Tag: running motivation

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Freezing, Running, and My War on Winter

Written January 15, 2025

Hello Dear Readers,

Ah, procrastination—my old, frosty friend. Today, it’s teaming up with the weather as I wait for the thermometer to nudge just above freezing. Sure, it’ll still be cold, but freezing feels like the universal “nope” line. Good news? I don’t have to wait long. Bad news? My calves are staging a coup from Monday’s run, and my right knee is voicing its displeasure. But let’s be real. Neither is dramatic enough to get me out of today’s self-imposed “fun run.”

Speaking of fun, I’ve implemented a new policy: no hitting the target pace, no stopping early. Brilliant, right? Until you realize it means running longer than planned. Outside, the chill has zero festive charm—no snowflakes, no sparkly icicles, just a vast, icy wasteland that feels like nature’s walk-in freezer. I don’t remember it being this cold in the last five years here. Winter’s overachieving, and frankly, it’s rude.

Flashback to yesterday: I returned from my run absolutely frozen. Pro tip: while running does raise your body temperature, it apparently has limits. When the air is so cold that your body says, “You know what? Nope, you’re on your own,” it’s time to reevaluate life choices—or at least your wardrobe. My wife, ever the voice of reason, gently reminded me to wear a hat. Thankfully, I’ve got a winter headgear setup that would make Arctic explorers jealous. So, my ears are safe, even if the rest of me feels like a popsicle.

Now, I’m gearing up for today’s showdown. The plan? Beat my target pace in the first 5k and call it a day. If not, I’ll push to 10k because stubbornness is my superpower. It’s a tactical adjustment to keep me on track with my yearly distance goal while nudging my speed in the right direction. Realistically, most of my gains will come in the more cooperative seasons of spring and fall. But hey, winter’s a worthy nemesis, and I’m not backing down.

Here’s hoping today’s run brings a win—and maybe, just maybe, slightly warmer toes.

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Back on the Run: Making Peace with Snow, Chill, and My New Plan

Written January 13, 2025

Hello Dear Readers,

Finally, the sun decided to make an appearance, peeking out from its hiding spot behind the clouds! Yesterday’s snow melt was just enough to liberate the outdoors from its icy grip, and that means one thing—I’m back in action. The air still has that classic winter edge, but I’m more than ready to hit the pavement and reclaim my running routine.

This impromptu “rest period” brought on by cloudy skies and subzero vibes wasn’t exactly what I had in mind. Sure, rest days are important, but let’s be honest—this one wasn’t by choice. However, in my downtime, I did some thinking (and a bit of stewing) about how to make up for lost time and, ideally, how to avoid falling behind again. That’s when my new running policy took shape.

Here’s the plan: Over the next couple of weeks, I’ll focus on both speed and mileage. If I manage to beat my target pace during the first half of a run, I’ll reward myself by stopping after 5K. But if I miss the mark? It’s a second 5K for me. No excuses, no shortcuts. It’s a win-win: either I improve my speed, or I make up for the distance I’ve missed. Motivation, thy name is accountability!

Now, let’s talk about Midwest winters. Being from Indiana, I’m no stranger to snow. A few flakes? Not a big deal. But this cold snap feels a bit personal—like winter heard me planning my runs and decided to crank up the Arctic settings just to spite me. And, of course, everyone’s favorite weather topic comes up: climate change. Some experts are saying the unusually warm ocean temperatures are throwing weather patterns into chaos. Am I ready to blame the oceans for my frosty morning runs? Not quite. But it does make me wonder if my running routine will need a seasonal overhaul in the future.

Regardless of what’s happening with the planet’s thermostat, I’m sticking to what I can control: running smarter and gradually increasing my pace. If all goes well, I’ll be crushing my target pace so often that extra 10Ks become a rare punishment, not the norm. That’s the dream, anyway.

Until then, I’ll bundle up, hit the road, and keep pushing forward—even if the weather is unpredictable. My goals are crystal clear. Running is as much about mental endurance as it is about physical stamina, and this new plan is all about building both.

