83 Comments
Jun 26, 2020Liked by Terrell Johnson

I have 7 half marathons that I am registered for over the rest of 2020. I expect most if not all of these will be canceled. I have already had 3 halfs canceled already and I have deferred 2 others that were scheduled for later in the year.

I am going to approach the rest of 2020 to train harder than I have ever before. I want to go into 2021 in top condition so that if races are back in 2021 I can perform better than ever.

I am anticipating 15-18 half marathons and 2 marathons in 2021 and I will use 2020 to be ready for them.

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Jun 26, 2020Liked by Terrell Johnson

At the end of April, I was scheduled to run in the NJ Marathon. Like all other events, that was postponed in mid-March. It currently is still scheduled for mid-Nov and my hope is that does not change.

Since I was so far in my training for April, my plan was to continue and run my own personal marathon, but Covid had other plans for me. Spent end of March and most of April in the hospital (whole 9 yards, ventilator, ICU....). Afterwards it took several weeks just getting to walking, let alone running. Still getting checked out by specialists.

I'm back to the point where I can consistently run a 5K, albeit very slowly (was never that fast anyway). Body willing, I plan to work on my pace/distance so that I can cross the finish line.

Besides all the good will and prayers that came my way, I do credit the fact that I started down my running journey with saving my life. From a former couch-potato, that's saying a lot.

Stay safe out there!

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Jun 26, 2020Liked by Terrell Johnson

Thanks Terrell! Most of my planned races are canceled and my registration carried over to next year. Still officially on the books are Lake Washington half (November 7th) and Disney World Marathon (January 10, 2021). Even if they hold, I’m not sure I feel comfortable running them in uncertain COVID-19 times. I am using this time to back off the self imposed pressure to run faster or harder and instead refine my form (trying chi running), strengthening weak hips, and sneaking up on the mileage. I have a tendency to ambitiously sign up for races that are out of reach, go into them undertrained, and come out of them grateful for having survived the experience. Not a great long-term model for success:). In short I’m training with patience and compassion for the very first time. It feels a bit unusual but just what I need for this time. Is there such a thing as comfort food for the running soul? If so I think patience and compassion must be in the recipe.

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Jun 26, 2020Liked by Terrell Johnson

I live in Southern California and I'm hiking more and longer; finding low-traffic trails and as much open space as I can. I've cancelled all of the races I planned and paid for. If I can defer them then I do but if not, then I'll handle the loss. I stay close to family and friends (some virtually) and and try to remain calm amidst the uncertainty.

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Jun 26, 2020Liked by Terrell Johnson

I am running the Blue Ridge to the Beach challenge you listed in your newsletter the beginning of June. It is 475 miles from June 1 - Dec 1. It has been really motivating and fun to record my miles after each run, then see what place I am in. There is even a map that moves "me" along the course after adding my miles. The course goes through 8 cities in NC.

When out for a run now, I find myself pushing a little harder and not walking up a hill bc I want to keep my overall pace faster on the race results page (so your article about running slower sometimes was good timing).

I usually only sign up for 1 half in the fall and 1 in the spring. This is the first virtual event I've done. As long as I can stay injury free, I'll probably look for a longer challenge event like this one for the spring.

As for wearing a mask, I live out in the country and usually run on a farm road with no one around. I don't wear a mask to run.

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Jun 26, 2020Liked by Terrell Johnson

i've actually been enjoying the virtual race scene. i have no desire to run in any public races any time soon. there is just too much unknown right now. i am keeping up with my running and just enjoying being out there without anything major to train for. plus i love all the money i am saving!

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Jun 26, 2020Liked by Terrell Johnson

Yesterday I officially transferred my 2020 Berlin Marathon entry to 2021 as they finally cancelled the event this week. For the remainder of the year I plan to continue working on increasing my running base. My ankle is almost back to normal after fracturing it in December and I am running well. I have been working from home since March and now have an additional 2 hours in my day due to not commuting, so I have been able to run a little longer on my weekday runs and do a little more strength training. I have my eye on some small races that have yet to be cancelled and may run a small half in November as my goal race for later this year. I am using 2020 as a year to get into better shape by building more muscle and eating healthy. Hopefully when I run Berlin next year I will have a huge PR due to all of the good work I am doing this year.

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Jun 26, 2020Liked by Terrell Johnson

It's been a challenging few months for so many but I'm trying to run everyday either on my elliptical or outdoors. To be honest, whether it's walking with my sweet hound dog or running, it helps to keep spirits up. My daughter and I'd been training for The Flying Pig in May, due to the virus it was moved to October. The race directors were very creative in giving us options; we could run it in October, defer to run it next yr or in '22, or run it virtually on the original date. As for the masks, when biking or running I don't wear a mask, but my son's an ICU RN, and in the beginning of all of this he recommended a mask in stores and while working until we know a WHOLE lot more about COVID-19. Advice taken!

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Jun 26, 2020Liked by Terrell Johnson

I had planned on no racing in 2020. I came off a very difficult full marathon in November and just wanted to run about 20-25 miles per week, in case I wanted to run a specific race. I signed up for a local HM for the end of March, which has been rescheduled for later in the race. I will not run the rescheduled date. Running is therapeutic for me, so I want to keep it that way, rather than feel tied to down to a 12, 16, 18 week plan to train for a race. My races are generally longer distances.

