Tag: The Runner Diaries

The Runner Diaries — Corey Bellemore

On By idratherbestrongthanskinnyIn Inspiration, race recap, running, The Runner Diaries, travel1 Comment

Inspired by Refinery29’s Money Diaries and The Cut’s Sex Diaries, welcome to The Runner Diaries, where we’re sharing a behind-the-scenes look into a week of training with runners of varying ages, paces and GPS coordinates. Get The Runner Diaries delivered to your inbox, here.

This week, we have Corey Bellemore of Ontario, Canada. The accomplished track athlete holds the current Beer Mile World Record (4:34:35), and is training for the 2020 Olympics.

The Run Down

Name: Corey Bellemore
Age: 22
Location: Tecumseh, Ontario, Canada
Training for: 2020 Olympics for Track & Field

Runner’s Statement

My goals are to continue to train hard, enjoy the traveling aspect of the sport and keep progressing. This sport is unforgiving if you don’t put into it what you want out of it. You have to be relentless, consistent and constantly motivated. 
The Beer Mile is something aside from track that I will participate in if it doesn’t affect my training. Winning prize money at those events also help my ability to travel to certain meets throughout the year, or attend specific training camps. 

Continue reading “The Runner Diaries — Corey Bellemore” →

The Runner Diaries — Des Clarke

On By idratherbestrongthanskinnyIn food, Inspiration, marathon training, running, The Runner DiariesLeave a comment

Inspired by Refinery29’s Money Diaries and The Cut’s Sex Diaries, welcome to The Runner Diaries, where we’re sharing a behind-the-scenes look into a week of training with runners of varying ages, paces and GPS coordinates. Get The Runner Diaries delivered to your inbox, here.

This week, we have 36-year-old Des Clarke — a full-time worker, mom and ultra runner who is training for her first 100-mile race.

The Run Down

Name: Deserae (Des) Clarke 
Location: Danville, PA
Age: 36
Training For: Eastern States 100 Miler, the final race in the PA mountain running triple crown
Occupation: Research and development manager for Geisinger Health System’s Institute for Advanced Application
Goal race? Eastern States will be my first 100 mile race.
Following a training plan? Yes. I’m an RRCA certified coach, so I reviewed some plans online and then tailored them to fit my goals
Part of any running communities, clubs or training programs? Trail Sisters ambassador, RRCA Susquehanna Ridge runners
How long you’ve been ‘a runner:’ Since 8th grade cross country way back in 1994.
Goal weekly mileage: Varies, but during training 60-80 miles a week. I’d love to do more, but with family and work obligations it’s tough.


Runner’s Statement:

I’m a full-time worker, mom and ultra runner who constantly tries to find the balance in things. The week that I’m presenting here is a fairly typical weekday routine, with an additional running adventure on the weekend. Having a family makes those running adventures limited, but I wanted to be able to go and explore the course that I’ll be running in August for the Eastern States 100. It’s supposed to be a beast of a course, so I’m not sure if the preview will make me more or less nervous, but it will definitely make me more prepared.  (Plus, going with a group helps to calm some of my husband’s fears about me getting lost in the woods alone.)

Day One

5:30am – Wake up and do some yoga. Usually I do strength training in the mornings, Monday through Thursday, but I’ve been having some plantar fasciitis issues in my left foot. After back-to-back long runs this weekend it’s feeling a little sore, so I decided to take today easy and focus on rehab. Continue reading “The Runner Diaries — Des Clarke” →

The Runner Diaries — Joe O’Leary

On By idratherbestrongthanskinnyIn Fitness Classes, food, marathon training, race recap, running, The Runner DiariesLeave a comment

Inspired by Refinery29’s Money Diaries and The Cut’s Sex Diaries, welcome to The Runner Diaries, where we’re sharing a behind-the-scenes look into a week of training with runners of varying ages, paces and GPS coordinates.

This week, we have 42-year-old Joe O’Leary — a writer, musician, stage performer, and runner chasing PRs in every distance, from the marathon, to the 10k, in New York City.

The Run Down

Name: Joe O’Leary
Location: New York City
Age: 42
Training For: Summer speed stuff (Queens 10K, July 6th 5K) and fall distance (Bronx 10mi, Staten Island Half, NYC marathon)
Occupation: Sales Ops Office Guy
Goal race? relevant to this essay, Queens 10K
Following a training plan? Coach prescribed
Part of any running communities, clubs or training programs? CPTC
How long you’ve been ‘a runner:’ 3.5 years
Goal weekly mileage: 50 miles/week

Runner’s Statement

Things are going pretty good for me, running-wise, this last year. I had some big PRs in the mile (5:21), 5k (18:48) and 10 mile (1:05:05) leading up to my marathon debut at the New York Marathon. In February I hit another sub-1:30 half  marathon on my way to a 10-minute PR at the New Jersey Marathon. Just last Monday, I went sub-40 in the 10K for the first time (39:30), something that’s been on my list for a year.

