Hi Paul, I need to say this. My husband, a Celtics die-hard, has been following you on twitter for years. He signed me up for this newsletter 1) because he was like "why not get more people reading it?" and 2) as a runner, he knew I would enjoy it. I have to say, you are a wonderfully welcome voice for us as everyday people-runners and I have honest appreciation for everything you're saying!
I have to point this quote out: "When we are running, when we’re out there, the only person we have to answer to is ourselves. That relationship is the most complex one I know."
On April 18, 2013 I had the unwelcome experience of having my right knee quite literally blow up underneath me. It led to two surgeries, the first being a complete reconstruction. The emotional impact of this, as someone who had been a runner for nearly 20 years at that point, who relied on running as the one passionate outlet that I called my own, was devastating to say the least.
After 5 months of physical therapy, I had to learn how to walk again and the only thing on my mind was that "I'm a runner, it's part of who I am, you can't take that from me." Eventually, after about a year of hard work, I was able to get back to it, albeit slowly.
My point is that every time I am out there struggling with connecting to my run or having a lead-leg day (as I call them), I have to remind myself to be kind. To remember that that complex relationship with myself doesn't need to be difficult. It can be encouraging, if I make it. I also remind myself that the hardest day I have running is far better than any day I had when I couldn't.
Be kind to yourself and keep giving us this wonderful content to explore. I've never been able to bring myself to an actual yoga class either.
Tracey, wow. Thanks for sharing that story. I'm in awe, seriously, and also humbled by your persevearence. Can I ask what happened? And thanks to your husband for recommending the newsletter. So happy to have you on board.
I wish there was a story that was interesting! We were at The Sinclair in Cambridge seeing a band play. I was just bouncing on my feet and it just exploded. Granted I had been pushing it pretty hard. I took no break after a March marathon and ran 30 miles for a friends 30th birthday the weekend prior, 14 that day and I wasn't letting up. I think it just gave up. Complete reconstruction, all ligaments torn and a repositioning of my kneecap among other things. The real story is that it was the night the manhunt for the marathon bombers started. We live in Watertown and St. E's sent us home with a painkiller prescription and a "see your ortho ASAP". One taxi driver bribe and a lie about where we going later and we got home. Unfortunately, that prescription couldn't be filled until long after the hospital pain killers wore off as we were locked down. So yeah, not really a story about the knee! HA
Last show I went to was at the Sinclair. That floor is like cement or something. Next day I could barely move from being on my feet. My wife and I were like, well guess we don't go to concerts anymore.
I'm clearly in a less frozen and snowy part of the country in Seattle, but I have had luck with runs in the 30s with a pair of Head gloves I picked up for $10 at Costco, which is a nice add on. The base layers and tights I had from being a bike commuter in Portland in the winter have held, and those were nice to remember I had.
My wife has been into yoga for a lot longer than I have but in the pandemic I started and do it now and again to relax and focus. We subscribe to an online library of lessons -- and while I don't use it as much as I would like to, it's still good to know it's there and I can stretch it out and clear my mind for 20-40 mins at a time.
Re: gloves, I've also had a hard time finding a pair I love. My body runs pretty hot and I sweat a lot, and I hate feeling damp in the back half of a run. But I had a pair of gloves where the seam ripped open across the palm, and I almost threw them out, but the rip ended up making a little vent, and now they're perfect for me for running in the 30s and 40s. Funny when things work out that way!
For cold-temp and especially windy races, a workaround I like to use is to wear a pair of nitrile/latex gloves after applying a little oil-based moisturizer/petroleum jelly to your hands; you can rollup the wrist collar as your body heats up and palms get sweaty; and dispense of them altogether in a pocket/waistband or water station trash receptacle if you don't think you'll need them again. Every person is different, of course, but for me, gloves are mainly to act like a windbreaker to the skin exposed at the top of the hand, especially the knuckles. Frankly, a more generous application of petroleum jelly by itself would probably be ideal except that it's messy and touching sunglasses and eyes (ouch) and brows where sweat brings it down into your eyes is painful; that said, I haven't tried Aquaphor but would imagine the protective barrier would evaporate quickly on any kind of run longer than an hour.