So, here’s to embracing the chill, setting ambitious goals, and turning unwanted rest days into opportunities to recalibrate. If nothing else, winter is proving to be a relentless teacher. But hey, if I can conquer icy mornings and double-run challenges, maybe the spring sunshine will feel that much sweeter when it finally sticks around. For now, though, it’s just me, my running shoes, and a lot of determination.

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From Stumbling Steps to Sore Legs: My 10K Running Journey

Written Jan 05, 2025

Hello Dear Readers,

This year, I made a bold proclamation: I’d conquer the 10K run more frequently than last year. Lofty, isn’t it? Well, it sounded heroic at the time. My main goal? Shave some seconds off my pace and make my running app sing my praises.

Let me set the scene: halfway through today’s 10K, I realized I’d missed my target pace by just a few seconds. Naturally, I did what any mildly obsessive runner would do—I pushed myself like I was being chased by a very determined turtle. The result? I barely hit my goal pace, but hey, “barely” still counts!

Looking back, it’s wild to think how far I’ve come. When I first started running seriously about 7-8 years ago, just finishing a few kilometers felt like scaling Everest. Rewind even further, and you’ll find me relearning how to walk after a brain stroke. Fun fact: my brain remembered that walking was a thing, but it forgot how to send the memo to my legs. The first time I told my wife I wanted to try running, she probably imagined me face-planting spectacularly. Spoiler: she wasn’t entirely wrong—I did fall a few times. But bruises fade, and determination grows.

Fast-forward to 2018, when we moved into our current home. I was still a slowpoke. A 5-kilometer run felt like a marathon, but over time, it stopped feeling like torture. Then came the glorious leap to 10 kilometers. Now, here I am—trying to outrun my past self, armed with sheer grit and slightly sore legs.

Speaking of sore legs, they’re the price of today’s achievement. My reward? I felt general weariness and the smug satisfaction of knowing this was my second-fastest 10K on record. Not bad for someone who started by jogging a single kilometer like a wobbly giraffe.

My endgame this year is to smash that 9:00 min/kilometer barrier. Today’s effort brought me closer, but it also left me with legs that felt like overcooked noodles. Stretching to the rescue! My daily leg stretches after a plank session is now less a routine and more a survival strategy.

So, here’s to run faster, recover smarter, and celebrate every hard-earned second because every step—whether wobbly or swift—proves that I’m still moving forward.

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Brrr! Running Through Nashville’s Cold Snap

Written January 8, 2025

Hello Dear Readers,

Nashville has been freezing lately—like, “Did I accidentally teleport to Canada?” kind of cold. This winter feels like nature’s weird experiment with snowflakes and icy air. Honestly, the weather here has been so temperamental it could have its own reality show. And running in this cold? Let’s just say it’s not the exhilarating outdoor adventure Instagram makes it look like.

My body and cold weather have a complicated relationship, thanks in part to a brain stroke I had over a decade ago. Temperature regulation isn’t exactly my strong suit, so the chill seems to hit me harder. Even when I’m bundled up, I feel like the cold air finds its way in, leaving me shivering while my clothes scream, “We’re doing our best here!”

But hey, a goal’s a goal. I set out to stick to my running plan this year and wasn’t about to let a little subzero situation stop me. Monday’s frigid temperatures had already robbed me of a decent run, and I wasn’t letting the same thing happen again. So, out I went, braving what felt like Mother Nature’s ice bucket challenge.

Last year, my wife—bless her Canadian soul—got me this fantastic hood to keep my ears and neck warm. It’s been a game-changer in keeping frostbite at bay, but unfortunately, it’s not a full-body solution. My thermal pants, the ones that used to make me feel invincible in the cold, have seen better days. I’ve downgraded to lighter gear, which works most days in Nashville’s relatively mild winters. After all, it’s nothing compared to the frozen tundra my wife grew up in Canada. (Seriously, how do Canadians survive that?)

