Love love love this! There are a billion blogs on how to run, when to run, which plan to follow, what strength regime will get you that BQ, etc. Yawn. I subscribe here to read about what it’s like to be a human who happens to run (and do other interesting things). Bravo!
Thank you, that means a lot! I got several unsubscribes when I published this post, I assume because some readers aren't interested in the more personal stories, so your feedback is much appreciated.
that's interesting... but I just signed on as a paid subscriber after this post! also, your 19 year old self.... oh how I can relate.... well not the skiing but the smoking and the dancing!!!
What a great piece. And what a great life full of bravery and adventure. On top of that, I learned that the numbers to call the time spelled my favorite carb! (Unless it was different in Massachusetts.) You've inspired me to at least start thinking about organizing my own "dump" drawer of printed photos and the hanging files of memorabilia from my kids. I'm --thinking-- about it :-)
Oh, you're very welcome! As for marathons, my eyes are always bigger than my stomach. I have a fair bit of travel through early spring and then a book coming out (yay!) which will mean if I travel, it's going to be book-related places. But this summer, I'm doing the Zagori Mountain Running 44km for what will be my fourth time. And I'm very interested to see what the Skyline Scotland (if I have the name right) people are planning for September! There are races around here (New England) of course, that I'll look into. Any suggestions?!
I think it's great you have a tradition of doing the race in your homeland Greece. As for Scotland, I googled the Skyline Scotland event and see it's a Skyrunning race, hence very steep. If you are looking for something more runnable, I've heard good things about the kerrywayultra.com in September. Its shortest distance is about 56K I think, and goes up to 200K. I was seriously considering it until I decided on the Grand to Grand Ultra in September. Check out my more recent post (January 10) in case the Grand to Grand might interest you, if you want a weeklong "retreat." If you can do marathons and want to do a lot of tortoise-pace hiking and slow running, you could do it.
I was just reading that other piece! Yeah, I don't think I mean the Skyline then, but some other race that I'm on the newsletter for. I'll have to take a look. The kerry way one sounds interesting. But now I'm seeing the ones in Telluride and they look really intriguing! The tab is now open in my browser!
In addition to the Confluence Events races in Telluride that I linked to, it's worth considering the Telluride Mountain Run in late August if you're interested in Telluride. It has a 14i, 22, and 40ish mile route, all very challenging and reaching 13,000' elevation. I have a couple of pieces in my archives about this race. It's gorgeous. www.runtelluride.com Happy to help host you if you make it out here!
I absolutely enjoyed this piece as if it were a guide on how to live a beautiful, fulfilling life. You are, in fact, a writer of wonderful guides... Thank you for entrusting us with this gift :)
Love love love this! There are a billion blogs on how to run, when to run, which plan to follow, what strength regime will get you that BQ, etc. Yawn. I subscribe here to read about what it’s like to be a human who happens to run (and do other interesting things). Bravo!
I need to know the strength regime that will get me a BQ! lol. Of course you are right though, Sarah blogs are the best :)
thank you :-) did you see a post I did over a year ago on essential conditioning? (I need to update it, but hopefully it's still useful.) https://sarahrunning.substack.com/p/conditioning-for-trail-runners-the
I'll go check it out :) I have no BQ hopes this year (someday...) but I need a solid strength conditioning routine regardless.
I love your comment—makes my day—thank you so much for reading and for that feedback!
Thanks for sharing this. I feel like this post holds the start/heart of at least a couple books that would be worth writing (and reading)...
Thank you!
This is wonderful! It makes me what to do this as an exercise..maybe a kind of therapy.
I love this story! Thanks for sharing your evolution as a runner + woman + wife + mom. Great stuff.
Thank you, that means a lot! I got several unsubscribes when I published this post, I assume because some readers aren't interested in the more personal stories, so your feedback is much appreciated.
that's interesting... but I just signed on as a paid subscriber after this post! also, your 19 year old self.... oh how I can relate.... well not the skiing but the smoking and the dancing!!!
Thank you so much!
Your personal stories are the best!
What a great piece. And what a great life full of bravery and adventure. On top of that, I learned that the numbers to call the time spelled my favorite carb! (Unless it was different in Massachusetts.) You've inspired me to at least start thinking about organizing my own "dump" drawer of printed photos and the hanging files of memorabilia from my kids. I'm --thinking-- about it :-)
Your comment makes my day. Thank you for the encouraging feedback, and happy new year to you! Let me know what marathon(s) you plan this year.
Oh, you're very welcome! As for marathons, my eyes are always bigger than my stomach. I have a fair bit of travel through early spring and then a book coming out (yay!) which will mean if I travel, it's going to be book-related places. But this summer, I'm doing the Zagori Mountain Running 44km for what will be my fourth time. And I'm very interested to see what the Skyline Scotland (if I have the name right) people are planning for September! There are races around here (New England) of course, that I'll look into. Any suggestions?!
also I should've added, congrats on your forthcoming book! I'm eager to learn what it is.
Hop on over to my Substack. I linked to it in a quick mention in my piece from the other day :-)
I think it's great you have a tradition of doing the race in your homeland Greece. As for Scotland, I googled the Skyline Scotland event and see it's a Skyrunning race, hence very steep. If you are looking for something more runnable, I've heard good things about the kerrywayultra.com in September. Its shortest distance is about 56K I think, and goes up to 200K. I was seriously considering it until I decided on the Grand to Grand Ultra in September. Check out my more recent post (January 10) in case the Grand to Grand might interest you, if you want a weeklong "retreat." If you can do marathons and want to do a lot of tortoise-pace hiking and slow running, you could do it.
I was just reading that other piece! Yeah, I don't think I mean the Skyline then, but some other race that I'm on the newsletter for. I'll have to take a look. The kerry way one sounds interesting. But now I'm seeing the ones in Telluride and they look really intriguing! The tab is now open in my browser!
In addition to the Confluence Events races in Telluride that I linked to, it's worth considering the Telluride Mountain Run in late August if you're interested in Telluride. It has a 14i, 22, and 40ish mile route, all very challenging and reaching 13,000' elevation. I have a couple of pieces in my archives about this race. It's gorgeous. www.runtelluride.com Happy to help host you if you make it out here!
I absolutely enjoyed this piece as if it were a guide on how to live a beautiful, fulfilling life. You are, in fact, a writer of wonderful guides... Thank you for entrusting us with this gift :)
Thank you Courtney, your feedback fills my heart and boosts my motivation. Hope your new year is going well so far!
This was beautiful, Sarah. As I read I just kept marveling how I have been your friend through all of these eras. 😊
Thank you for always reading my stuff and encouraging. Can’t wait to see you in mid-February!
Love this story! Thank you for sharing. I second what Steph Weiss said.. on point!
What a life!
Thanks for reading:-)