Pfitzinger marathon training plan
Reflection Training

Pfitzinger Marathon Training Plan at the Halfway Point

I’m halfway through the 12 week/55-70 mile Pfitzinger marathon training plan I’m using to run my first sub-3-hour marathon at the 2024 Virginia Beach Shamrock Marathon on March 17—St. Paddy’s Day. How does it compare to the Pfitzinger 18 week/55-70 mile plan from Advanced Marathoning?

I found out last fall that an 18-week training block is tough. It feels overly long (Duh, it’s 18 weeks) and it can be easy to lose motivation at times throughout the grueling 4+ months. But shaving six weeks off the plan is much more manageable, even if each of the 12 weeks demands more.

running weather.
Satire Training

Hot Running Weather in the Winter: It’s Totally Natural

Last week, there was a four-day stretch of unseasonably warm running weather throughout the east coast of the U.S. We’re talking high 60s and mid-70s °F in southern Virginia in January, when it’s typically in the 30’s and 40’s. This came as such a pleasant surprise amid challenging winter marathon training.

The following is the inner monologue rattling around The Size 15 Runner’s head during one of the uncommonly warm runs.

HOKA Clifton 9 review
Shoe Reviews

HOKA Clifton 9 Review: First HOKA Was Worth the Wait

I’ve always been intrigued by HOKA. In many ways, they were among the originators of max cushion running shoes, launching the beefy Bondi back in 2011 amid the barefoot running craze. Three short years later came the Clifton in 2014. HOKA zigged when other companies were zagging. For that, they should be commended. As a max cushion fanatic, I, for one, am grateful. Hell, all six of my top shoes of 2023 were max cushion shoes. Read on for my HOKA Clifton 9 review.

running on a track
Opinion Training

Why Running On A Track Actually Isn’t Horrible

For the longest time I avoided running on a track. Blame it on my PTSD from the annual gym class “mile run” in grade school. Yes, believe it or not, I used to hate running. Now, I’m practically insufferable writing about anything and everything running-related. I guess that’s what they call growth?

Why would I want to run in a giant circle repeatedly on display, in the spotlight for anyone and their grandmother to watch? Yes, I’m aware no one desires to see me run, but it’s just the fact that someone could. Possibly it’ll be some day in a dystopian future when…

ATC10K
Events Racing

Around the Crown 10K: Redefining What a Race Can Be

How do you choose races to run? If you’re like me, you probably don’t consider a race’s impact on a community, its residents, or the planet. Guided by three pillars—inclusivity, sustainability, and elevating the city of Charlotte—Brian Mister, co-founder and race director of the Around the Crown 10K (ATC10K), provides a shining example of the transformative impact a race can have beyond race day.

I chatted with Mister about what makes the race unique and how it empowers the running community both in and outside the city.

running rules
Satire Training

Running Rules: The 7 Deadly Sins of Running

In 2023, the 10 Commandments or Running — the definitive running rules — were unearthed, shaking the running world to its very core. Today, the Seven Deadly Sins of Running are unveiled. From wrath to lust and everything in between, avoid these running vices like the Bubonic plague. Come for the running bible study, stay for the random music references.