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Alison Wade's avatar

So glad to see you doing some running again! And that 14:41, which would be ridiculous, is just a typo. It should be a 15:41. And the one after it should be a 15:26, not 15:16. But I was half expecting her to become the first woman to break 14:00 in her last 5K of the race, the way she was running.

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Claire Shorall's avatar

You're so on top of things. I shouldn't blindly pull Citius infographics — Fast Women could never (amirite?!). Hugs!

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Alison Wade's avatar

Believe me, I make my share of mistakes, too!

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SHW's avatar

Dear Pen Pal,

I was glad to see you running, with a giant smile on your face, in your post last weekend. I was glad to read you felt no pain, fulfilled by your efforts, and hopeful for the future. I'm inspired by your dedication and resilience, how you figure out ways to log significant miles while managing recovery and plotting injury resistance, and by your mature responses when things don't go to plan. All while expressing continued joy for running---in the middle of a marathon training plan! Go you.

Re: Expenses. I found this accounting and inclusion thoughtful, especially for those considering adopting the sport. Thank you!

It may help to note that durable goods can be used for months (shoes) or years (clothes, gear). For me, nutrition expenses depend on distance and time of year. If I'm doing shorter runs, especially in cooler weather, then I'm fine with just water during runs (though I chow down on "regular" food after). Smaller, local races may be less expensive, though provide a different experience. Shorter-distance races also tend to be less expensive than half or full marathons. My encouragement to potential runners: Shop (around for good-fit goal races), then adopt (the sport)!

Re: Rogue arms. Runner quirks are fun (if they don't significantly increase injury risk)! Your caption made me think of Katie Ledecky (not a runner, but hang with me). Actual swimmers, please correct me if I err: I recall commentators call her stroke "loping" (in a technique-obsessive sport, I do not think that is a compliment), but when she finishes an Olympic race and all her (Olympic!) competitors are still at the opposite wall, well, her technique is working for her!

Re: Tigst Assefa. Wow. Wow.

Re: Running influencers. I love your reflections and recognition of counter-evidence. The second story resonated with me and reminded me of (my understanding of) Deena Kastor's mindset. Strength and assurance come from pride and joy in the training, in the everyday work, whatever work the day demands. Race day provides a (fickle, uncontrollable) stage on which to showcase one's work to others. Every day provides a setting to do good work for oneself.

Re: One thing I'm proud of myself for. Committing to show up each day and do the quiet, unglamorous work.

Carry on!

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Claire Shorall's avatar

I needed this reply more than you know... it's been a long week (fighting fatigue + double vaccinations), and this was such a pick-me-up to read. Thank you.

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Fredrica Challandes-Angelini's avatar

I just love your running pictures – particularly the most recent one, where you have both feet off the ground, as if you are flying!

With regard to the “fuel”packets, are the mixed variety boxes just available as an introduction? If so, maybe I could order one and give it to you? Then Kevin or Paul?❤️

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Claire Shorall's avatar

You're always looking out for me. It's simply out of stock, but I have it on good authority that it's coming back. In the meantime, I order 4 each of my favorite flavors. I just don't want to overdo it, or else they won't be my favorites anymore...

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Jim Jackson's avatar

Great update. Glad you are running so wisely.

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