Penny Thoughtful: All Things Books and Running
-
Persevering Through Adversity
Marathon MOnday always proves a remarkable story. Boston 2018 was no different. Not only did the course oppose the runners but the weather also presented a formidable opponent. Near freezing temperatures, downpour, sometimes torrential, and significant headwinds combined in a perfect storm of suboptimal racing conditions, so suboptimal that 23 elites, men and women, did…
-
Running Deeper – Week 4 of 16 San Francisco Marathon Training
Once again, this week turned out to be a pretty solid week of training. I have fallen back on my new mantra of “keep showing up” to keep myself from letting myself off easy. Monday 55 minutes regular I felt good and solid through this run. The heel was not an issue. I’m pretty sure…
-
Permanent Remembrance
Each April 24th, I stop and remember the events of one of the most forgotten and at the same time, most controversial genocides of the 20th century. As an Armenian, even if only a quarter, I grew up with full knowledge of the events, continually astounded as a child by the thought that most people…
-
Running Deeper – Week 3 of 16 San Francisco Marathon Training
This week felt solid, especially finishing it off with a fairly well-executed race as workout at the end of the week. Monday 60 minutes with 30 second hard effort intervals near the end I had a weird night’s sleep before this run and thus, did not feel motivated to start this run. Since it was…
-
Reedy River 10k 2018 – Race Recap
Race #144 10k #12 2018 Race #5 2018 10k #1 Reedy River 10k #5 Since I am focusing on marathon training, serious marathon training, all races this training cycle will be run as workouts of some time rather than as actual full out races. Today’s race served as a long run with a strong finishing…
-
Coaching Decision
For most of my running career, I have been self-coached. When first starting, this made perfect sense. Many runners never hire a coach and make significant gains. I made gains for a few years and then plateaued. I discovered that a friend and coworker also had a side hustle as a coach for a reasonable…
-
Running Deeper – Week 2 of 16 San Francisco Marathon Training
Rubber met the road this week, the first week of this training plan where I also had a full schedule at school. My crash at the end of the week shows me that I need to somehow add more sleep to my schedule so that my body can operate at full capacity. This week also…
-
Student Activism
Before February 14, 2018 the only people who knew Emma Gonzalez were those of her immediate circle, her friends, her family, her teachers. The horrific mass shooting at her high school, Marjorie Stoneman Douglas, launched her into the spotlight. She, along with several of her classmates refused to back down, they demanded to be heard.…
-
Running Deeper – Week 1 of 16, San Francisco Marathon
Next week I have a post planned on my decision to return to my old coach. For now, I will reflect on the first week of marathon training, the first week with coach generated plans. Monday 50 minutes regular This felt like a regular run, as it should. Since both Mom and I had the…
-
Good News
Two weeks ago today, I received news that years ago and even a little bit recently, I thought I would never hear. My administrator came into my room during bus holding to tell me congratulations. I passed ADEPT. Nine years after I graduated with my teaching degree, I will finally have my professional certificate. For…
Got any book recommendations?