Corps Marathon. It wasn't pretty. At all. It was my first race ever - of any distance. And many mistakes were made. Most notably, after struggling through the first half of the race, I took my first GU gel ever … Continue reading Full Circle: Marine Corps Marathon 2025

Running Streak, Take Two

Well, we've been here before. 365 days (and counting) of running every day. The first time I did it was in November 2018. And that time I kept going for another (almost) five years. This time feels different, but before I explain why, let's first look at how the last year has gone. Why I … Continue reading Running Streak, Take Two

No Race to the Stones

I just wanted to give a quick update since I haven't posted in several weeks. My last post was through Weeks 7-9 of training for a 100km trail race - Race to the Stones - this summer in England. What I didn't mention in that post was something that happened after my long run the … Continue reading No Race to the Stones

When the Tough Gets Going: Race To The Stones – Weeks 7-9

The middle weeks of a training plan can be the toughest weeks and not just from the physical side of things. Yes, the miles are ramping up and the long runs are getting longer. But sometimes the mental side of training through these weeks is even tougher to get through. The goal race that you … Continue reading When the Tough Gets Going: Race To The Stones – Weeks 7-9

Changes? What Changes?: Race to the Stones – Weeks 4-6

If you read my previous training update (here's a refresher), you already know that one of the main reasons for me signing up for the 100km race this summer was to try something new and different. But I didn't really think too much about the specifics. As the days and weeks of training go by, … Continue reading Changes? What Changes?: Race to the Stones – Weeks 4-6

Something Different: Race to the Stones – Weeks 1-3

As last year ended and this year began, I knew a couple of things. First, I wanted to continue to run every day. And, secondly, I wanted to keep running some of the same races that I have been doing the last few years. But I also had a feeling that I wanted to try … Continue reading Something Different: Race to the Stones – Weeks 1-3

Finally, A Much-Needed “Win”

In the last few days before going to Washington, D.C. for another half marathon, it became more and more obvious that I just needed a 'win' in a race. And by 'win', I just mean a race where I executed the plan that I had going into the race (whatever that plan was) and finished … Continue reading Finally, A Much-Needed “Win”

Quick Changes

Not all runners prioritize pace or times or personal bests. Or anything like that. And that's fine. But I do. I can still have fun and enjoy an experience if I don't get the time I was training for, but having felt the highs of enjoying a race AND finishing in a time that I … Continue reading Quick Changes

The Deep Dish on My Chicago Marathon

The Chicago Marathon race weekend was a great weekend overall. Meeting, hanging out and running with new and old running friends was great. Spending time in a city like Chicago with it's great food and sights reminded me why I have always liked visiting there. And I couldn't really ask for better weather for most … Continue reading The Deep Dish on My Chicago Marathon