I started with a lofty idea: make up for lost mileage by running a 10k. Ambitious, right? But after about an hour of running in below-freezing temperatures, my toes started staging a rebellion, and my resolve melted faster than an ice cube in hot cocoa. I settled for 5 kilometers, which, let’s be honest, still felt like a victory in those conditions.

Now, I’m pinning my hopes on Friday. The forecast promises slightly warmer temperatures, but of course, there’s a catch—snow might make an appearance. So, my dreams of a longer run might have to wait. If it’s another day like today, I’ll probably clock another 5k and call it a win. After all, progress is progress, even if it’s wrapped in a few layers of thermal gear and powered by sheer stubbornness.

In the end, I’m just trying to stay moving and keep my goals alive, one frosty step at a time. Because, let’s face it, nothing feels quite as satisfying as a hot cup of coffee after a run in the cold—and that’s a reward worth running for.

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Wrapping Up 2024: A Run, A Goal, and A Leafy Finale

Written December 30, 2024

Hello Dear Readers,

This morning, I laced up my sneakers for one last hurrah on the running trail in 2024. And let me tell you. It felt great to end the year on a high note—target pace time has officially been beaten! I managed to get back under the 10:00min/k mark, a line I’d been tiptoeing over during my recent two-week stint of 10ks. (Those long runs are no joke, folks!) It’s a small win, but hey, victories are meant to be celebrated—especially when you’re outside in the crisp winter air, battling not just your legs but occasionally your frozen lungs.

With 2024 in the books, it’s time to look ahead. Starting Wednesday, I’ll be chasing a new goal: bringing my pace down to sub-9:00min/k by the end of 2025. Is it ambitious? Absolutely. Am I sure I can nail it in a year? Not entirely. But if there’s one thing running teaches you, it’s that progress doesn’t happen all at once—it’s earned with every step, every mile, every sometimes-dreaded morning when you’d rather stay in bed. So, I’ll keep showing up, logging the kilometers, and chipping away at that time. Who knows where I’ll be by this time next year?

Now, back to reality. Post-run, as I stood in my driveway doing that awkward shuffle-stretch routine, I noticed something: the trees in our front yard had finally given up their leafy ghosts. The ground? A glorious mess of reds, yellows, and browns. It looks like tomorrow’s agenda will include one last leaf collection session. (Yes, I’m pretending this will actually be the last one. Please let the trees cooperate this time.) On the bright side, the bare branches mean winter is truly here, and hey, that’s one less thing to distract me from hitting the trail.

So here’s to 2024—its wins, its challenges, and even its messy leaf piles. And here’s to 2025, where the goals are bigger, the runs are faster (hopefully), and the trees are… well, someone else’s problem until fall rolls around again. Happy New Year!

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Crossing the Finish Line: My 1000K Running Journey

Written on December 28, 2024

Hello Dear Readers,

Today, I finally hit my big running goal for the year—drumroll, please—1000 kilometers! That’s a pretty satisfying number, even if it’s less than last year’s total. I’ve come to realize that running isn’t just about hitting numbers; it’s about the journey, the lessons learned along the way, and occasionally, the sweat-soaked, slightly embarrassing selfies that prove you were out there doing the thing.

This year, I shifted my focus to something new: speed. I wanted to improve my pace, and while it’s been a challenge, I’m proud of the strides I’ve made—pun absolutely intended. Running faster has a way of reminding you that progress isn’t always linear. Some days, you’re flying, and other days, let’s just say walking feels like a more viable option.

Now, let’s talk about summer, aka my arch-nemesis this year. It was hot. Not the “oh, it’s a little warm” kind of hot, but the “melting-the-soles-of-my-shoes” variety. And I’ll admit, I didn’t always feel like braving the heat. Laziness? Yes, it paid me a few visits, but can you blame me? The couch starts looking pretty appealing when the sun feels like it’s sitting in your driveway.

