In 2013, when I was 43, I set a PR in the half iron triathlon distance by nearly 15 minutes. Less than a year later I set PR’s in the 5K and half marathon distance. Having consistently participated in triathlons and running events for nearly 10 years at that point, I was proud to be faster at 43 than I was at 33. However, after so much emphasis on racing, I refocused my energies more towards work and family. Now, at 47 I’m finding it hard to get back to where I used to be. I could have certainly eaten better, slept better and trained better these past few years but, the reality is that if not now, soon, I will have to accept the inevitable effects of aging. During one intended hard effort on the trail, I was surprised to see my pace as slow as it was. Sure, I was just getting back into dedicated training but, it dawned on me that I might not get back down to the pace I was running at 43. I think I can but, still, it made me think. If the driving force of a PR is no longer available to me, why run? My future answer to that is: I don’t know. My current answer to that is: Media Escape.
Over the past few months, I’ve come to learn one thing— social media and news sites and stations stress me out! It is a certainty something will air, or I’ll see a meme, or read a comment and it will tick me off. I’m certain there is a lot of positive news but, the big news feed algorithm in the sky seems to be preventing me from seeing it. Now more than ever, I need an escape from media. So, I run. No matter what mood I’m in when I start running I always feel better and more positive afterwards. While an upcoming half ironman is certainly a good reason to run, I have to admit that my real reason to run these days is to escape a barrage media messages and preserve my sanity. In this issue of Endurance Magazine, we focus on what motivates people to run. Be sure to check out our “Reason to Run” features in the issue.
If your reason to run is simply an upcoming race be sure to read our nutrition article, “How to Fuel for Your Best 5K and 10K Running Race”. In this article, Chris Newport reminds us that even though these are relatively short distances, you should not overlook your strategy for fueling. We also feature a great article that goes hand-in-hand with fueling up for your race: proper nutrition for after your race. Kirstie Linza and Ashley Acornley team up to share their tips on pre- and post-race nutrition for runners. We wrap up our nutrition section this month with another great recipe from Brandon McDearis. If you’re tired of the same old roasted cauliflower recipe you’ll definitely want to check this one out— McDearis really turns up the flavor profile with his roasted curried cauliflower recipe.
In addition to our great features on running this month, we also feature some great swimming content. Now, if swimming makes you think about the same old drudgery in between the lane lines at the pool think again! Coach and swimmer Dana MacCorquodale shares a great story about getting started in marathon open water swimming. Marathon open water swimming is a sport brought about by those who want to lose the shackles of swimming in a pool. If that sounds like you then you’re are in luck! We have the perfect article to get you started! And, to help motivate you even more, MacCorquodale, shares a great story about an awesome open water swimmer, too!
Be sure to check out all of our other great exercise and training articles this month as well as our annual spring shoe review guide, too!
