Making running fun…by making fun of it
The motto of the Boilermaker 15k, “The world’s premier 15k event,” is “More than a race.” Truthfully, it made me scoff a bit when I read it on signage posted at the starting line. While that tagline may sound like a cliché, and indistinguishable from similar sentiments echoed by hundreds of other races, I discovered what that motto can mean, during the 47th running of what is, arguably, an iconic race.
Despite nearly two decades of running, I’d never registered for a 10k race. I’ve conquered everything from 5Ks to marathons, yet the 6.2-mile length was the one distance that eluded me. That all changed this past weekend, when I ran Richmond’s Monument Avenue 10k through the scenic streets of Virginia’s capital city steeped in American history.
Beautiful race setting aside, it wasn’t why I decided to run the race. It was another runner—a newer runner—who forced my hand, or, rather, feet into racing.
It’s been said that marathon recovery is just as important as training. Why don’t I follow a post-marathon recovery plan like I do a training plan? The last thing I want to do after a four-month training block is follow another plan!
I recently recapped my disappointing sixth marathon, the Virginia Beach Shamrock Marathon, and failed second attempt at breaking three hours. As much as I’m determined to find my next marathon and begin a new training plan, I’ve been greatly enjoying a more carefree post-marathon recovery plan: no plan.
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.
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 …
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 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.