I'm excited that more runners are writing thoughtfully here on Substack. I'm spending less and less time on Instagram and just yesterday unfollowed two influencers who annoyed me poor role models (excessive posting, excessive filtered hot-body shots) and not the vibe I want in my feed. By contrast, reading from runner-writers here feels positive. Personally, I'm excited to be on the comeback after three months of very reduced activity and PT following a tendon tear. I have a 50-miler in two months and Hardrock Hundred in four months. I plan to be in peak condition when I turn 56 in May.
+1 on the growth of running Substack. I love the vibe here and am enjoying the variety and quality of the writing I've come across.
And as I've said before, stoked to see you on the comeback trail! (And, per what I wrote at the beginning of mypost, inspired to see you chasing peak shape in your mid-50s. Keep going Sarah!)
I’ve been doing marathons (since my first, Chicago Marathon in 2000) although not consistently. This year I’m turning 50!!! And have 3 world majors on my race calendar. These big races get me excited for traveling to new places, and experiencing new races.
My goal is to finally run a sub 4 hour Two Oceans Ultra (56km) which is in 3 weeks. This will be my 8th and training has gone well this year so hope to finally tick that box.
With regard to hand written running notes, Gerda Steyn (Comrades record holder) has published many of her hand written running logs and echoes what you're written here Mario:
So I did not start running until my 40's. I did other endurance things - cross country skiing, hiking. I started running to keep in shape for skiing and as the snow melted, my running increased. So I am still running strong in my late 60's. Before I turned 65, I ran NYC Marathon, Chicago, and several other marathons. Along the way, I earned a few BQ times. I finally ran Boston in 2022. I loved running marathons but I prefer cross country skiing and now I am training for a few long distance ski races next year.
I'm running the Paris Marathon in April and the Berlin Marathon in September. Berlin will be my 4th major. I didn't start running until I was 39 and now I'm 53. I'm definitely slowing down, but loving the process and the running community. Also, I am going to start coaching middle school track and field for the first time and I'm excited to share my knowledge and passion for the sport with the upcoming youth.
Love it, Lauren. This is a good reminder that we get to make our own meaning with this stuff. It's not always about running a faster time, it's also about being a part of something bigger than ourselves and helping others along the way.
Great post Mario! Love the link to the fueling with rice Krispies treats and lemonade. Sugar is sugar, no need to get technical (or expensive) with it.
I have USATF long distance AG (65-69) record attempts on my calendar. First up is the 50K track record, which stands at 4:09, last set in 1990. May 10th, I'll be on a track in PA. In June, at a race called Six Days in the Dome (Milwaukee), I'll be attempting a 50 mile record which stands at 7:27, also last set in 1990. While this race looks like an indoor track, since it's 443 meters long it qualifies under the rules as road course. I tried twice last year for the 50 mile record, and for various reasons failed. Lessons learned, let's try this again.
Sprinting excites me this year. I've just turned 40 and been thinking like a marathoner since 2008. I feel like I need a change, so tonight, for the first time ever, I'm joining my club's long sprints training group and will spend the summer racing in local masters age group 400m races. I'm looking forward to being a beginner again.
Yes! This is awesome Jonathan. A few years ago I had Nick Willis on my podcast and he said he wanted to get into sprinting when he retired from being a pro middle distance runner. I don't think he has yet but I love this mindset of being a beginner again.
Jumped back into running 2 years ago after considerable time away from the sport. I ran NYC Marathon in 2023 and 2024 and am entered to run NYC 2025. All my training inspired my two oldest boys (17 yrs + 15 yrs old) to train and run a half marathon with me this Spring. We discuss training plans, favorite routes, fueling options, running shoes...all the things. There are not many sports a 48 year old mom can train and compete side by side with her teenage boys, so I'm so excited and loving every minute of it.
I'm also exploring the benefits/drawbacks to all the data and technology. I ran cross-country in high school and college in the late 90s and have fond memories of just heading out the door with my timex. While I love all the data, and sometimes obsess over it, there is something freeing and powerful about just running based on feel. I hope to try and incorporate more "naked runs" (that's what they're calling running w/o a watch these days?) into my training in 2025.
