Even though I like to drift through a lot of things, adapting to whatever is thrown my way, having a training plan is a good idea. Sometimes, they're too rigid, sometimes too flexible and every now and then, they're just right. The big component is your willingness to stick to it to get the desired results. Sure, you could probably gut it out, but it might be nicer to work with a plan. My thoughts and experiences.

Here is my favorite 50K training plan. Probably going to dust it off for Rocky Raccoon 50K.

Also, take the poll!

OK, this episode is light on the running thing but more on the philosophy/mental game of running: you have to accept who you are and respect that. Just because other folx do 100-milers doesn't mean you should.

Nonetheless, thank you, OP, for helping me reach a moment of clarity about life and running. :)

Two of the Biggest Sweaters in Texas offer advice about hydration, what to take, what implements to use and more!

It's funny, but I recorded one version of this earlier but deleted it because my dang allergies made me sound sinusy.

In between, a friend who offered to coach me for the Brazos Bend 50-miler emailed me and admitted that it would be too complicated to successfully see me through. It was then that I realized I've been succumbing to pressure (my own) to keep pushing the limits when I really don't want to go any further. There are other things I'd like to do or accomplish in the future. I love trail running but I think my ultra days are becoming fewer. I want to learn how to kayak, get better at shorter-distance running and just have more of a personal life.

This isn't to say that other people's goals are wrong, but I am finally leveling with myself that I don't have to live up to other people's goals.

This week marks the third anniversary of The Stubborn Tortoise. What started as me reading previous blog posts have evolved into something more: my experiences, hearing the experiences of master's runners, how the community coped with the pandemic to advice episodes with my buddy, Hundo. I share a handful of clips from previous episodes. Here's to evolution!

Four Austin-area guys in their 60s-plus, gather each week to run or hike together. They are all formidable runners but at this age, injuries can hinder their efforts. Still, they take it in stride (pardon the pun) and say they have no interest in ever "retiring" from the sport they love. Younger folks may want to heed their message as runners of any age look to the future.

Photo: From left: Henry Hobbs, Joe Prusaitis, Gabe Ayson, John Kuss and chair. The chair is part of the scenery for residents to enjoy an overlook, although there were jokes abound about someone carrying it in case any of them needs a break.

In the latest installment of Paz and Hundo, we delve into the mysterious world of shoes and socks -- what works for us and what advice we give to you in your quest.

Also, I give a brief-ish recap of my race at Pedernales Falls over the weekend.

Photo: Me and Hundo wringing out our socks midway though a 20-miler in 2015.

I have discovered that simply grinding out miles day after day is a good thing. I'm looking forward to it, even if it is insanely hot and humid. I may be acclimating. I am logging miles to virtually get across Tennessee (and I am behind, but determined). I also offer up some tips on surviving summer races. And (no boys allowed) I talk about the Holy Grail of sports bras for me. I found one a few years back and bought five or six of them. Then, the company went out of business and I have been swinging and missing the Ms. Right Bra ever since.

Photo: The Holy Grail bra: The Lucy High-Impact sports bra. I love the high neck, the compression, the racerback and how it lasts.

Frank Arredondo is a friend of mine from the Rio Grande Valley. He is a pharmacist and became one of the first people to be hospitalized with COVID-19. He is doing great now, but he was on a ventilator for 10 days and given some experimental drugs. He was more or less of a guinea pig for doctors in the early days of the pandemic.

Frank recounts his gripping story, including the bravery and tenacity of his wife, Tyra Greene, who kept a journal that launched them into the national headlines.

His story is one to be appreciated regardless of where you are on the pandemic spectrum.

In this episode, I talk a little about a training concept known as "Jeffing." It is a term related to coach and marathoner, Jeff Galloway. The concept is regardless of your ability, by incorporating walk breaks into your runs will ultimately prevent injuries, help your mental outlook and allow you to accomplish faster finishing times than if you just ran the whole thing.

I know this will ruffle some feathers, but I've been trying it for a few weeks and really enjoy it for training runs. (I haven't tried it yet on trails or at a race.)

I have linked to his website above.

I also talk about my solution to plantar fasciitis (roll those calves) and an unexpected upcoming trip to Iowa, of all places.