Friday will mark the second anniversary of Running with Miles. I have had a great time writing posts and doing A LOT of research and searching to try and help my fellow runner travel. As we enter year three, I am going to start putting more of an effort into helping my fellow traveler run.
It was September of 2006 when I began to run for the first time (other than running one day in a month like I had tried before). I have had asthma since I was seven (one of my triggers is asthma) and had always had a problem running any distance at all. I would begin wheezing and had problems getting my breathing under control. However, the year before (August of 2005), a family friend ran 35 miles for his 50th birthday. When I was talking to him that night, I just couldn’t believe that I had knew someone who had run 35 miles. That was amazing!
That night, I made a commitment to one day run a marathon. I didn’t know how I would do that with my asthma but I knew I wanted to try. I let that goal slip a bit and really did not get on track until the following year. That was when I picked up this book, The Non-Runner’s Marathon Trainer. This book was exactly what I needed to give me the push and specifics for my first marathon! I picked my marathon (it was actually 16 weeks, not 18, from when I started) and began the training. This book was fantastic! Because of it, I was able to run my first marathon!
Since 2007, I have run over 35 marathons or ultramarathons (distances over a marathon) – I have to put them all down someday because I can’t remember how many it was! I ran 7 marathons in my first year of running (not recommended!) and really got hooked! Since that time, I have had the privilege of helping many people with running and form training plans to help them run distances from the 5K to the marathon and beyond. I have also been certified as a Level 1 USATF coach so that I can help people more intelligently as well continuing my own learning.
That is all to say that I will begin writing more posts and pages for 2014 to help people start running! It is incredibly helpful to mind and body and I would like to see more people take it up! To help with that, I am having a special giveaway through Monday, December 23 at 11:59PM (EST). I will be giving one winner (as chosen by Random.org) the same book that helped me take on the marathon – The Non-Runner’s Marathon Trainer.
Here are the rules:
- This Giveaway will run through Monday, December 23 at 11:59PM (EST)
- Readers can enter once per day
- Comments can be anything (as long as they do not contain vulgar or indecent language – keep it clean)
- Winner will be drawn randomly and announced on Tuesday, December 24th
- The final decision will be mine alone.
Have been interested in running a marathon, but lack the motivation right now
Interesting – did a half long time ago and these days a non runner….
love the blog, thanks for all you do!
I run to help control my diabetes. Would like to run further. Always hoped I could run a marathon one day.
That’s an awesome story. I just ran my first one this past fall and there is a lot to learn. I cannot imagine running seven in a year, let alone your first year. I really like your niche that you write for, runners who travel to do what they love, run. Keep it up, we’ll keep reading.
I just began reading your blog. Great stuff. I’ve run a Half Marathon, but I’m sure about a Full one. It would be great to win this contest!
I am running my first Mary in 2014 (NYC go big or go home). I think running is an excellent way to stay in shape and I really need to get there. I would love to win this giveaway as I have absolutely no idea how to prep for the big show 11 months from now. Thanks! And wow what an inspiration that you too were a beginner long ago!
I have run 2 half marathons and would love to actually do a full marathon, although I am currently rehabbing two herniated discs
Great blog! I ran Chicago and NYC for the first time this year and hope more people will get to run these races. I am looking for inspiration where to run for 2014 so I read your blog! Good health to everyone in 2014!
just finished my first marathon recently. Hard work but quite rewarding!
Look at my email address lol
I don’t like running I’m slow as a turtle and it’s pathetic but I had to train for a month to get my 5k time to be 30mins I want to sign up for a 10k eventually
I am running my first half marathon in March and am hoping to run a marathon within a year of that!
How much wood could a woodchuck chuck?
18 weeks doesn’t seem that long
i want this book!
and thanks for sharing
Hope I win the book!
The Eagles just destroyed the Bears last night! Also, my wife runs like Phoebe on Friends, so this would be a great surprise for her.
I just stumbled on your blog and have to say I love it! I’ve done 13-15 marathons in my life all US based, but am eager for my first destination marathon. I’ve been to Sydney a few times and really enjoy walking across the bridge. The Marathon there in Sep\Oct is a great course, so maybe that will be the one for me. Keep up the great job!
I’ll get back to my running routine in about a week…hopefully…