Author Archives: rileduprunner

“Wendy, Michael, John! Tinkerbelle, c’mon!”

If you were to ask me why I run, I could give you any number of predictable and entirely true answers. I run because it helps keep my weight in check. I run because it allows me to work through my anxiety in a healthy way. I run because it grants me precious alone timeContinue reading ““Wendy, Michael, John! Tinkerbelle, c’mon!””

Back Up Plans

Every runner I’ve ever met has a mantra that loops on repeat in their heads as they tackle the toughest parts of training. Something encouraging to calm their minds, reset their focus and push themselves through a challenging segment. Phrases like: One mile at a time. You’re tougher than the rest. Everything is temporary, including this haircut. ForContinue reading “Back Up Plans”

No Means No: The Brooklyn Half Story

I’m not going to sugar coat it for you: At least 70 percent of being a runner is talking yourself into doing things you don’t want to do. I don’t want to run 4 miles before work, but I’m going to make myself. I don’t want to cut happy hour short, but I’m going to makeContinue reading “No Means No: The Brooklyn Half Story”

My Name Is Jonas/I’m Ruining Your Health

If you’re one of the tens of millions of people impacted by this weekend’s  nor’easter aka Snowzilla aka David Snowie, this post is for you.    If you’re my brother and his wife avoiding this whole mess in Hawaiian paradise, you’re lucky I kind of still like you.    For the rest of us, todayContinue reading “My Name Is Jonas/I’m Ruining Your Health”

The Resolution Will Be Televised

People in this world tend to fall clearly into one of two camps. They’re either morning people or late-night people. They either love olives or hate them. They’re dog or cat fans, introverts or extroverts, team Chris or Liam Hemsworth, and appalled by the GOP front runners or not paying attention. They either believe inContinue reading “The Resolution Will Be Televised”

You Don’t Know the Half of It

There are certain things in life that have eluded me with such frequency that I’ve come to understand they’ll simply never happen to me. For example: I’ve accepted the fact I’ll never be on the kiss cam at a professional sporting event. I’ve accepted the fact I’ll never qualify for the Boston Marathon. I’ve acceptedContinue reading “You Don’t Know the Half of It”

Santa Claus Is Running to Town

Some people are hard to buy gifts for — the girl who has everything, monks who forgo all possessions, my dad — but don’t worry: runners aren’t one of them. Whether we’re spending 15 miles a week hitting the pavement or 150, us runners tend to go through apparel at a rapid clip, and there’sContinue reading “Santa Claus Is Running to Town”

Running in a Winter Wonderland

Christmas used to be celebrated as a 24-hour affair. You’d wake up, open presents, eat yourself silly and roll into bed. Then one show-off with a thing for pear trees dragged it out for 12 straight days, and the art of the ever-expanding holiday season was born. You know what I’m talking about. Thanksgiving doorbusterContinue reading “Running in a Winter Wonderland”

Clickbait: My Former Boyfriend

There’s an old adage made popular by both Woody Allen and my father that if you want to make God laugh, you tell him your plans. I’m a strong believer that the big guy is also a fan of low-grade puns – “How does Moses make his coffee? Hebrews it.” – but I digress. It’sContinue reading “Clickbait: My Former Boyfriend”