This is awesome Katherine. What a special thing to be able to share that with your kids. (An experience I’m sure will stick with them for a while to come.)
And while I am a fan of technology and find data useful for evaluation/planning/tweaking training, it can also be a huge distraction if you’re not careful. Like Kenny said above, it’s important not to lose the joy of just being able to move in this way. Regular watchless runs (almost always with my dog) are a regular staple for me.
In a wildly over-connected world running is my time away from everything and everyone. Whether it is a super focused interval session or random ramble through the woods, when I am out for a run, nothing can touch me.
As I get back to Ironman and Marathon training this year, I am excited about more time away!
+1 to this Brendan! I feel the same way. It's always a good reset (and reminder of how important it is to unplug.) All the best in your training and racing this year.
Love this perspective! What’s exciting me about running in 2025 is seeing how the sport continues to bring people together—whether it's new runners finding their groove or seasoned athletes pushing boundaries well into their 40s and beyond. Personally, I’m stoked about the growing community aspect, from local run groups to virtual coaching, making running more accessible and engaging than ever. Also, can’t deny the nostalgia of handwritten training logs—something about putting pen to paper just hits differently. Looking forward to seeing how the culture evolves this year!
+1 to this. If we need anything in this world it's more community and I agree that running can be the glue that brings folks together. Also +1 on the logs. The tactile nature of them is hard to replicate.
I’ve been keeping a written running log since 1982. Standard school exercise books (my Dad was in education and I got them for free initially, then I managed to find a supplier of them). They are like a long line of footsteps in the sand and bizarrely just reading the brief comments can take me back to that exact run most of the time. Yes, I record on Strava too (for the last 12 years), but to twist the phrase around, if it’s not in my log, it never happened.
I know what you mean about a line taking you back. Happened to me last week when I revisited my old logs from college. Pretty incredible how they can elicit those feelings.
I didn't start running until my late 40's and last year at 62 I ran my first 100 miler at the Vermont 100. This year I have got the Cayuga 50 miler, Notchview 72 hour Ultra and the Yeti 100 on my calendar. So excited to see what other fun running adventures this year brings! (I'm considering signing up for Courtney's Ecuador Running Adventure!!!!)
2025 is an exciting year in running for me. I had a unbelievable year of running in 2024 when I PRed in all race distances and I want to build up on that with consistency in running and training. I believe 2025 is finally the year that I can BQ or even run a sub 3 marathon. I want to keep learning about the sports and add more running tools into my toolbox.
I ran my first marathon in 1981 at age 21, the very first London Marathon. My last was in 2004, after which I became a part-time recreational runner, rarely going more than 5 or 6 miles. But when I entered my 60s I decided I wanted to run Boston one more time. A partial knee replacement delayed the journey, but I qualified at Grandmas last June and will be in Hopkinton next month. It’s been arduous at times, but I relish the feel of being a “runner” again, especially on those days when the miles feel so effortless.
I am 62 now. I had an injury in Feb last year - nothing serious but took me six weeks to get back on the road and never really got into a rhythm all yearSo much so, I wondered if age had caught me out. Things finally came right after 3 weeks of solid, not long but consistent, running in January. Last few weeks my body has felt so easy and natural running again so I am just focused now on the physical joy of running freely again. 10 days ago I discovered my son and his partner are expecting our first grandchild. Which makes the joy and freedom feel even greater.
Love it Kenny, and a good reminder for all of us not to lose sight of the joy of being able to move in this way. Sounds cheeky but we all need it. And congrats to you and your family!
I'm excited that more runners are writing thoughtfully here on Substack. I'm spending less and less time on Instagram and just yesterday unfollowed two influencers who annoyed me poor role models (excessive posting, excessive filtered hot-body shots) and not the vibe I want in my feed. By contrast, reading from runner-writers here feels positive. Personally, I'm excited to be on the comeback after three months of very reduced activity and PT following a tendon tear. I have a 50-miler in two months and Hardrock Hundred in four months. I plan to be in peak condition when I turn 56 in May.
So happy and excited to see you run Hardrock.
+1 on the growth of running Substack. I love the vibe here and am enjoying the variety and quality of the writing I've come across.
