Ask the Readers: Exercise Goals and Obstacles

In the week after my marathon, I’m itching to run again. I’ve decided to take this week off running, as I’ve read that it leads to faster recovery. So I started walking yesterday, and I’ll do a little strength training today.

But man, do I miss running.

Next week, I get back into running, just doing a few days of light running. It’s something to look forward to. Until then, I’ll be recuperating and trying to decide what my next fitness goal will be. It’s a lot of fun to contemplate goals — there are so many possibilities!

10 Things I Learned From My Second Marathon

“The marathon can humble you.” - Bill Rodgers

Do you know that you guys were in my head for almost my entire marathon on Sunday? I thought about you guys — your encouragement, what I would say to you about my marathon, not wanting to report back that I had failed.

You helped me get to the finish line, and for that, I am again indebted to you all.

Make Today Your Personal Miracle

“There are two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” - Albert Einstein

I ran a 22-miler this morning in preparation for my second marathon later this month, and at about mile 18, the heavens opened up and poured water on me by the truckload. It was a Biblical rainfall, and I couldn’t see my hand in front of my face.

That’s not as dangerous as it sounds, running as I was on a deserted side road on a tropical island in the wee morning hours. I ran on, glad of the cool and amazed at how much water can come down on a person at once.

Then the rain stopped as suddenly as it started, and the clouds parted, admitting into the sky a God-like light that lit up the heavens.

20 Things I Wish I Had Known When Starting Out in Life

“Everything has been figured out, except how to live.” - Jean-Paul Sartre

I’m nearly 35 years old, and I’ve made my share of mistakes in my life. I’m not a big believer in regrets … and I have learned tremendously from every single mistake … and my life is pretty great.

However, there are a few things I wish I had known when I was graduating from high school and starting out as an adult in life.

Would I change things? I’m not so sure. I might never have gotten into a mountain of debt, but then I wouldn’t have learned the amazing satisfaction of getting out of it. I might have made better career choices, but then I wouldn’t have all the work experience that makes me the blogger and writer that I am today.

17 Fitness Truths To Get You In Great Shape

“Nothing’s better than the wind to your back, the sun in front of you, and your friends beside you.” - Aaron Douglas Trimble

While getting in shape has been a start-and-stop-and-start-again affair for me over the last couple years, over the long run, I’ve become fitter than ever.

I’ve dropped more than 30 pounds altogether (or about 2 stone 6, for the British-inclined among you), I run regularly, I’ve become more consistent with strength training, and I’ve dropped several sizes in clothes.