Runner’s World+ Member: Brian Fairchild
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In the past year I finally made my way back to running. It helped me lose about 40 pounds. Running also connected me with my local run club where I discovered incredibly supportive coaches and other runners with similar goals. Prior to that I never liked running with people but now I don’t look forward to long runs unless I’m going to be running with my group. It has helped me grow my network of friends and it provided an avenue for a shared activity with my wife. It gave me confidence that I can achieve BIG goals. In January 2019 I couldn’t run one mile without walking. Last weekend I finished a 16 mile run (distance PR at that time).
Mainly for the training plans, and to learn from fellow runners.
Running has been a sort of therapy for me during a year that has been challenging on a personal level. When I run I empty my mind of the stress, and it becomes an extended mindfulness session. I feel connected spiritually when I run because I have a sense of a world in which I’m a very small, but intricately connected piece. Running gives me a sense of accomplishment and helps me manage depression and stress. Bottom line: I always feel better after I run.
I run first thing in the morning. I’m usually up at 4:30 a.m. I’ve never felt I ran best in the afternoon or after a day of work. I’ll do it if I have to, but only in fall or winter. South Texas is just too hot in the afternoons so I’ve just gotten used to running pre-dawn. I mostly run in and around my neighborhood. There are plenty of trees and one section that gives a beautiful west-facing view of undeveloped ranch land where I frequently see deer and coyote. My nemesis is a hill I always try to talk myself out of running but can’t resist because I want to see how I improve on that segment. It’s a 3/4 mile steady, gradual climb that makes me question why I run it every time...but I probably run it twice a week.
My favorite piece of clothing to run in are my old school, military style “ranger panties”...my Soffe Silkies. They’re just comfortable and I guess they make me think of the Special Ops Service Members who still wear them during their workouts.
First Marathon: the Humana Rock n Roll San Antonio Marathon December 8, 2019.
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