I was looking through my year in review on Strava, Im up 32% over all from last year. Just because Im ahead doesn't mean its time to quit. It time to see how far I can carry the boats. Let go!!!!
I absolutely agree: discipline is key, and knowing your “why” makes all the difference. I started running in May 2023, gradually building up while incorporating strength training. Over the course of 5-6 months, I lost 25 kg (55 pounds). In December 2024, I ran my first marathon - not with a great time, but I finished. After that, I completed my first 100 km (62 miles) road ultra in March 2024, followed by my first 50 km trail ultra in June 2024, and then ran my second marathon just a month ago. Why do I push myself? Because I was overweight, unhealthy, and not the role model I wanted to be for my kids. I decided to change that. I want them to believe that nothing is impossible and that discipline can overcome any challenge. When my son comes home from school and says, “Dad, it’s hard,” I remind him of the 100 km ultra I finished, even after my TFL (Tensor Fasciae Latae) injury flared up at the 25 km mark. I didn’t accept a DNF because my “why” kept me going. I had promised my kids I’d come back with the finisher medal and T-shirt, and there was no way I wouldn’t keep that promise! My kids are my inspiration, and I want to be theirs.
Consistency has not been easy for me this year. Since my back pain has been an issue since February, I've have not done many races this year but I have still been moving. I ran a trail marathon, got an age group medal, ran my first beer mile, and ran a Spartan Beast race. I have had some good times but not as many as I would have liked just because the miles have not been where they have been in the past. I'm starting off 2025 with a trail half marathon that I have been doing almost every year since I started running. I know it's not going to be my fastest but it's always a fun race and I see a lot of my local running friends. Over the past few months, I've been getting asked by more and more people around my small town if I am still running. I have to tell them I get most of my miles in at the gym at work now because that's when I have the time to run the shorter distances. Next year, I'm going to spend more time outside running around my community seeing the people I used to see all the time. Even if it's only for a few miles a day and a longer time running on the weekend for less miles than a usual long run, I'll still be outside enjoying Mother Nature and motivating others that see me out there and want to do the same. That's my goal as a fifty-two year old runner.
Yeah, that was the hardest thing for me to transition to to be consistent… It seems you’re doing well with and that’s the get out and do what you can. Years ago I would just not run if I couldn’t get the full run in and now I definitely don’t do that lol.
I started running again last year. The last time I really ran was back in 2013 when I trained for and ran the Eugene Marathon. I've always wanted to start running again but had other focuses that took away my desire to push myself in that area. I was 255 in June when I started running again. I'm at around 235 now. I just finished the Frozen Trail 25k in Eugene, Oregon last weekend. I turned 49 yesterday. I'm slow, but my Zone 2 base is building well. As I continue to lighten up I'm sure I will get faster. No rush. Enjoying the journey. Semper Fi 1993-1997- 0311 Infantry. Planning to do the McKenzie River Trail Run 50K in June of 2025.
This year was work, work, non running related injuries, sickness, and more work. I'm making 2025 my year of the 100... 100k, 100 mile. Things will get busy again in 2026 with my horse finally mature enough to train for endurance races, so this is the last year I can (try to) prioritize ultras. I REFUSE to just sit on the sofa getting old... Jan 1st, my training block begins... bring on the 100!
I was looking through my year in review on Strava, Im up 32% over all from last year. Just because Im ahead doesn't mean its time to quit. It time to see how far I can carry the boats. Let go!!!!
Leeeettttttsss goooooooo💪🏼
I absolutely agree: discipline is key, and knowing your “why” makes all the difference.
I started running in May 2023, gradually building up while incorporating strength training. Over the course of 5-6 months, I lost 25 kg (55 pounds). In December 2024, I ran my first marathon - not with a great time, but I finished.
After that, I completed my first 100 km (62 miles) road ultra in March 2024, followed by my first 50 km trail ultra in June 2024, and then ran my second marathon just a month ago.
Why do I push myself? Because I was overweight, unhealthy, and not the role model I wanted to be for my kids. I decided to change that. I want them to believe that nothing is impossible and that discipline can overcome any challenge.
When my son comes home from school and says, “Dad, it’s hard,” I remind him of the 100 km ultra I finished, even after my TFL (Tensor Fasciae Latae) injury flared up at the 25 km mark. I didn’t accept a DNF because my “why” kept me going. I had promised my kids I’d come back with the finisher medal and T-shirt, and there was no way I wouldn’t keep that promise!
My kids are my inspiration, and I want to be theirs.
Great comment!
Consistency has not been easy for me this year. Since my back pain has been an issue since February, I've have not done many races this year but I have still been moving. I ran a trail marathon, got an age group medal, ran my first beer mile, and ran a Spartan Beast race. I have had some good times but not as many as I would have liked just because the miles have not been where they have been in the past. I'm starting off 2025 with a trail half marathon that I have been doing almost every year since I started running. I know it's not going to be my fastest but it's always a fun race and I see a lot of my local running friends. Over the past few months, I've been getting asked by more and more people around my small town if I am still running. I have to tell them I get most of my miles in at the gym at work now because that's when I have the time to run the shorter distances. Next year, I'm going to spend more time outside running around my community seeing the people I used to see all the time. Even if it's only for a few miles a day and a longer time running on the weekend for less miles than a usual long run, I'll still be outside enjoying Mother Nature and motivating others that see me out there and want to do the same. That's my goal as a fifty-two year old runner.
Yeah, that was the hardest thing for me to transition to to be consistent… It seems you’re doing well with and that’s the get out and do what you can. Years ago I would just not run if I couldn’t get the full run in and now I definitely don’t do that lol.
Not sure how many ultras I got left but this last one wasn't the last one.
You do them until you can’t! I’m thinking they all don’t have to be 100s 😂
I started running again last year. The last time I really ran was back in 2013 when I trained for and ran the Eugene Marathon. I've always wanted to start running again but had other focuses that took away my desire to push myself in that area. I was 255 in June when I started running again. I'm at around 235 now. I just finished the Frozen Trail 25k in Eugene, Oregon last weekend. I turned 49 yesterday. I'm slow, but my Zone 2 base is building well. As I continue to lighten up I'm sure I will get faster. No rush. Enjoying the journey. Semper Fi 1993-1997- 0311 Infantry. Planning to do the McKenzie River Trail Run 50K in June of 2025.
Best of luck in 2025!
My strava was depressing, 50% less mileage than 2023. Been rebuilding the last couple of months, gonna smash it starting this week 🙌
Best of luck, you got this💪🏼
This year was work, work, non running related injuries, sickness, and more work. I'm making 2025 my year of the 100... 100k, 100 mile. Things will get busy again in 2026 with my horse finally mature enough to train for endurance races, so this is the last year I can (try to) prioritize ultras. I REFUSE to just sit on the sofa getting old... Jan 1st, my training block begins... bring on the 100!
lets gooooooooo!