I will always consider myself a "beginner" runner. Even after running for over 13 years, I am slow. I am methodical. I like the trails and the back-of-the-pack people in races. I'm always running more for enjoyment than for reaching a Personal Record in a race.
Most of the running posts in my corner of the web will revolve around tips, training, thoughts, race reviews, and product reviews. I am currently an ambassador for BibRave, which is a fantastic running community that goes to all the races so you can pick the good ones.
I took my first steps to running using this program.
Actually, my first run was early in the morning wearing khaki shorts and a t-shirt on a cold day in February, 2005. That wasn't very smart, but I was desperate for sleep. I knew from long ago days of track and basketball that if I could run myself out, I could sleep without dreams.
It worked and I promptly started running at a weight I was not comfortable. I hurt my foot, stopped for 5 months, then found this program to try again.
And the rest, is an amazing history to being a lifelong runner and dropping 65lbs.
This is the Couch to 5K running program and it works. Keep in mind that it does NOT say, "couch to breaking speed records 5K". It does exactly what it promises in 9 weeks. HOWEVER, it assumes a LOT of common sense. Check this Guide to the Couch to 5K post for more information.
A few years ago, I was counting my running success in increments of tenths of a mile. I wasn’t a beginning runner. Worse, I was an injured runner. I had run several races, trail races, and a half-marathon trail race before I found myself hobbling to a doctor and meeting my physical therapist for the first time.
Nine months later, I finally ran a total of 3 miles without pain. My doctor advised me to dial down my goals and find joy in simply running 30 minutes. I had serious bio-mechanical issues that seemed to halt any progress.
As of today, I have finished many half-marathons, trail half-marathons, climbed mountains, ran a marathon, and I’m currently training for another marathon and various obstacle races. What made this possible?
CrossFit.
Here are my posts on how I used CrossFit in my running goals.
Here are links to my articles featured in US News, Huffington Post, and syndicated throughout multiple media outlets.
The 2021 Allstate Hot Chocolate Nashville event transitioned from live to virtual. While I will miss running in Nashville, I’m glad the event directors considered the safety of all participants. Disclaimer: I received an entry to Allstate Hot Chocolate Nashville as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), …
What better way to end a very interesting year than by running a Christmas Story 5K? Disclaimer: I received an entry to the Christmas Story 5K as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!” My December running …
I may not be able to do much running right now, but I’ll be ready when I can! The dreaded year-end constant sinus infections and bronchitis have really knocked me down this year. With Covid all over Tuscaloosa, this is not a surprise. However, Santa knew I needed running stuff and my family knows my …
Do you wear anything with your contact information in case of an emergency? What about when you run or workout? Check out my review for ROADiD Sidekick! Disclaimer: I received a ROADiD Sidekick to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to …
Have you ever participated in a family pet race? This was the first one for Atlas and I and we had so much fun with the Scooby Doo Run! Disclaimer: I received an entry to Scooby Doo Family Pet Run to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave …
Registration for the November DC Wonder Woman Run presented by Amazon is open! Since 2020 decided to push most themed races to Virtual, I have seen a wide variety of these virtual runs. DC Wonder Woman is one of the best. Disclaimer: I received a race entry as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn …
Choosing the right running shoes is like choosing paint colors. It can be mind-numbing, but rewarding when finished. Choosing the Right Running Shoes But, it’s also very important to make sure that your shoes are not causing running injuries that plague so many new runners. Running in the wrong shoe is a common running mistake. …
Knockaround sunglasses Premium Sports Shades are great for many miles and many trails. These are super comfortable, affordable, and polarized. Disclaimer: I received Knockaroud Shades to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews! Summer 2020 …
Are you ready to try trail running? Before you hit the trails, check out these beginner tips. Trailrunners are a different breed of people. We claim to like the dirt mud and sticks and we will swear upon death that trail rash and bruises are the best feeling ever. The more scrapes and blood, the …
Are you a streaker? What is a running streak and should you start one? What is a Running Streak? Running streakers are people who run minimum of 1 mile every day. Some people do it for a limited time for a challenge. Some do it with a group of people like running clubs or …
Are you new to running? Have you signed up for a Couch-2-5k, yet? Have you already struggling with burnout, injuries, and more? Check out these common mistakes many runners make when just starting a running program. Spring is here and for many of us, that means a natural urge to get outside and do something. …
Disclaimer: I received an entry to DC Wonder Woman Run as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews! Due to the pandemic, the DC Wonder Woman Run transitioned from live to virtual. Despite this, I had a …
Do you want to be a morning runner? Do you know people who seem to thrive in the morning? They wake up loaded with rocket fuel and just tackle the day before the day can tackle them? Do you wish you could be half that perky? I have a secret. I once was a morning …
Has the seasonal allergies kicked in for your area, yet? If so, check out these tips for running with seasonal allergies. You don’t have to hang up your shoes! Many runners suffer from seasonal allergies. When the weather begins to warm up, the spring trees and flowers are waiting to wreak havoc on your face. …
Disclaimer: I received an entry to 465 Challenge as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews! This was one of the best virtual races/run challenges. The premise was clear. Run, walk, bike, swim 53 miles between Jan …
Disclaimer: I received an entry to the Allstate Hot Chocolate 5k to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews! The Allstate Hot Chocolate 15k/5k in Nashville was such a great race! This was my first …
Disclaimer: I received race entry to 465 Virtual Challenge as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews! Once upon a time, at the age of 17, I boarded a tiny (to me) plane all by myself in …
Disclaimer: I received an entry to Allstate Hot Chocolate 5k/15k as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews! I have a great race coming up in February. This one combines two of my favorite things: chocolate and …
Disclaimer: I received Runderwear products as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review, find, and write race reviews! Race in Paris this spring? If you already know you would love a chance to fly to paris with a friend and receive a …
Disclaimer: I received a Zwift RunPod as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review, find, and write race reviews! What is Zwift Runing? ZwiftRun is a FREE running app that works with a shoe pod and any treadmill to make indoor training …