Awesome reading about your running journey, Jenn! Something that made a huge difference in my running training was taking up masters swimming at Julie's urging. I found that it substantially increased my lung capacity even though I only did it on Mondays and Friday's. In my 50s I ran with a group of guys that averaged 20+ years younger than me who really pushed me. Before taking up the swimming, conversation while doing long training runs was not an easy thing with these guys. Not only did swimming make training conversation much easier, but I was able to knock over twelve minutes off my half-marathon time and reach a goal to run a sub-1:30 time.
Wow that is awesome about your swimming cross training. You must be a fast runner to run a sub 1:30. My fastest was around 2:06. No speed back then when I was running half-marathons. Thank you for your kind words.
Great article Jenn. There's definitely something about being a little older that makes you more appreciative of the experiences you have, whether they are an iconic race or just a hard training session. Even if you fully expect to run for another 30 years, there's that little voice reminding you that you never know. Also a good reminder that its even more important to push yourself, challenge yourself and not just play it safe, whether that's on training or in the races and experiences you choose.
Thank you so much Jenn!! I'm honored to toe the line and run for so many who aren't able to. One mile at a time...I needed this reminder. Have you run this ultra?
Jenn, your story is so important for others to hear for several reasons. One, running really is beneficial (more so than hiking) for cardio fitness; also, you can start run-walking by feel, with no fancy gear—just try adding a little running! And, you can start later in life even if you though you disliked running or weren't cut out for it. Bravo! I hope you have a chance to check out my book sometime and add it to your library: it's "The Trail Runner's Companion: A Step-by-Step Guide to Trail Running and Racing, from 5Ks to Ultras." It is similar in methodology to Koop's books but much less complex, and it focuses on transitioning from road to trail and graduating to ultra distances. My goal in writing it was to distill all my coaching wisdom so that others could self-coach, and to have a readable how-to book that included storytelling. Anyway, sorry for the shameless plug. I applaud your running and all the other activities you do too!
I just added your book to the list of resources - a great addition for those reasons you mention. When I started training for my first ultra about 10 years ago, I used a few of Koop's training plans he made available for UltraRunning Magazine subscribers. Of course, I had to adjust them for more recovery.....and I have read many of your UR columns over the years.....so glad we connected here.
That is some fantastic discipline and some great achievements! I used to get terrible tendonitis over my kneecap whenever I ran over 1 mile. But then, I broke my knee and couldn't run at all for 7 months. I rehabbed by slowly building up my running using the Maffetone principle- steady HR at 180-age and slowly building time/distance/speed. The tendonitis completely resolved and I now run or ruck several times per week. Don't think I'll be signing up for any ultra's though!
"I came to the realization that the cardiovascular benefits of running could help get me in better shape for what I really wanted to do - ski, hike, backpack, paddle."
That line really stood out to me because I'm finding myself in that part of my running journey right now. I've spent more hours than I'd like to count plodding away on the treadmill this year for the purpose of getting stronger for backpacking trips and volunteer trailwork. But as running is becoming a habit for me, I've started thinking more about running for running's sake. I used to run a yearly trail race (just a 5k to support a park) and have been thinking about trying a higher mileage race this next year--definitely not an ultra, but maybe a 10k!
The cardio benefits of running are excellent - and as I get older, I feel that running has helped me to "stay" younger and still be able to do other activities - hiking, skiing and so on. I focus more now on recovery - and do not run as much. I listen to my body much more now and take more days off.
Thank you very much for your comments. It was definitely an exhausting journey - I was very goal-directed at the time. Not sure I would do it again but I not regret it at all. I learned a lot about myself and how I can push myself.
Thank you Ian for your compliments. Being an older runner, I had to focus on recovery - listen to my body - eat enough and hope for the best that I could run another good race. Like you said, you never know unless you try.
The Maffetone principle is similar to what I am using now - training by my heart rate. I think running/rucking is excellent preparation for backpacking and hiking. Thank you for your kind words - it was definitely a lot of work but I was motivated. Not sure about that now......
Wow, this is so inspiring, Jenn! So much to learn here about perseverance. I stopped running about five years ago due to hip joint issues. And while I do a lot of strength training these days, I have never found anything as good to improve my cardiovascular endurance.
It's inspiring to read about your accomplishments as a runner, and how you've developed a robust knowledge and philosophy about running. It's also really awesome that running has been a family affair, and you're able to share the joy and challenges of running with those you love!
Thank you for your kind words. A positive mindset helps. You will never know until you try.
Awesome reading about your running journey, Jenn! Something that made a huge difference in my running training was taking up masters swimming at Julie's urging. I found that it substantially increased my lung capacity even though I only did it on Mondays and Friday's. In my 50s I ran with a group of guys that averaged 20+ years younger than me who really pushed me. Before taking up the swimming, conversation while doing long training runs was not an easy thing with these guys. Not only did swimming make training conversation much easier, but I was able to knock over twelve minutes off my half-marathon time and reach a goal to run a sub-1:30 time.
