Tag: Summer Running

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Breaking in the Run: My First 10K in a Month with New Running Shoes

Written August 30, 2025

Hello Dear Readers,

I’ve learned something important this summer: never trust August weather. One day I’m bundled up like it’s early fall, the next day I’m back in shorts, soaking up some surprisingly friendly sun. Thankfully, I’d checked the forecast, so I wasn’t ambushed by the temperature swing this time. Weather report: 1, wardrobe malfunction: 0.

The real hero of today’s story? My running shoes. After a couple of awkward weeks getting to know each other (and by “awkward,” I mean limping after every run), the new pair finally broke in. Hallelujah. I’d been cautiously tiptoeing my way through shorter runs, treating them like high-stakes negotiations with my ankles. Today, though? I laced up with confidence and set out for my first 10K in nearly a month.

The weather was ideal—just the right balance between “please don’t roast me” and “am I a human popsicle?” And somehow, the energy I thought had abandoned me came back with a vengeance. I didn’t hit my pace goal, but after weeks of skipping or cutting runs short, simply finishing 10 kilometers felt like a glorious comeback tour.

One of the best things about these shoes (same model as my old ones, by the way) is how magical they feel once they’re broken in. It’s like a Cinderella moment—if the glass slipper had arch support and cushioned soles. I logged today’s run in my app, and the mileage is still light, which is fine. I’d rather be cautious than come limping back with an injury.

I’ve noticed something curious ever since I started tracking my shoe usage: I go through pairs faster than I go through excuses not to run. And oddly, every single time, the outside cushion of my left shoe wears out first. My wife says it’s the opposite of how she runs. I suspect my left foot is trying to live its best rebellious life, supinating like a rock star while the right one follows the rules.

Anyway, the important part is—I made it. I completed my 10K. No ankle drama. No new blisters. Just a slow but satisfying return to form. I’m feeling good about this week’s runs, and now that my shoes aren’t plotting my downfall, maybe I’ll finally hit that target pace.

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Peaches, Pastries, and Pace Goals: A Juicy Detour in Brentwood

Written Jun 21, 2025

Hello Dear Readers,

This morning took a delicious little detour—we headed to the Brentwood farmers market on a noble mission: peaches. Not just any peaches, mind you—these are the golden globes of summer that end up as jam, chutney, or occasionally, eaten straight over the sink like a juicy criminal.

You see, I’m a peach addict. Last year’s supply of peach jam mysteriously vanished (into my mouth), so naturally, I needed a refill. Sadly, we missed strawberry season this year due to the Great Renovation Saga of 2025, but peaches? Peaches, we were not going to miss.

Nashville has its fair share of farmers markets, including one practically in our backyard. But we went with the Brentwood market—not quite the Broadway of produce, but charming, local, and most importantly, peach-rich.

Once our peach haul was secure, I made a strategic pit stop at a nearby bakery. I may have walked in for a quick peek… and walked out with a donut named “King Kong.” Why King Kong? Because it had bacon. On a donut. I also snagged a lemon custard one for good measure—because balance, right?

My wife, however, watched this sugary acquisition with the same expression people reserve for horror movie trailers. She’s not a fan of pastries. Or bacon. Apparently, once she hit her twenties, her stomach filed a restraining order against greasy foods. More donuts for me, then!

My plan? Save these beauties as a post-run prize. I’ve been struggling to keep my weight up lately, and let’s be honest—bacon donuts are basically a fitness supplement… if you squint and ignore all common sense.

Speaking of peach jam, last year’s batch was a science experiment. Unlike strawberries, peaches don’t come naturally pectin-packed. So, my wife got crafty—lemon juice, lemon peel, apple slices, cinnamon, and brown sugar (less than the usual saccharine suspects call for). She’s the MacGyver of canning. Canning safety, she says, is not a game. (Her exact words: “This is not a Pinterest project, it’s microbiology.”)

This year, though, life got busy. So instead of an instant jam session, she boiled and peeled the peaches, then froze them for a future day of sticky, sweet alchemy.

The only downside to this fruity side quest? It delayed my run by two hours. And in Nashville, a two-hour delay in summer basically means running on the sun. I started with my usual 5k, then decided to keep going until I either hit my target pace time or keeled over. Luckily, the pace gods smiled on me, and I nailed my goal at 7k. Victory—and donuts—awaited.

Moral of the story: Never underestimate the motivational power of fruit, sugar, and just a dash of bacon.

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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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How To Deal With Summer Run

Written 6/30/2024

reviewed 7/21

Hello Dear Readers,

I’ve adjusted my daily routine, particularly regarding my running schedule. After the last lab results, this was more of a necessary course of action. Typically, I hit the pavement in the afternoons. Still, with the steaming summer heat in Nashville proving both humid and intense, I’ve shifted my runs to the early mornings. I plan to maintain this change until the next time change on November 3, 2024.

The necessity to modify my routine stems primarily from my health. I manage a challenging kidney condition that frequently leaves me fatigued and makes physical activity more strenuous than it used to be. Staying well-hydrated is crucial for my condition, and last week, we concluded that I need to significantly increase my water intake to sustain my kidney functions. 

You can no longer compromise when you have very few kidney functions. I have to be totally committed to improving my kidneys. I’ve worked on this for nearly a decade and improved my kidney to level 3 from level 5. I know it is working. 

Suppose the hotter environment requires me to drink more to be adequately hydrated. I need to change the external environment in which I run. As we know, I am not a weather wizard who can magically change the actual weather; I just need to work around my schedule. Running in the cooler morning temperatures helps me meet these hydration needs more effectively, as I tend to sweat less than I would in the sweltering heat of the day.

My experience yesterday morning confirmed the wisdom of this adjustment. Running early in the cooler weather was markedly more pleasant. My wife prefers to complete most of her chores in the morning, including her own runs. She has often mentioned shifting her schedule to dodge the oppressive heat, which significantly impacts her running pace.

Having cooler rest days is an added benefit. At least, the weather will continue to trend towards more bearable temperatures next week. It’s been an exceptionally hot summer here in Nashville. Although it’s still June, and today marks the month’s end, we have two – three more months of heat to anticipate.

Adjusting my routine aligns better with the seasonal conditions. It supports my health needs, making each step on my morning runs easier on my body. It’s a reminder of the small, daily choices we can make to significantly improve our quality of life, even amid challenging health conditions.