As the title suggests, it's been over six months since I last posted in this beautiful space. One might think that means I have been absent from the world of running..... oh contraire. (now, a fascinating, or not, side note: I actually spelled "oh contraire" the first attempt).
SO, the report.
Two days ago, I hit the 1000 mile mark for the year. I've always stated that for me the marker of a serious running year was 2000 miles. Well, it's entirely possible that I could hit that magical, "serious" mark yet again. I must, however, confess that my running in 2026 is nothing close to serious.
Most of my running is done at the same paces, at the same locations, and in the same clothes (Not really, but close). It's very leisurely and meant to be one of the things that connects me to my youth at the ripe old age of 74.
The knee, you ask? Well nothing much has changed there. I have good days and bad days. If a good day ranks 7-10 on the ten scale, then most sit around 4 or 5. Some days I think surgery would make a difference, dome days I think it would be a waste of time during the recovery phase (because I couldn't run).
Most days I'm trying out useless braces and straps from Instagram hucksters who swear they'll cure anything. It's amazing the detailed productions put out there to steal my precious $29.95 to cure my ailing knee, but hey, capitalism, right?
My motivation is high, for both myself and the sport in general. I can sit for hours soaking up the live stream of the Western States 100 or any obscure UTMB trail race.
AND BY THE WAY.... Hey NBC, guys with drones and video backpacks can track races in the middle of the mountains in Europe for crying out loud. Why can't you show anything but the front of the pack in a marathon? Why can't you have cameras on the top Americans (yeah, that's plural). And why, OMG, WHY do you think I give a rats ass about the weatherman trying to break 4 hours. I'm not sure why no major network in this country has ever figured out how to televise a running event, but I have this idea: STOP trying to cater to the audience that doesn't exist. STOP trying to bring new people to the sport, they will arrive when they arrive. START producing shows that appeal to runners, throwers, jumpers and the like. THAT will make the difference. THAT might make your telecasts bearable.
AND while we're at it, Hey USATF, you say you're here to promote the sport, but getting access to any of your events is a nightmare AND then I have to figure out how to pay for it. PAY FOR IT? Why, on God's green earth should I have to pay to watch the USA 6k road championships? You should be BEGGING me to watch it. Oh wait, I forgot, the priority is that the rich must stay rich off the backs of fans and participants. And I thought we got past that after Ollan Cassell. Whatever.
Extra notes.
1) I have fallen completely in love with the Adidas Adizero EVO SL shoes. FABulous cushion, a great fits, and just a great show. And while I'm at it, Adidas clothes are the best. Oh and while I'm thinking about it, the Purechill slides are my go-to everyday, every moment footwear.
2) On August 12, I will have my 60th runnerversary. Wow, Long time.
3) and finally, in 29 miles, we will hit 127,000.
Sweet.
Have a great day on the road, on the track, on the trail..... wherever.
Run on.
