Typically, year-end lists are comprised of diverse content pulled from a variety of sources. Not this one. This is my website, after all. Since launching The Size 15 Runner in April of this year, I’ve published more than 70 running blogs ranging from satirical to heartfelt. As a covert narcissist, I love everything I write, but it’d be ridiculous to feature all 70+ running blogs here…right? Right? Instead, I’ll break them into two parts. Without further ado, here is part one of MY favorite running blogs from the first year.
How Running Changed My Life
You could easily call me a quitter. I quit basketball, soccer, baseball, tennis, Tae kwon do, piano, theater, cross country, and golf early on as a kid. I was never on a varsity sports team, rode the bench in every sport, didn’t play an instrument for more than a couple years, and wasn’t involved in a school extracurricular activity outside of sports. Yet, running was the only activity that kept me coming back, even after I quit — many times — and finished last in 8th grade cross country races — many times. Discover how running changed my life and how it can impact yours.
“Comedy” Specials
In addition to launching this website, I began my standup comedy career this year, delivering a whopping three “comedy” specials in just eight months. Why is “comedy” in quotation marks? Check out my specials and you’ll understand.
In my debut “comedy” special, I ask “What’s the deal with heel pull tabs on running shoes?” As you’ll see, I sure am triggered by pull tabs, and I don’t hold back as I rail against these silly little loops. But, am I humorous in the slightest?
I returned with my second comedy special, and, just like in my debut special, I sure am pissed, and I refuse to hold back as I rail against running shoe marketing. The question remains: am I funny or do I just love to yell at clouds (and pillows and trampolines)?
In my final special of 2023, I shared my outrage over the $500 Adidas super shoe. The ending to this one just may shock you.
Pairs of Two Different Shoes
Runners sure are picky about their shoes—and rightfully so. With several shoe models from many different brands at our feet, we’d be foolish not to build our running shoe rotation wisely. But how can we be sure what’s right for our feet, biomechanics, and ego? In an age with an increasing number of negative shoe reviews and bashing of the latest shoe releases at an all-time high, one running company is here to satisfy every runner’s needs—regardless of how annoyingly fussy we can be. And believe me, we runners are an insufferable bunch.
See one running company’s “shoe trailer” launching their newest shoe while pandering to every single runner.
How Running Shoes and Albums are Alike
I’ve been known to make some wild comparisons between running and life. Fear not, I’m here today to make yet another one. Recently, I found myself eagerly anticipating the release of a new album from one of my favorite artists. It got me thinking about how the wait for the release feels eerily similar to the drop of a pair of new running shoes. Here are the top five reasons why the release of an exciting pair of new running shoes is just like the drop of an album from a favorite artist.
What I Wish I Knew Before Running
I see an increasing number of articles, YouTube videos, and Instagram posts chronicling what runners wish they had known before starting to run. Naturally, it got me thinking about what I would write. After taking some time to reflect on my running journey, I came to a rather simple conclusion: There’s nothing I wish I knew before starting to run. The most important lessons in running (and life) I only could have learned by experiencing it firsthand.
Why Running is Better than Driving
As a straight male, I’m supposed to drool, mouth agape, over fast cars, loud motorcycles, and anything else with an engine and tires. But I gain far more pleasure from joyful runs than joy rides. And it’s more than just the runner’s high that makes riding in a pair of running shoes much more stimulating than a set of wheels. Sound ludicrous? Here’s why I’d rather tie shoelaces than fasten a seatbelt.
Marine Corps Marathon Recap
This year I ran the 2023 Marine Corps Marathon — my fifth marathon and first with a sub-three-hour goal. The stage was set for a fairytale ending. Yet, despite the stars aligning, I fell like a crashing meteor. I didn’t achieve my goal, and I failed to PR, finishing with a time of 3:06:01—seconds slower than my previous marathon just seven months earlier. Here’s what went wrong, and what I learned.
Enjoy Running in Bad Weather
If there’s one thing all runners can agree on, it’s the pivotal role weather can play. Sure, temperature and humidity matter during a run; after all, the cooler it is, the faster we can go. But I’m talking about the tangible gifts Mother Nature showers us with, quite literally. I’m speaking of heavy rain, snow, and winds; often times referred to by runners (ok, just me) as the “triple threats of bad running weather.” That really doesn’t roll off the tongue, does it? Runners are some of the toughest people, mentally and physically, but in poor weather conditions, we’re never weaker. Read how to embrace the elements and make the most of Mother Nature’s worst.