I talk to a coach here, read an article or internet forum there, talk shop with other runners, listen to advice, try new things, be consistent with form — to me it’s all part of keeping on top of it. In lieu of having the discipline or schedule flexibility to adhere to a strict plan, I’ve substituted the willingness to assume that something I’m doing isn’t working, and to implement self-corrective behavior. And it’s been working, for the most part.

Next week I’ll be running the Queens 10K and then only a handful of smaller races until the fall season starts. I’ll be doing the Bronx 10 mile, Staten Island Half, and the NYC full. This summer, though, the plan is to cut back the miles and work on speed and tempos mainly until the long runs begin again in earnest. We’ll see how that plan goes. For now, eyes are on the 10k on the 17th. Looking to get a hard week of work in before a mini taper next week. I did 50 miles last week, looking to do something similar this week. Continue reading “The Runner Diaries — Joe O’Leary” →

The Runner Diaries — Katelynn Wagner

On By idratherbestrongthanskinnyIn Inspiration, marathon training, race recap, running, The Runner Diaries, travel1 Comment

Inspired by Refinery29’s Money Diaries and The Cut’s Sex Diaries, welcome to The Runner Diaries, where we’re sharing a behind-the-scenes look into a week of training with runners of varying ages, paces and GPS coordinates.

This week, we have 24-year-old Katelynn Wagner of Ithaca, New York — a plant-based trail and ultra runner who is training for the Finger Lakes Fifties 50 miler.

The Rundown:

Name: Katelynn Wagner
Location: Ithaca, NY
Age: 24 years old
Occupation: Molecular Biology & Genetics at Cornell University
Goal Race: Finger Lakes Fifties 50 Miler on July 1, & Cat’s Tail Trail Marathon (also pacing a friend at the Leadville 100 mile race)
Training Plan: Very loosely following a schedule of long runs that I made, and letting my body determine the mid-week miles.
Running communities & clubs: I am a member of Janji Corps and an ambassador for Trail Sisters
How long have you been a runner? I ran XC in high school but a 10k was as far as it went, until I had my daughter in 2013. I signed up for my first half marathon to try to shake the “baby weight.” Then signed up for a trail 30k and couldn’t get enough!
Why do you eat a plant based diet? I chose a vegetarian diet shortly after having my daughter in 2013. I chose this equally for both health and ethical reasons. I had always thought of making the next step to a vegan diet but had never been able to make it stick. Then after reading Eat & Run by Scott Jurek and Thrive by Brendan Brazier I decided to make the transition. It is certainly more work, but well worth it. My performance has increased significantly and my recovery time has plummeted. I can’t say that I am super strict. Eating out (which we don’t do often) can be a challenge. And the thought of sending someone a list of ingredients they can and can’t cook with when they’ve invited me over for dinner always seemed too rude to even think of. So in those circumstances, as long as it is vegetarian I am happy to eat it. But when I cook for myself it is vegan, and I can tell the difference in my health and performance. Continue reading “The Runner Diaries — Katelynn Wagner” →

The Runner Diaries — Chris Mocko

On By idratherbestrongthanskinnyIn food, Inspiration, marathon training, race recap, running, The Runner DiariesLeave a comment

Inspired by Refinery29’s Money Diaries and The Cut’s Sex Diaries, welcome to The Runner Diaries, where we’re sharing a behind-the-scenes look into a week of training with runners of varying ages, paces and GPS coordinates.

This week, we have 31-year-old Chris Mocko, an accomplished marathoner and ultra runner who quit his tech job at Square earlier this year to pursue running full time. Below, he documents his personal Hell Week, the most grueling week of training (including 150 miles and more than 20k feet of vertical elevation gain!!) in his build-up to Western States, a 100-mile ultra marathon.

