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Running started as a requirement for soccer as a youth, but when I joined the military and attended bomb disposal school in 1989, running was an everyday part of physical training (“if you see me running, try to keep up!”). We ran everywhere–deployed in the Middle East, during training in Europe, and friendly competitions in our home units with ruck sacks and a bomb suit: it was just what we did and was part of the job. I enjoy running, but did not consider myself a ‘runner’ until 2006 when I was certified as military physical fitness trainer.
After completing the evaluation series, the certifier told me I was a pretty consistent runner (track lap times). Since then, I have sought out opportunities to ‘be a runner’: entering challenges and races on my own or with friends and family, reading about other runners and seeking to emulate their success, joining running clubs, and setting goals for pace, distance and time. Over the last 31+ years in uniform, running has become a part of who I am; I retire from the military on 1 March, and though a bit worse-for-wear do not foresee this facet of my life changing.
Great insight on running shoes and gear, alternative workouts to reduce boredom and prevent or recover from injury, and reading the ‘feel good’ stories about small successes that make running worthwhile.
1) To prove to myself and the naysayers I can still do it
2) Prepare for races (5Ks, 10Ks, half-marathons and Tough Mudders)
3) Get out to clear my head and feel the ‘buzz’ that comes from a good long run
4) To do today what others will not, so tomorrow I can do what others cannot
I usually run in the morning, depending on work schedules. I enjoy being out early; this helps the day go better even with trials and challenges. I’ve run in many places: during a military assignment in northern Italy: the Padenghe (pronounced puh-deng-gay) Castle trail. Vineyards, trails, trees, roads and a couple small towns make a fantastic 9-mile run from Lonato del Garda to the Castle with an awe-inspiring overlook of Lake Garda and the mountains around the lake. NowI run a mixed road/trail route through the city greenway system with a few ups and downs for variety and challenge.
Altra Paradigm 4 shoes with Feetures max cushion socks, and plantar fasciitis relief socks post-run: I have found this to be the perfect combination of comfort and support, through many shoe-and-sock combos, to help relieve the inevitable post-run flare ups of plantar fasciitis.
Stay healthy to keep running half-marathon length and obstacle course events and stay fit for other outdoor adventures such as hiking and skiing. Friends and I set a goal to complete at least one Tough Mudder and one half-marathon per year until we are 60 years old–10 more years to go!
Caroline’s enthusiasm for enriching the run community originates from engaging with her local run specialty store customers, where she still works part-time.