And as I've said before, stoked to see you on the comeback trail! (And, per what I wrote at the beginning of mypost, inspired to see you chasing peak shape in your mid-50s. Keep going Sarah!)
I’ve been doing marathons (since my first, Chicago Marathon in 2000) although not consistently. This year I’m turning 50!!! And have 3 world majors on my race calendar. These big races get me excited for traveling to new places, and experiencing new races.
Love it. What a way to celebrate 50, Laura!
My goal is to finally run a sub 4 hour Two Oceans Ultra (56km) which is in 3 weeks. This will be my 8th and training has gone well this year so hope to finally tick that box.
With regard to hand written running notes, Gerda Steyn (Comrades record holder) has published many of her hand written running logs and echoes what you're written here Mario:
https://ownmyrun.com/training-diaries/
Appreciate the link to Gerda's logs. Excited to check those out. All the best at Two Oceans Andrew!
So I did not start running until my 40's. I did other endurance things - cross country skiing, hiking. I started running to keep in shape for skiing and as the snow melted, my running increased. So I am still running strong in my late 60's. Before I turned 65, I ran NYC Marathon, Chicago, and several other marathons. Along the way, I earned a few BQ times. I finally ran Boston in 2022. I loved running marathons but I prefer cross country skiing and now I am training for a few long distance ski races next year.
Great stuff, Jenn! The variety sure keeps it interesting and sustainable, especially as we get older.
I'm running the Paris Marathon in April and the Berlin Marathon in September. Berlin will be my 4th major. I didn't start running until I was 39 and now I'm 53. I'm definitely slowing down, but loving the process and the running community. Also, I am going to start coaching middle school track and field for the first time and I'm excited to share my knowledge and passion for the sport with the upcoming youth.
Love it, Lauren. This is a good reminder that we get to make our own meaning with this stuff. It's not always about running a faster time, it's also about being a part of something bigger than ourselves and helping others along the way.
Great post Mario! Love the link to the fueling with rice Krispies treats and lemonade. Sugar is sugar, no need to get technical (or expensive) with it.
I have USATF long distance AG (65-69) record attempts on my calendar. First up is the 50K track record, which stands at 4:09, last set in 1990. May 10th, I'll be on a track in PA. In June, at a race called Six Days in the Dome (Milwaukee), I'll be attempting a 50 mile record which stands at 7:27, also last set in 1990. While this race looks like an indoor track, since it's 443 meters long it qualifies under the rules as road course. I tried twice last year for the 50 mile record, and for various reasons failed. Lessons learned, let's try this again.
http://usatfldrrecords.org/
This is exactly the sort of stuff I was writing about at the beginning of this week's newsletter. I find it super inspiring. Let's go Marty!
So exciting.......as an aging runner, I am always looking at how runners like me are doing. Please keep us posted here on Substack.
Thanks Mario and Jenn! I forgot to add, AG for me is 65-69, I turn 66 in about a month.
Sprinting excites me this year. I've just turned 40 and been thinking like a marathoner since 2008. I feel like I need a change, so tonight, for the first time ever, I'm joining my club's long sprints training group and will spend the summer racing in local masters age group 400m races. I'm looking forward to being a beginner again.
Yes! This is awesome Jonathan. A few years ago I had Nick Willis on my podcast and he said he wanted to get into sprinting when he retired from being a pro middle distance runner. I don't think he has yet but I love this mindset of being a beginner again.
Thanks Mario. And the whole process will be logged by hand in a notebook ;-)
Jumped back into running 2 years ago after considerable time away from the sport. I ran NYC Marathon in 2023 and 2024 and am entered to run NYC 2025. All my training inspired my two oldest boys (17 yrs + 15 yrs old) to train and run a half marathon with me this Spring. We discuss training plans, favorite routes, fueling options, running shoes...all the things. There are not many sports a 48 year old mom can train and compete side by side with her teenage boys, so I'm so excited and loving every minute of it.
I'm also exploring the benefits/drawbacks to all the data and technology. I ran cross-country in high school and college in the late 90s and have fond memories of just heading out the door with my timex. While I love all the data, and sometimes obsess over it, there is something freeing and powerful about just running based on feel. I hope to try and incorporate more "naked runs" (that's what they're calling running w/o a watch these days?) into my training in 2025.
