Four years can make a huge difference when it comes to running. In 2015, I ran the Hershey Half Marathon for the first time, only one year after my very first race, in just under two hours. This year, I ran it again after nearly 20 half marathons and six full marathons, focusing on improving my speed, and reduced my personal best for a half marathon, even on this hilly course in 1:40:20. I’ve got […]
After three years with my Garmin Vivoactive smartwatch, I decided it was time to graduate up to a more professional and full featured running watch. Going back to my Fitbit, I’ve enjoyed running with a smart device, but with each upgrade, have felt the need to add a bit more power. With the Fenix 6, I quickly discovered a ton of new features that help me push to become an even better runner. I’ll miss […]
One of my absolute favorite runs in the area I live is across the George Washington Bridge from New Jersey into New York. Every year, usually in peak marathon training time, I look forward to my first long run across the bridge, over state lines, and into New York City. No other run gives me as much opportunity to see such a diverse set of landscapes and amazing views. Probably known more for cycling than […]
As hard as it may be to believe, I haven’t always had the spindly build of a runner. I actually only began running a few years ago in an attempt to try to shrink my waistline when I couldn’t stand any other type of exercise. I certainly wasn’t a runner or even all that active as a kid. But I want to prevent my twins from becoming couch potatoes and encourage healthy habits, though I […]
Raising twins has never been easy, but as they grow into full on threenagers, the challenges of raising toddlers mount up. While most of the time involves countless laughs, fun family time, and goofing around together, there are plenty of tantrums, arguments over little things like which socks to wear, and being told to go away. These little things can’t ruin the fun times, but over time it can get quite difficult to maintain a […]
One of the nice parts about running is that compared to many sports, it really doesn’t require much gear. However, there are a few critical parts of running gear that can make a big difference. Once I found ones I liked, I’ve pretty much stuck with them. When running, especially long distances, you never want to be weighed down with too much stuff, so finding those few items that make the run more pleasant without […]
They say no marathon is ever easy, and it’s certainly true. Even with a fantastic training season where for the first time ever, I accomplished all of my long runs, even extending one to 21 miles and didn’t bail out on a single one, 26.2 miles still hurt. However, the London marathon was as close to perfect as could be for me. With amazing organization and a great course, the London Marathon should be high […]
It’s tapering time for the next three weeks before the London Marathon and that means it’s time to reflect on training and get ready for the race. The London Marathon will be my sixth marathon, 4/6 of the world major marathons, and my third international one. Though I’m still not completely sure they’ll actually let me in the country as there is still no deal for Brexit, I’m very excited for the race and to […]
My fifth marathon, the 2018 Berlin marathon, was finally the first time I didn’t feel like I was going to die by the end of 26.2 (it’s the .2 miles that will kill you) miles. Considering I felt the least prepared for it of any marathon I’ve run, it’s incredible that it ended up being my favorite, and the first time I actually want to run another right after. Between bad long runs, a lofty […]
With two weeks left until the Berlin Marathon, everyone wants to know if I’m ready. The problem is, I won’t really know until something like a few miles into the race on September 16. It certainly hasn’t been an easy training schedule with twin toddlers taking up more and more time, and there have been more than a few poor runs, but I think I’m pretty ready. As I lay on my back in the […]