Happy New Year!

Like most runners, I am always learning new things about myself: mental attitude, nutrition, hydration, gear.

I got a new hydration vest -- the Nathan Vapor Howe -- and really like it. My former brand, Ultimate Direction, didn't live up to my expectations, so I switched. I also have been tweaking my diet and have added a couple of supplements, which seem to help. I also tried caffeinated Tailwind and, to my surprise, really liked it.

I had a couple of decent runs over the weekend. The second one, I did something that I haven't done in years: I ran a mile without stopping.

I know it sounds hilarious but it happened and made me feel better about my abilities. I'm going to keep at it so I can run more than walk. I know it won't be this way every time, but that is a new goal. In turn, I think I'm getting off the Struggle Bus.

Photo: Lucia Lua Ramirez