The Run Down

Name: Chris Mocko
Location: Mill Valley, California
Age: 31
Training For: Western States Endurance Run (100 miles), Ultra-Trail Mont Blanc
Occupation: Professional Runner
Following a training plan? Self-coached
Part of any running communities, clubs or training programs? Running Commissioner at The Olympic Club
How long you’ve been ‘a runner:’ Ultrarunner for just over a year, running since a toddler
Goal weekly mileage: 150 miles (this was not a typical week–generally 120-130mi/wk)

Runner’s Statement

In mid-February, I quit my tech job in Silicon Valley to pursue a career as a professional ultrarunner (you can read more about the decision here). I’ve been an avid runner for as long as I can remember, but began taking it more seriously in high school, was lucky enough to compete for the Stanford Cross Country and Track & Field teams, and then transitioned to road racing and marathons after graduation. Looking for a change of pace, last year I decided to focus on qualifying for Western States, the original 100 mile trail race. After competing last June, I was hooked and have spent the last 10 months preparing myself for massive improvements in my second running on June 24.

I’ve nicknamed this week of training as “Hell Week” as I expect it to be one of the most grueling weeks of training in my build-up to Western States. I plan to run 150 miles and climb more than 20k ft of vertical elevation gain, including 2 hard workouts and a 30+ mile long run followed by a 20+ mile secondary long run (you can read more about Hell Week here). Wish me luck! Continue reading “The Runner Diaries — Chris Mocko” →

The Runner Diaries — Marnie Kunz

On By idratherbestrongthanskinnyIn food, Inspiration, race recap, running, The Runner Diaries1 Comment

Inspired by Refinery29’s Money Diaries and The Cut’s Sex Diaries, welcome to The Runner Diaries, where we’re sharing a behind-the-scenes look into a week of training with runners of varying ages, paces and GPS coordinates.

This week, we have 36-year-old Marnie Kunz — a run coach, social media marketer/consultant, and founder of Runstreet, a running and event company based in New York City. Below, Kunz documents her days that pack in all of the responsibilities of running a business, training clients and leading group runs throughout the city.

THE RUNDOWN:

Name: Marnie Kunz
Location: New York, NY
Age: 36
Training For: North Face Endurance Challenge at Bear Mountain — easing back into speed work, always working on strength!
Occupation: Founder of Runstreet street art runs, running coach
Goal race? To lower my mile time to below 6 minutes.
Following a training plan? No
Part of any running communities, clubs or training programs? Team Runstreet, Run4AllWomen, ConBody, Milk $$ Run Club
How long you’ve been ‘a runner:’ Over 20 years — since I first joined my school’s cross country team looking for a sport with no tryouts. I began running in the days of clunky, not cool running shoes, baggy t-shirts and pants with elastic on the bottom! hahaha
Goal weekly mileage: To enjoy 😉

RUNNER’S STATEMENT:

Much of my week consists of event planning and social media for my company Runstreet, which offers street art running tours and events in NYC and other U.S. cities. I usually lead one big art run a week as well as private ones. The art runs move at a 10-minute mile pace on average — very relaxed — with stops for photos. I also train clients and manage social media for other fitness brands. My schedule is often so packed that I work from the moment I wake up, to the time I go to sleep, with my stress relief/me time and social time centering on my runs and strength training. So at this stage in my life, I run for work and also run for fun and personal fulfillment.

I enjoy mixing up my routine to keep things interesting, and continue to work on strength training. Since I work so much and lead art runs most weekends, I don’t race as often as I used to, but I do enjoy doing speed workouts for the thrill and challenge. When it comes down to it, I enjoy working out and running for the adventures and adrenaline rush. When I set goals, I like to set functional training goals like being able to do 10 pull-ups or being able to run a mile in under 6 minutes. I try to enjoy the chase in the pursuit of these goals as well as spread the joy of running to others through my art runs. Continue reading “The Runner Diaries — Marnie Kunz” →

The Runner Diaries — Christopher Baker

On By idratherbestrongthanskinnyIn Ironman Training, marathon training, race recap, running, The Boston Marathon, The Runner Diaries, travel, triathlon2 Comments

Inspired by Refinery29’s Money Diaries and The Cut’s Sex Diaries, welcome to The Runner Diaries, where we’re sharing a behind-the-scenes look into a week of training with runners of varying ages, paces and GPS coordinates.

This week, we have Christopher Baker of New York’s Upper East Side. Baker is an artist, endurance sport coach, and active member of running and triathlon community The Battalion. Below, he documents his training to achieve an aggressive goal of qualifying for the 2018 Boston Marathon (“BQ-ing”) in the upcoming New Jersey Marathon, and a trip to the northeast to spectate and cheer at the Boston Marathon on Marathon Monday.