My first yoga class was recommended to me by a female coworker in San Francisco. I’m 6’6” and can’t get anywhere close to touching my toes. I was so awful at it (and the class was way too advanced for me) that in talking to the instructor after afterwards she thought I was a drug flashback.
my first yoga class took place at the HQ of bikram hot yoga (yes, THAT bikram) in LA a little over 10 years ago, where its instructor had a very interesting way of motivating its attendees -- he'd openly scold me, in front of the entire class, for not being able to get into one of the 36 positions its practitioners have been practicing for years, on. my. first. day.. this experience didn't make me abandon yoga entirely (i did swear off hot yoga of any kind), but i've always felt frustrated by its lack of well-defined steps to progress toward getting into certain positions (and my being as flexible as a 4x4, i need this for pretty much every single position), save some suggestions about how to modify them here and there.
Youtube, the pandemic, and having to practice alone has been a revelation. i've found that i'm more present, spending more time focusing on myself rather than worrying about how awful my poses may look. and, albeit not to the profound level as you, i truly appreciate how yoga makes me feel good (getting into the corpse pose at the end of every practice is just the best).
i do wish that i can meet an instructor that can help me with a plan to actually get better at yoga, not unlike how you'd have a plan to be able to run longer and faster.
I don't much about yoga, but that's an absurd way to teach anything. Yeesh. I would recommend Rebecca's classes. This may sound cliche, but I think yoga is more of a path than a plan. A good teacher can help you find your way.
Loving the newsletter. I'm definitely motivated to hit the woods as soon as I get my mileage up a bit (gotta make the run longer than the drive to the woods)
There is nothing worse than cold hands. My fingers and toes can get numb fast. For gloves I use almost any pair as mittens and make a fist. Keeping that skin on skin contact keeps my fingers warm. Now, what are your recommendations for toasty toes? Doubling up on socks doesn't always feel great. Have you find a brand of sock or shoe superior?
I'll occasionally join my wife for online yoga classes. I enjoy the focus and often get a "stretching high". I've made a habit of taking work breaks and doing some mobility mini workouts. Instagram has some great accounts that post 10 minute hip, upper back, and full body mobility routines. I've found an easy stretch at bedtime with some ambient music really helps me wind down and get to sleep fast.
Thanks for writing this newsletter. I'm really appreciating it.
Thank you for reading and the kind words.
Hi Paul, I need to say this. My husband, a Celtics die-hard, has been following you on twitter for years. He signed me up for this newsletter 1) because he was like "why not get more people reading it?" and 2) as a runner, he knew I would enjoy it. I have to say, you are a wonderfully welcome voice for us as everyday people-runners and I have honest appreciation for everything you're saying!
I have to point this quote out: "When we are running, when we’re out there, the only person we have to answer to is ourselves. That relationship is the most complex one I know."
On April 18, 2013 I had the unwelcome experience of having my right knee quite literally blow up underneath me. It led to two surgeries, the first being a complete reconstruction. The emotional impact of this, as someone who had been a runner for nearly 20 years at that point, who relied on running as the one passionate outlet that I called my own, was devastating to say the least.
After 5 months of physical therapy, I had to learn how to walk again and the only thing on my mind was that "I'm a runner, it's part of who I am, you can't take that from me." Eventually, after about a year of hard work, I was able to get back to it, albeit slowly.
My point is that every time I am out there struggling with connecting to my run or having a lead-leg day (as I call them), I have to remind myself to be kind. To remember that that complex relationship with myself doesn't need to be difficult. It can be encouraging, if I make it. I also remind myself that the hardest day I have running is far better than any day I had when I couldn't.
Be kind to yourself and keep giving us this wonderful content to explore. I've never been able to bring myself to an actual yoga class either.
Tracey, wow. Thanks for sharing that story. I'm in awe, seriously, and also humbled by your persevearence. Can I ask what happened? And thanks to your husband for recommending the newsletter. So happy to have you on board.
I wish there was a story that was interesting! We were at The Sinclair in Cambridge seeing a band play. I was just bouncing on my feet and it just exploded. Granted I had been pushing it pretty hard. I took no break after a March marathon and ran 30 miles for a friends 30th birthday the weekend prior, 14 that day and I wasn't letting up. I think it just gave up. Complete reconstruction, all ligaments torn and a repositioning of my kneecap among other things. The real story is that it was the night the manhunt for the marathon bombers started. We live in Watertown and St. E's sent us home with a painkiller prescription and a "see your ortho ASAP". One taxi driver bribe and a lie about where we going later and we got home. Unfortunately, that prescription couldn't be filled until long after the hospital pain killers wore off as we were locked down. So yeah, not really a story about the knee! HA
Last show I went to was at the Sinclair. That floor is like cement or something. Next day I could barely move from being on my feet. My wife and I were like, well guess we don't go to concerts anymore.
