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Linda 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 started running in 1980 when I joined the U.S. Army and continued to run almost daily until my enlistment ended in 1983. After that, I became a cyclical runner, sometimes going years without running. During my “off” cycles, I would eat horribly, gain weight, and slowly become less happy, without realizing that my lack of running was contributing to my unhappiness. During my “on” cycles, I would eat better than I had been, lose the extra pounds I’d gained, and most importantly, become happier.
I’ve now been running steady since November 2016 when I began volunteering with Achilles International. Achilles is a running club where able-bodied runners run (or walk when needed) with athletes with disabilities. We run every Thursday night in Prospect Park and I sometimes guide athletes in races. In early 2017, an athlete with a traumatic brain injury got me back into running long distance, unexpectedly. I had planned to guide him for the first half of the Queens Marathon, but, I was having such a good time, that I kept going for the full marathon! I’ve completed six more marathons since then, as well as many shorter races. I, unfortunately, am in an “off” cycle at the moment, due to some nagging injuries. So, I continue to walk with Achilles on Thursday nights, and very much look forward to when I can get back to running, as does my family, because I’m already getting cranky!!!
I joined RW+ because I LOVE to read the running articles. When I ran marathons back in the early 90’s, I knew nothing about running intervals, hills, tempos or fueling! I think I am a better runner now than I was in my 30s (but not faster) due to better training.
I prefer to run first thing in the morning, about 5:30, because that’s when I feel best and it’s nice and quiet here in Brooklyn. I’ve never run twice in one day, but I would like to try it; however, I’m not sure my joints would be pleased. I mostly run in the streets of Marine Park, where I live, and the surrounding neighborhoods. For my long runs, I head to the Belt Parkway to get in some hills (bridges). I can also get into a good groove on the Belt because there are no street lights or stop signs.
Well, I absolutely LOVE to run in my Nike Vaporfly 4%!!! I swear I feel 30 years younger when I wear them! But, after breaking them in a little, I’ve only worn them for races since I want them to last a looooong time. I also wear a small, light bracelet that my daughter, Anna, gave me, for good luck.
My goal is to continue improving through smarter training, and to keep running, hopefully, well into old age. Oh, and to BQ 🙂