Thankfully, I found a way to adapt. Shifting my runs to early mornings worked wonders. There’s something magical about hitting the pavement while the world is still waking up. It’s quieter and cooler, and the sunrise is often its own reward. Plus, there’s a smug satisfaction in knowing you’ve already knocked out your run before most people have had their coffee.

Of course, my biggest hurdle this year wasn’t just the heat or the motivation dips—it was my body. Ever since my brain stroke, I’ve been dealing with a pesky little issue: my body no longer regulates temperature properly. This means external conditions like weather have an outsized impact on my running performance. It’s frustrating at times, but I’ve learned to listen to my body, adjust my pace, and embrace the idea that running is as much about resilience as it is about distance.

Looking ahead, I’m setting the same 1000K goal for 2025. Why mess with a good thing, right? Starting the year with a clear goal keeps me motivated and focused. The key is breaking it down into manageable chunks—one week, one run, one kilometer at a time. And when summer inevitably makes its sweaty return, I’ll be ready to greet it with those early morning runs. Sunrise runs are calling, and I’m already planning to answer.

Here’s to another year of chasing goals, battling the elements, and reminding myself that progress isn’t about perfection—it’s about persistence. So, 2025, let’s lace up and hit the ground running. Literally.

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Pushing Through Challenges: My Journey to 1000 Kilometers

Written December 13, 2024

reviewed 12/21

Hello Dear Readers,

It has nearly ended with my last-minute goal adjustments. The change was in effect only for one month, but it was more challenging than I initially thought. 

We are having chilly weather, which is my biggest obstacle these days. Seriously, running 10 km can be daunting. I don’t even remember how I managed it since I used to do it regularly last year. , even though

Today is chilly, so every breath hurts my nose as if I were eating horseradish or Wasabi. I don’t mind this type of nose shock when eating delicious food, but it is not as pleasant when trying to run 10 kilometers. Despite the chilly temperatures, I succeeded in completing my scheduled 10-kilometer run.

At this point,  I think I’ll only need to do one more week of 10km to achieve my 1000-kilometer goal for the year. I’m glad that I’ve already completed my speed goal for the year since I find it very difficult to run faster when I’m pacing myself for a 10k. Once I complete this goal, I will accomplish one or two. 

My general plan is to try for speed again next year and shave a minute off my time for a 5-kilometer run. It was difficult to shave off 1 minute this year, so I expected it would be difficult again. I am also considering doing more 10-kilometer runs than this year. A regular 10-kilometer run will help me increase my lung capacity. I will consult with my body and log all I can do. 

Before I had a brain stroke, the first year I started dating my wife, she introduced me to running. I was never a runner, but my wife introduced me to the Couch to 5k program. By the end of the program, I learned to jog 5k. Then, my sister started doing the Couch to 5k program. I stopped running, though.

This was my 2nd attempt at developing a serious running habit. I know how not to complete my running goals. While learning how to run in my 2nd effort, I realized something more substantial: consistency and persistence with your decisions. Don’t be a perfectionist when it comes to your goals. If you fail at doing it a day, return to it the next day. If you don’t do very well, then adjust your goal. Just be consistent with the goal. Even with some improvement, it can be significant after several years. 

I will consult my running with my wife and a friend to see if it makes sense or get their advice. For now, I will be happy that I am about to complete my 2nd running goal for the year.

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How I’m Navigating My Running Journey with an Interval Pace App

Written September 14, 2024

Hello Dear Readers,

Using an interval pace app has been a game-changer for my running routine. It provides a detailed view of my performance, allowing me to see exactly how I run at any moment. But it’s also revealed a lot about the inconsistency of my pace, which, to be honest, often feels like a roller coaster ride.

For example, during my first 5 km, I might be a few seconds slower than my target, but then I speed up in the next 5 km. I run two 5 km loops to complete 10 km, and I expect to maintain a steady pace throughout. However, maintaining a consistent speed for each interval is a real challenge, given the hilly terrain around my neighborhood. Despite these fluctuations, I recently achieved my fastest time since I started using this app last year, which was a satisfying milestone.

