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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.

The Couch to 5K Program

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.

CrossFit and Running

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.

As Seen In

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), …

Read More about Hot Chocolate Nashville 5k

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. …

Read More about Choosing the Right Running Shoes

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 …

Read More about Trail Approved: Knockaround Sunglasses

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 …

Read More about 465 Challenge Group Final Results

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 …

Read More about Allstate Hot Chocolate 5K Nashville Race Report

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 …

Read More about 465 Virtual Run Challenge

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 …

Read More about Paris Marathon Sweepstakes with Runderwear

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 …

Read More about Treadmill Training with Zwift Running