I'm clearly in a less frozen and snowy part of the country in Seattle, but I have had luck with runs in the 30s with a pair of Head gloves I picked up for $10 at Costco, which is a nice add on. The base layers and tights I had from being a bike commuter in Portland in the winter have held, and those were nice to remember I had.
My wife has been into yoga for a lot longer than I have but in the pandemic I started and do it now and again to relax and focus. We subscribe to an online library of lessons -- and while I don't use it as much as I would like to, it's still good to know it's there and I can stretch it out and clear my mind for 20-40 mins at a time.
That time is so valuable. I love running in the PNW and am dying to explore the trails out there.
Re: gloves, I've also had a hard time finding a pair I love. My body runs pretty hot and I sweat a lot, and I hate feeling damp in the back half of a run. But I had a pair of gloves where the seam ripped open across the palm, and I almost threw them out, but the rip ended up making a little vent, and now they're perfect for me for running in the 30s and 40s. Funny when things work out that way!
What a fortuitous happenstance!
For cold-temp and especially windy races, a workaround I like to use is to wear a pair of nitrile/latex gloves after applying a little oil-based moisturizer/petroleum jelly to your hands; you can rollup the wrist collar as your body heats up and palms get sweaty; and dispense of them altogether in a pocket/waistband or water station trash receptacle if you don't think you'll need them again. Every person is different, of course, but for me, gloves are mainly to act like a windbreaker to the skin exposed at the top of the hand, especially the knuckles. Frankly, a more generous application of petroleum jelly by itself would probably be ideal except that it's messy and touching sunglasses and eyes (ouch) and brows where sweat brings it down into your eyes is painful; that said, I haven't tried Aquaphor but would imagine the protective barrier would evaporate quickly on any kind of run longer than an hour.
that's a good one. Nice.
That's pretty good. I have a little tear in the convertibles that's just right for in-between weather. Ha.
7 miles in the snow as the sun set, even stumbled by some deer no further than 50 ft from me. Hard to beat.
Today was one of those days I live for. Calm, grey and cold. And quiet. I'd love to run into a deer!
Love that. Perfect.
My first yoga class was recommended to me by a female coworker in San Francisco. I’m 6’6” and can’t get anywhere close to touching my toes. I was so awful at it (and the class was way too advanced for me) that in talking to the instructor after afterwards she thought I was a drug flashback.
Running is easier, even at my size.
I miss the Bay Area.
WHOA! That's harsh!!
my first yoga class took place at the HQ of bikram hot yoga (yes, THAT bikram) in LA a little over 10 years ago, where its instructor had a very interesting way of motivating its attendees -- he'd openly scold me, in front of the entire class, for not being able to get into one of the 36 positions its practitioners have been practicing for years, on. my. first. day.. this experience didn't make me abandon yoga entirely (i did swear off hot yoga of any kind), but i've always felt frustrated by its lack of well-defined steps to progress toward getting into certain positions (and my being as flexible as a 4x4, i need this for pretty much every single position), save some suggestions about how to modify them here and there.
Youtube, the pandemic, and having to practice alone has been a revelation. i've found that i'm more present, spending more time focusing on myself rather than worrying about how awful my poses may look. and, albeit not to the profound level as you, i truly appreciate how yoga makes me feel good (getting into the corpse pose at the end of every practice is just the best).
i do wish that i can meet an instructor that can help me with a plan to actually get better at yoga, not unlike how you'd have a plan to be able to run longer and faster.
I don't much about yoga, but that's an absurd way to teach anything. Yeesh. I would recommend Rebecca's classes. This may sound cliche, but I think yoga is more of a path than a plan. A good teacher can help you find your way.
Loving the newsletter. I'm definitely motivated to hit the woods as soon as I get my mileage up a bit (gotta make the run longer than the drive to the woods)
There is nothing worse than cold hands. My fingers and toes can get numb fast. For gloves I use almost any pair as mittens and make a fist. Keeping that skin on skin contact keeps my fingers warm. Now, what are your recommendations for toasty toes? Doubling up on socks doesn't always feel great. Have you find a brand of sock or shoe superior?
I'll occasionally join my wife for online yoga classes. I enjoy the focus and often get a "stretching high". I've made a habit of taking work breaks and doing some mobility mini workouts. Instagram has some great accounts that post 10 minute hip, upper back, and full body mobility routines. I've found an easy stretch at bedtime with some ambient music really helps me wind down and get to sleep fast.
Big fan of DryMax socks for trail running. I was Balega for the roads.