Tomorrow is the New York City Marathon.
I just completed my 16-week training period with a slow and easy 2.80 mile run. That run put me at 680 total miles for the 16 weeks. I averaged 42.5 miles a week for that entire period.
I’m in my mid-fifties, but those 680 miles were the most I ever ran in any training period. My previous high came way back in 2007 as I trained for the Marine Corps Marathon. I did 674 miles in training that year.
Continue reading “TOMORROW!!!”
October 30, 2022
Earlier today, I had the honor of delivering the sermon as the guest preacher at Grace United Methodist Church in Wyckoff, New Jersey.
I am always humbled when I have the opportunity to write and deliver a sermon at church.
Next week, I’ll share a version of this message at the Interfaith Service before the New York City Marathon.
Continue reading “Run In God’s Name”
I was never a gifted athlete.
I was often picked last for the sports teams on the playgrounds and even in gym class.
I never played varsity baseball (my favorite sport.)
I got cut from the freshman soccer team.
The only skill I really have is the ability to focus on a task, stay committed, and get the job done.
Continue reading “If I Can, So Can You!”
Twenty three thousand, seven hundred fifty three.
That’s the number, for all intents and purposes, give or take a few…
23,753.
It seems kind of silly.
But that’s what it is.
***
Continue reading “23,753”
Today is January 8, 2021.
Exactly one year ago today, I walked into the surgery center to meet Dr. Braver for him to perform surgery on my right Achilles tendon. As I walked in, I said to the receptionist at the counter, “I am here to begin my training for the 2020 New York City Marathon.” She smiled and said, “You must be Mr. Semendinger.”
Continue reading “Chronicle of a Comeback (vol. 33) – Last Article In Series”
It’s been over a month since my last update here…
My running hasn’t been great, but it hasn’t been bad either. I’ve been running about three days a week, usually about 3 miles at a time. It’s basically been a succession of 11-mile weeks. This approach has made sense because I just need to get strong.
About two weeks ago, though, I decided to ramp it up a bit. I want to start building miles and becoming a stronger runner. (I need to do that. “Want” makes it seem like a choice. It isn’t a choice.)
Two weeks ago, I did five miles. That was my longest run in a while.
Last week I did six.
Today is NYC Marathon Day.
Continue reading “Chronicle of a Comeback (vol. 31) – NYC Marathon Day”
Well, I needed that.
It’s good to be back. Again.
After my five consecutive days of three-mile runs, two weeks ago, the next week, I set out to do four consecutive days of four-mile runs.
Continue reading “Chronicle of a Comeback (vol. 29) – Continued Progress”
Whew.
I did it.
It wasn’t easy, but it was easier than I thought it would be.
Continue reading “Chronicle of a Comeback (vol. 28): Back-to-Back-to-Back-to-Back-to-Back!”
I didn’t really think I could do it this quickly. I mean, ramp up to ten miles. My longest run just a little over a week ago was six miles. Then last week I did seven. That was HUGE!
Up until the moment I decided to do a long run today, I wasn’t even thinking ten miles. That seemed just too far.
Way too far…
And then, this morning, I thought, “Why not just do ten?”
I had planned to write this a few days ago, but a huge storm, a loss of power and Internet, and such got in the way…
Last Monday I jumped on the treadmill with the intention (and hope) of matching my six mile effort from two weeks previous and with the faint hope of being strong enough to power through one extra mile to reach seven. Â
I didn’t make it.Â
I ran well enough. I covered five miles, but five isn’t six and it certainly isn’t seven. Â
Continue reading “Chronicle of a Comeback (vol. 26) – Seven is Heaven”
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