You know you are a runner when you fail to even grin at the word “Fartlek”. While it certainly sounds unappealing and maybe even funny, it actually is often one of the core routines in any running program. It’s actually a Swedish word that means “speed play”. So, it’s very applicable when it comes to running. But how and when to integrate speed play into one’s training sessions is the trick.
This past year was perhaps my most enjoyable year of running in my 58 years of running! Enjoyable as I was inspired by several individuals as well as my own running performance this past year. I ran eight races this year of varying distances from the 5K to the half marathon. Several of the longer races are considered very competitive on a regional and national basis. For the first time in my running career, I had a podium (top three) finish in my age group category too!
The Wineglass Half Marathon has been on my running bucket list for some time now. My running buds have boasted about this race as have many other runners online. It has also continually been ranked as one of the best in the country. Everything that has been claimed about this event nestled in New York’s Finger Lakes, wine country, and the series of race is true. This race also caps off my racing for 2024.
Those new to running soon discover that they enjoy the sport. They are inquisitive about seemingly everything running related. The most often asked question centers on how they can improve. Whether it’s taking on the challenge of their first 5K or seeking a longer-range target such as running a marathon. They want to know all the “how to’s” to help them reach their goal.
My racing experience dates back to the days of $5 entry fees and as an incentive for runners to sign-up organizers offered runners a free T-Shirt! Well, the shirts are mostly still here and thankfully they are a much-improved product too. In recent years some races recognize that many runners have drawers full of T-shirts and the shirts are no longer the incentive they initially were during the early years. Fast forward to current time and see some organizers offering a different incentive to runners. They offer runners to not receive the shirt and in turn pay a lower entry fee!
This past year was perhaps my most enjoyable year of running in my 58 years of running! Enjoyable as I was inspired by several individuals as well as my own running performance this past year. I ran eight races this year of varying distances from the 5K to the half marathon. Several of the longer races are considered very competitive on a regional and national basis. For the first time in my running career, I had a podium (top three) finish in my age group category too!
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