Wow that is awesome about your swimming cross training. You must be a fast runner to run a sub 1:30. My fastest was around 2:06. No speed back then when I was running half-marathons. Thank you for your kind words.
Great article Jenn. There's definitely something about being a little older that makes you more appreciative of the experiences you have, whether they are an iconic race or just a hard training session. Even if you fully expect to run for another 30 years, there's that little voice reminding you that you never know. Also a good reminder that its even more important to push yourself, challenge yourself and not just play it safe, whether that's on training or in the races and experiences you choose.
Wow! You are an inspiration. It takes a lot of dedication to train and run that often and that long. I truly admire your hard work!
Thank you for your kind words.
My husband is my biggest fan - I could not have done all of this without him. ❤️
Thank you so much Jenn! This was so helpful to read as I prepare for my first 50 miler this Saturday!!
This Saturday! I am so excited for you. The JFK is such an iconic 50 miler. Take it one mile at at time - enjoy the journey. You will do great.
Thank you so much Jenn!! I'm honored to toe the line and run for so many who aren't able to. One mile at a time...I needed this reminder. Have you run this ultra?
Jenn, your story is so important for others to hear for several reasons. One, running really is beneficial (more so than hiking) for cardio fitness; also, you can start run-walking by feel, with no fancy gear—just try adding a little running! And, you can start later in life even if you though you disliked running or weren't cut out for it. Bravo! I hope you have a chance to check out my book sometime and add it to your library: it's "The Trail Runner's Companion: A Step-by-Step Guide to Trail Running and Racing, from 5Ks to Ultras." It is similar in methodology to Koop's books but much less complex, and it focuses on transitioning from road to trail and graduating to ultra distances. My goal in writing it was to distill all my coaching wisdom so that others could self-coach, and to have a readable how-to book that included storytelling. Anyway, sorry for the shameless plug. I applaud your running and all the other activities you do too!
I just added your book to the list of resources - a great addition for those reasons you mention. When I started training for my first ultra about 10 years ago, I used a few of Koop's training plans he made available for UltraRunning Magazine subscribers. Of course, I had to adjust them for more recovery.....and I have read many of your UR columns over the years.....so glad we connected here.
That’s so nice, thank you!
That is some fantastic discipline and some great achievements! I used to get terrible tendonitis over my kneecap whenever I ran over 1 mile. But then, I broke my knee and couldn't run at all for 7 months. I rehabbed by slowly building up my running using the Maffetone principle- steady HR at 180-age and slowly building time/distance/speed. The tendonitis completely resolved and I now run or ruck several times per week. Don't think I'll be signing up for any ultra's though!
"I came to the realization that the cardiovascular benefits of running could help get me in better shape for what I really wanted to do - ski, hike, backpack, paddle."
That line really stood out to me because I'm finding myself in that part of my running journey right now. I've spent more hours than I'd like to count plodding away on the treadmill this year for the purpose of getting stronger for backpacking trips and volunteer trailwork. But as running is becoming a habit for me, I've started thinking more about running for running's sake. I used to run a yearly trail race (just a 5k to support a park) and have been thinking about trying a higher mileage race this next year--definitely not an ultra, but maybe a 10k!
The cardio benefits of running are excellent - and as I get older, I feel that running has helped me to "stay" younger and still be able to do other activities - hiking, skiing and so on. I focus more now on recovery - and do not run as much. I listen to my body much more now and take more days off.
A great resources list, and an inspiring story!
I run. But I am also not a natural runner or built for speed. Reading about your journey helps me see what’s possible.
I liked reading about your approach to improving your running, Jenn.
For me, my go-to activity is hiking as well. I find it's a great way to reset mentally and physically after a week of sitting behind a desk.
Thank you for your comments. Hiking is my go to also. I love being out in the woods.
Thank you very much for your comments. It was definitely an exhausting journey - I was very goal-directed at the time. Not sure I would do it again but I not regret it at all. I learned a lot about myself and how I can push myself.
Thank you Ian for your compliments. Being an older runner, I had to focus on recovery - listen to my body - eat enough and hope for the best that I could run another good race. Like you said, you never know unless you try.
The Maffetone principle is similar to what I am using now - training by my heart rate. I think running/rucking is excellent preparation for backpacking and hiking. Thank you for your kind words - it was definitely a lot of work but I was motivated. Not sure about that now......
Wow, this is so inspiring, Jenn! So much to learn here about perseverance. I stopped running about five years ago due to hip joint issues. And while I do a lot of strength training these days, I have never found anything as good to improve my cardiovascular endurance.
It's inspiring to read about your accomplishments as a runner, and how you've developed a robust knowledge and philosophy about running. It's also really awesome that running has been a family affair, and you're able to share the joy and challenges of running with those you love!