The Run Down

Name: Christopher Baker
Location: Upper East Side of NYC
Age: 39
Training For: New Jersey Marathon on April 30, and Ironman Chattanooga on September 24
Occupation: Artist
Goal: BQ (under 3 hours, 10 minutes) at the NJ Marathon
Training Plan? Yes, I personally designed it. It is an aggressive 6-week plan due to when I decided I wanted a BQ attempt, and when the race fell. I run 20 to 25 miles a week on average when not training for a race, so I already had a solid base to start.
Part of any running clubs? I am part of The Battalion, a local running/triathlon team.
How long have you been a runner? I have been running for 9 years.
Goal weekly mileage? My goal mileage this week is 30-40 miles. Continue reading “The Runner Diaries — Christopher Baker” →

The Runner Diaries — Mark Kennedy

On By idratherbestrongthanskinnyIn food, Inspiration, running, The Runner DiariesLeave a comment

Inspired by Refinery29’s Money Diaries and The Cut’s Sex Diaries, welcome to The Runner Diaries, where we’re sharing a behind-the-scenes look into a week of training with runners of varying ages, paces and GPS coordinates.

This week, we have Mark Kennedy of Toronto, Ontario — a 43-year-old businessman, father and leader of Strava’s None to Run Challenge, who knows the best way to celebrate a run well done is with a pint of beer.

The Rundown

Name: Mark Kennedy
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Age: 43
Training For: N/A
Occupation: Chief Compliance Officer, I also blog/podcast for fun.
Goal race? N/A (but and signed up for a 13km trail race in September and am contemplating a half marathon in October)
Following a training plan? No
Part of any running communities, clubs or training programs? I lead and participate in the None to Run Challenge on Strava
How long you’ve been ‘a runner:’ 24 years. Played many sports growing up, but got into running my first year of university.
Goal weekly mileage: N/A

Runner’s Statement

At the moment, I am not training for a specific race, nor distance. I grew up playing many different sports, with a focus on basketball, baseball and track. I never considered myself a great long distance runner and, actually, as a youngster, was a better sprinter and jumper. Continue reading “The Runner Diaries — Mark Kennedy” →

The Runner Diaries — Brittany Lewis

On By idratherbestrongthanskinnyIn food, Inspiration, marathon training, running, The Boston MarathonLeave a comment

Inspired by Refinery29’s Money Diaries and The Cut’s Sex Diaries, welcome to The Runner Diaries, where we’re sharing a behind-the-scenes look into a week of training with runners of varying ages, paces and GPS coordinates.

This week, we have Brittany Lewis, a 28-year-old Upper East Sider juggling a vigorous PhD program with training for her first Boston Marathon.

Screen Shot 2017-04-07 at 3.07.32 PM
Lewis with her sister

THE RUN DOWN

Name: Brittany Lewis
Location: New York, NY
Age: 28
Training For: Boston Marathon
Occupation: Student
Goal race? Boston Marathon
Following a training plan? Yes, loosely following a generic plan I poached from the Internet ages ago)
Part of any running communities, clubs or training programs? The Most Informal Running Club, Ever (TMIRCE) NYC, and November Project NYC
How long you’ve been ‘a runner:’ Since 2013
Goal weekly mileage: 35-40 miles

Continue reading “The Runner Diaries — Brittany Lewis” →

The Runner Diaries — David Leshaw

On By idratherbestrongthanskinnyIn food, marathon training, race recap, running1 Comment

Inspired by Refinery29’s Money Diaries and The Cut’s Sex Diaries, welcome to The Runner Diaries, where we’re sharing a behind-the-scenes look into a week of training with runners of varying ages, paces and GPS coordinates. 

This week, we have David Leshaw of Jerusalem, Israel — a father and startup founder juggling fatherhood, his faith, and his CEO status with half marathon training.

Screen Shot 2017-04-03 at 9.34.11 AM

The Run Down

Name: David Leshaw
Location: Jerusalem, Israel
Age: 26
Training For: Trail half-marathon in Jerusalem Mountains (March 10th), Jerusalem Half-Marathon (March 17th).
Occupation: CEO at Finishers Club
Goal race? I’d love to do an Ultra or an Ironman before I turn 30, but I don’t have anything particular in mind, just yet.
Following a training plan? Nope.
Part of any running communities, clubs or training programs? Finishers Club, and a few local Strava groups.
How long you’ve been ‘a runner:’ Since 2012.
Goal weekly mileage: 30-40 miles. Continue reading “The Runner Diaries — David Leshaw” →