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Jun 26, 2020Liked by Terrell Johnson

I lived in Pueblo West next to the State Park and DOW lands, so I running trials away from most folks. First thing in the morning with my running bud Zeus a 45 pound labdoodle. Looking to do the Moab Half in October, even though have signed up for others sooner. It does make my life better to run. Currently on a running streak of at least a mile a day for the last 4 months.

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Jun 26, 2020Liked by Terrell Johnson

My dream as far as running is concerned is to run the Marine Corps Marathon. I was fortunate enough to get chosen in their lottery this year, but earlier this week I made the choice to defer to 2021 and run the 2020 virtually. I had already decided that if the MCM was cancelled, I would train to run from my house in Monterey Park (suburb of L.A.) to my daughter’s in Long Beach using the bike path along the L. A. River. Not sure what the exact mileage is, but it is at least 22 miles. Now, I will still do that but make sure I make it 26.2 and make that my MCM virtual. Keeping my fingers crossed for 2021!

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Jun 26, 2020Liked by Terrell Johnson

I was hoping to do the Portland marathon in October and the California International marathon in December, but even if those runs are not canceled I don’t think I’m going to feel comfortable running them. So for the remainder of 2020 I’m going to continue to run solo. I’m also road biking more now and I’m enjoying doing that.

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Jun 26, 2020Liked by Terrell Johnson

At this point I don't have specific goals. I was training for the SF half but it got pushed back, and to be honest I'm not really sure it's even going to happen. My goal is just to continue running consistently.

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Jun 26, 2020Liked by Terrell Johnson

My goal for the summer is to run a 50K, which I will do on my own. I am also hoping to run the MCM again this year. The race is still on, but they are offering a virtual race option and setting the maximum time to 12 minutes per mile. A cancellation would be a shame. It's a great race.

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Jun 26, 2020Liked by Terrell Johnson

I am looking to get a treadmill and work on my running stride. I currently run in place and though I can run pretty long distances in place when I go run outside I can't run as far. My goal is to eventually run a 5k outside. Eventually, I would like to train for a half marathon.

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Jun 26, 2020Liked by Terrell Johnson

So question: this may have been asked in a previous post and if so, I apologize, but does everyone mask while they run outdoors?

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Jun 27, 2020Liked by Terrell Johnson

We have been handling the pandemic well here in BC Canada. We have great leadership Dr. Bonnie Henry (worth looking up). As long as we can stay 6' apart while outside, we don't require a mask. Only where that is not possible. People on the trails and sidewalks are very courteous and everyone complies. Life is different.

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Jun 27, 2020Liked by Terrell Johnson

In life, or at least my home's life, we are hoping to finish the exterior reconstruction and landscaping. It's been a 10+ year journey that SIP has helped decrease. In running I am happy that we are doing this plan together. I had been having a hard time getting in to the rhythm of running regularly due my crazy work hours, but I now have made the running schedule a priority and am doing great! On top of staying on the running schedule I also have a goal of "closing all 3 rings" on my activity app for the month of June (and hopefully beyond).. 27 days and counting so far =)

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Jun 26, 2020Liked by Terrell Johnson

My goal is to go from sub 2hr half marathons to sub 4hr full marathons. I will take this time to build my distance up running at my easy pace. Then once I have the distance I will work on bringing my speed up. It has taken me 8 months to come back from an abductor strain. In that time I started cross training more and signed up for a triathlon only to have it canceled. I now can work on my number one sport of running and secondly maintaining for triathlon cross training. I really don't have to look hard to find a new challenge or a new trail to explore. The hard part is consistency and not over doing it. I just am addicted to the way it makes me feel.

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My goal and plan every year is to run a half marathon every month. Last year, I completed 16 of them and I am trying to maintain that level in 2020. I love how the race directors are starting to get creative, like the Zion at night half marathon. Doing the courses are so much more fun, than running at home in a virtual race. When my races and training are in the same place, it can get harder to keep the excitement level high. I would love to hear what other s are doing.

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I don’t wear a mask when I’m outside running, biking, or walking around my neighborhood. It’s just too darned hot in Vegas & I don’t encounter many people lately. (It’s also 5:45am when I start, so only a crazy person like me would be out that early.)

I have 2 half marathons scheduled in Southern Utah this fall & both are still on! I’m excited!

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Step one was this morning. I ran my first real race since February - the Jackson Valley 10k. Nice flat, straight course and excellent Covid control by the run staff. It was my diagnostic for the way ahead, and the challenges of the last four months really showed. I was humbled by how far I have declined since February.

Step two starts Monday. Now that my gym has opened I will get my program back on schedule.

Step three starts in September. I have four runs scheduled- the Marine Corps Half in September at Camp Lejeune, the Niagra Falls Half in October in Ontario, the Charlotte NC Half in November, and the Busch Gardens Williamsburg Christmas Town 8k in December. All are still scheduled, and I hope they remain open.

Now that I have something to train for it will be easier to stay on the path of righteousness.

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Trust the training...trust the process. Trying to stay half marathon ready. Joined MK Fleming's program after listening to your podcast. It helps to have another eternal source pushing and holding you accountable. Like everyone, I miss the thrill of the big crowds...in the big races.

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deletedJun 26, 2020Liked by Terrell Johnson
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