This is awesome Katherine. What a special thing to be able to share that with your kids. (An experience I’m sure will stick with them for a while to come.)
And while I am a fan of technology and find data useful for evaluation/planning/tweaking training, it can also be a huge distraction if you’re not careful. Like Kenny said above, it’s important not to lose the joy of just being able to move in this way. Regular watchless runs (almost always with my dog) are a regular staple for me.
What excites me? The time away!!!
In a wildly over-connected world running is my time away from everything and everyone. Whether it is a super focused interval session or random ramble through the woods, when I am out for a run, nothing can touch me.
As I get back to Ironman and Marathon training this year, I am excited about more time away!
+1 to this Brendan! I feel the same way. It's always a good reset (and reminder of how important it is to unplug.) All the best in your training and racing this year.
Love this perspective! What’s exciting me about running in 2025 is seeing how the sport continues to bring people together—whether it's new runners finding their groove or seasoned athletes pushing boundaries well into their 40s and beyond. Personally, I’m stoked about the growing community aspect, from local run groups to virtual coaching, making running more accessible and engaging than ever. Also, can’t deny the nostalgia of handwritten training logs—something about putting pen to paper just hits differently. Looking forward to seeing how the culture evolves this year!
+1 to this. If we need anything in this world it's more community and I agree that running can be the glue that brings folks together. Also +1 on the logs. The tactile nature of them is hard to replicate.
I’ve been keeping a written running log since 1982. Standard school exercise books (my Dad was in education and I got them for free initially, then I managed to find a supplier of them). They are like a long line of footsteps in the sand and bizarrely just reading the brief comments can take me back to that exact run most of the time. Yes, I record on Strava too (for the last 12 years), but to twist the phrase around, if it’s not in my log, it never happened.
I know what you mean about a line taking you back. Happened to me last week when I revisited my old logs from college. Pretty incredible how they can elicit those feelings.
I didn't start running until my late 40's and last year at 62 I ran my first 100 miler at the Vermont 100. This year I have got the Cayuga 50 miler, Notchview 72 hour Ultra and the Yeti 100 on my calendar. So excited to see what other fun running adventures this year brings! (I'm considering signing up for Courtney's Ecuador Running Adventure!!!!)
Amazing, Ali! That is a heck of a (long) year. Get it!
2025 is an exciting year in running for me. I had a unbelievable year of running in 2024 when I PRed in all race distances and I want to build up on that with consistency in running and training. I believe 2025 is finally the year that I can BQ or even run a sub 3 marathon. I want to keep learning about the sports and add more running tools into my toolbox.
Growth mindset, I love it!
I ran my first marathon in 1981 at age 21, the very first London Marathon. My last was in 2004, after which I became a part-time recreational runner, rarely going more than 5 or 6 miles. But when I entered my 60s I decided I wanted to run Boston one more time. A partial knee replacement delayed the journey, but I qualified at Grandmas last June and will be in Hopkinton next month. It’s been arduous at times, but I relish the feel of being a “runner” again, especially on those days when the miles feel so effortless.
Love it Eric. "Once a Runner," as they say. All the best at Boston next month!
I am 62 now. I had an injury in Feb last year - nothing serious but took me six weeks to get back on the road and never really got into a rhythm all yearSo much so, I wondered if age had caught me out. Things finally came right after 3 weeks of solid, not long but consistent, running in January. Last few weeks my body has felt so easy and natural running again so I am just focused now on the physical joy of running freely again. 10 days ago I discovered my son and his partner are expecting our first grandchild. Which makes the joy and freedom feel even greater.
Love it Kenny, and a good reminder for all of us not to lose sight of the joy of being able to move in this way. Sounds cheeky but we all need it. And congrats to you and your family!
Thanks Mario - keep up the great posts for motivation
I look forward to always training not just in 2025.. some ideas that come to mind…
Mobility, power, endurance, and resilience
-so you don't just look strong, you are strong.
Prioritize longevity. Train for life.DK
Love it Dena. Gotta be well-rounded to play the long game.