Runner’s World+ Member: Kathleen Smith
Kathleen is a Runner’s World+ member. Join her and thousands of others chasing their goals with day-by-day training plans, expert advice from editors and coaches, and unlimited digital access. We regularly feature members online and in print!
I used to not try things because I’d be afraid of failure, or that I wasn’t as good as everyone else. But you know what, how many people can say that they regularly move 16+ miles at a time without stopping for lunch, or a nap? I don’t sleep in during the weekend anymore because I want to run all the miles. I’m an introvert, but I find myself making friends more easily because running is a topic so many people can relate to or have a comment about. And I’m getting better about purposeful care and fueling of my body. I’ll always be an ‘unconventionally-sized’ runner (i.e. not the slim, long-legged athlete most people think of), but I’m working towards a healthy version of what genetics and my whacked-out body will allow. Yes, I talk about running a lot in my personal life, but if even one person also gets that spark because of something I said, or did, or tried, then... that’s the best thing ever.
I want to learn anything and everything I can about running.
I started running after my father passed away at age 68 from a terminal lung condition. I needed to control something and I felt bad that I had working lungs and wasn’t using them. I continue to run because of the wonderful community of people I’ve met and the sense of accomplishment I get when I go farther/faster than I ever have before. I’m a slower runner, so there’s always a lot of room for improvement. Also, I really enjoy satisfying the post long-run “rungries” with some good food and beverage!
This route has a great mix of flat areas and small hills, and if I’m not happy with running on pavement, there are gravel/dirt paths. There’s water, trees, birds... and dreams. Dreams of those who have finished the NYC Marathon, those who are currently training for the marathon, and dreams of those who are just trying to do the best they can. As I move along the paths, I can add my dream of maybe running NYC one day (it would have to be under 9+1 qualifying, though- I’m not lucky enough to win the lottery, and I’ll never be fast enough to time qualify!).
So getting to look at how my heart rate, pace and elevation all interact on my Garmin Forerunner 245 is kind of cool to me. I’m so lost without it.
During the week, I’m usually on the treadmill after work because I don’t like running in the dark at night by myself. But on the weekend… nothing beats logging the miles while watching the sun come up. It’s incredibly peaceful.
- In November (hi, Philly!), and then to run the Dopey Challenge at Disney in January 2020 for my birthday. Beyond that? Just keep improving.
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