Several factors contribute to these ups and downs in my running performance:

1. Weather Conditions:

The weather significantly impacts my runs. I find it much harder to keep up my pace on hot days. Extreme cold can also slow me down, and strong winds can feel like running against a wall. However, I’ve noticed a considerable improvement in my running pace over the last few weeks as the weather has cooled. The heat affects me the most, draining my energy quickly. Running in more excellent conditions makes me feel lighter and more energetic, allowing me to push my limits further.

2. Emotional State:

My emotional state plays a massive role in my running performance. For instance, I was determined to improve my pace today, so I pushed myself harder during the second 5 km. I’ve been focusing a lot on improving my pace this year, and it’s paying off compared to last year. But this heightened focus can sometimes lead to overexertion, and balancing my drive to improve with my body’s signals is crucial. On days when I feel less motivated or distracted, I notice my pace tends to drop. It’s a reminder that running is as much a mental challenge as a physical one.

3. Physical Condition:

My body’s condition is perhaps the most significant factor influencing my runs. With a compromised kidney, I often feel drained, making it challenging to maintain a consistent schedule. I’ve set a rigid routine for my sleep and wake-up times to maximize my energy levels, but there are still days when fatigue takes over. Running low on energy can be tricky, but I’ve committed to my routine regardless of how I feel.

Muscle recovery is another challenge. Because I need to limit my protein intake, building and maintaining muscle is difficult, even with regular exercise. I’ve noticed that my muscles don’t recover as quickly, and I must be cautious not to overtrain. For example, I started my run today with a sore left calf muscle. I managed to complete my 10 km, but I could feel the strain more acutely afterward, especially when climbing stairs. This experience reminded me that while it’s essential to push myself, I also need to be mindful of my body’s signals to avoid injury.

Finding Balance and Perspective:

Setting a pace goal this year has been a significant step forward. Focusing on distance is easier because I can adjust my effort according to how I feel on any given day. But with pace, there’s an added layer of challenge that requires more consistency and effort. There are good days when I feel strong and manage to meet my goals, but there are also days when my body just doesn’t cooperate. It can be frustrating when I don’t see the progress I aim for, especially when my physical condition affects my performance.

My wife often reminds me to stay caught up in the daily results and to focus instead on the long-term trends. While the accessible version of my app doesn’t track data over multiple years, I can still see that my pace has been gradually improving since I started using it. It’s a reminder that progress isn’t always visible in the short term but can be seen over the weeks and months. I’m learning to be patient with myself and to celebrate the small victories along the way, knowing that each step, no matter how small, brings me closer to my goal.

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Stepping Up the Pace: My Journey to a Faster 5K

Written on Mar 5, 2024

Hello Dear Readers,

Sometimes, a day unfolds that’s just perfect for a run. That was the case yesterday when I tweaked my running routine a bit. I shortened the alert intervals to every quarter kilometer and ambitiously slashed my target pace by 10 seconds. Admittedly, I didn’t quite hit the new pace mark, but I still managed to outdo my speed from last week, which felt like a victory in itself. The frequent updates from my phone were surprisingly effective at keeping me motivated throughout.

I’ve recently set a new personal goal: I want to run a 5K faster than last year. My focus was merely on accumulating miles for a long time, so this shift toward speed has introduced some fresh challenges into my routine. It’s been tough, especially since I’ve struggled to consistently monitor my pace mid-run. However, a doctor of mine recommended the Asics running app, which has been a game changer.

The app is straightforward yet powerful. It nudges me every quarter kilometer if I need to catch up to my desired speed. This regular prompting has proven incredibly beneficial; it’s like having a personal coach in my ear, pushing me to dig deeper and pick up the pace. This kind of persistent encouragement will make all the difference as I work towards my goal.

I’m genuinely excited about this app’s potential to transform my running. As I continue using it, I’m eager to see how much faster I can get by the year’s end. With this tool, I’ll be able to look back and marvel at how much my pace has improved, thanks to a blend of technology and renewed personal commitment.