One of my favorite quotes comes from T.S. Eliot. It reads, “Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.”
Continue reading “Too Far?”
Category: Running/Marathons
Always Striving To Be Better!
I don’t know the last time I ever ran ten miles in under ninety minutes, but it was a long time ago.
Guys in their mid-fifties aren’t supposed to be this fast.
As I ran today, I zoomed past lightning. He couldn’t keep up.
***
It feels great to work diligently toward a goal, any goal, and to achieve it. I didn’t think I’d ever be this fast again.
But here’s the thing about goals… once you get there, there’s always the next one. There is always a new mountain to climb – always something else to strive for.
Continue reading “Always Striving To Be Better!”
We Don’t Have To Slow Down
I am well into my 16-week marathon training program.
Continue reading “We Don’t Have To Slow Down”
Running and Writing
Writing and running.
Running and writing.
My mind is full of words and sayings that are helping to continue to push me ever forward…
My personality is such that I can’t help but set goals, push to reach them, and then dream of bigger and greatest things.
“They say I’m a dreamer, but I’m the only one…” (John Lennon)
“Good is the enemy of great.” (Jim Collins)
“Good enough, never is.” (Debbi Fields)
In just over fifteen weeks, I will be running the Pittsburgh Marathon (with my son Ryan).
Continue reading “Running and Writing”
A Smart Choice
In 2022, I determined to run every single day for a calendar year. I set out on January 1 and I ran each and every day.
I set a lofty goal, and then, through perseverance, determination, tenacity, and will, I accomplished that goal.
I ran 1,700 miles last year, or an average of 4.65 miles each and every day. I am proud that I was able to do that.
I’m now writing a book of this experience which I hope will serve as motivation for other runners and goal-setters. We can all do more than we ever imagined. You just need to set a plan and get out there and do it.
We also can’t let failure get in the way of pressing forward. I had plenty of years when I thought about and/or tried to run each day and didn’t make it. I learned as I failed from each setback.
But last year, I accomplished my goal.
Then, on January 1, 2023, I went out and ran again. I only did three miles in a new running shoe I was trying out (the Saucony Tempus), but it was three miles and the running streak continued…
But then, on January 2, I made a very sound decision. I made a smart choice. Sanity prevailed.
I didn’t run.
Continue reading “A Smart Choice”
Oh No! Here We Go Again!
I have no intentions to run every day in 2023.
But, I couldn’t let today pass me by!
I DID IT!
December 31, 2022
***
It wasn’t easy, but it was great!
365 consecutive days of running! A perfect year.
364 Means Just One More
December 30, 2022
***
One day. Just one more day. One day to go…
For a long time, the better part of a decade (at least), I had entertained the idea of running every single day for an entire year. In most years, I rationalized that it was a bad idea. I figured it would become burdensome. I figured it would get in the way of everything else I was trying to accomplish.
Some years I thought the idea was just plain stupid.
Continue reading “364 Means Just One More”
91.6
Eleven twelfths.
One to go.
91.6% through what seemed, at times, and often, like a never-ending task.
***
I once thought that it might be fun to run every single day for an entire calendar year.
Continue reading “91.6”
4:38:44
It wasn’t quite as fast as I wanted.
I thought I might be able to hit 4:19:00, but don’t get me wrong.
It was a glorious day. It was a great day. It was wonderful.
My finish time was in the top 45% of all finishers, meaning I was faster than more than half of the people who ran the race yesterday. Not bad for a guy in his mid-50’s.
I had a great first half (just around two hours) but I didn’t feel as well in the second half and my pace slowed considerably.
The New York City Marathon is one of the highlights of the year for me.
I again wore a Superman shirt. It is awesome to have people yelling, “GO SUPERMAN!” to me as I run. They made me feel like a true superman.
The crowds yesterday were AMAZING. Start to finish, the spectators were so enthusiastic. It was awesome.
I LOVE THE NYC Marathon!
***
Since I am still running every single day this year, I did a slow 2.25 miles today. It felt good to be out there.
No… it felt GREAT!
Dr. Sem's Blog 