The Art of Running in the Rain

The Art of Running in the Rain

It don’t matter if it’s raining
Nothing can phase me
I make my own sunshine
And if you think you can break me
Baby you’re crazy
I make my own sunshine

“I make my own Sunshine” by Alyssa Bonagura, and recorded by Steven Tyler

I have a lot going on right now. My house just went on the market, so there’s lots of people coming through to look at it – and there is of course the constant battle to keep it neat and ready for the next realtor’s call. I’m also getting ready to launch two spring beginner 5k group training programs next week and there’s my own marathon training. Read more

What is The Cause?

What is The Cause?

We often talk about the connection between mind and body – visualizing positive outcomes, training our minds, the importance of building “mental fortitude” – during our physical training. While it’s important to consider the connection between mind and body (being as well as doing) as we look to achieve our goals, another important consideration is the soul (or feeling).

And that’s where the “cause” comes in. A cause by definition is something that gives rise to action. A cause can be positive, negative, personal or philanthropic, but it’s ultimately what motivates us. Read more

How running supports a longer life

How running supports a longer life

Running helps you live longer. While this could be subject for debate, a fascinating TED Talk I saw recently (“The Secret to Living Longer May Be Your Social Life”), solidified my position that running does indeed help you live longer, although not for the reasons we might think. Psychologist Susan Pinter illustrated how social integration – or social interaction – is the key secret to longevity. Read more

What’s your vision for 2018?

What’s your vision for 2018?

The second half of 2012 marked a comeback for me after herniated disks sidelined me for close to a year. Months of physical therapy gave way to a very patient approach to running again. I gradually increased mileage until I felt comfortable entering a 5k and over the course of the next six months made my way back up to a 10-mile race in early December. All the while I visualized myself as a strong, capable runner, accomplishing each milestone. Read more

A bunch of thoughts on how to proceed into 2018

A bunch of thoughts on how to proceed into 2018

My journey toward becoming a coach developed in early 2016. I first took the Road Runners Club of America Certification Course in mid-March and passed the written exam the following week. I was now an RRCA Certified Running Coach. At the end of that month, I took my first class with the Coaches Training Institute (CTI). Their process to become a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach (CPCC) took a little longer. I spent 104 hours in the classroom and then participated in a six-month certification program that included hands-on coaching, ongoing group work, and one-on-one supervision. I have worked with my own coach, passed the written exam and have fulfilled the requirement of more than 100 coaching hours. This certification program is recognized as the most rigorous in the industry. Today is the final mile of this 21-month journey. The oral certification exam.

In order to be properly prepared and to have my head in the right place, I’m taking a little break from this week’s blog and passing along a few words of wisdom from around the Internet. It’s that time of year when we engage in self-reflection and think about our hopes and dreams for the New Year, so I thought these were all worth sharing. They have a couple common ideas; some things that I have been considering as well. So, in 2018… Read more