The Stubborn Tortoise

When you're training for and doing ultramarathons, there aren't enough hours in the day to strength train. So, like a lot of people, I skipped it. I did some cursory stuff, but, as I am now finding out, it wasn't enough.

I'm back at physical therapy once again, doing millions of squats, clamshells, and lunges, because I didn't do them before. Or at least enough of them.

Turns out, afflictions like arthritis can be ameliorated by strength training. It' something we know, deep inside, but kind of ignore it because -- hey -- I feel fine, so I guess I don't need it.

So, listen to Aunt Stubborn and don't skip leg day.

Trying not to have a first-world pity party, but I've had a few major setbacks. Fold in my already-dark mood surrounding my birthday and you get a sort of saddish tale.

Appliance failure, plumbing gone wrong, I DNF'd a 10K, no one really helped me celebrate a Big Birthday, and just the realization that I'm getting old...er.

It's no one's fault but mine, but I managed to get the flu over Christmas. Coughing, nose-blowing, feeling crappy. It's the first time that I can remember having this as an adult.

I'm improving, but relieved to not be doing Snowdrop this year, because of this.

Looking back and ahead a little.

Here's to a better 2026!

I saw an acupuncturist who gave me some stern advice that I'm not sure about, but her work was good and I will see her again.

I also did the Wild Hare 10K, which went well, save for me wiping out before mile 2. I finished within my second goal time, because I missed the first one.

Contemplated my future races and have decided I should keep it short -- at least for now.

I hit a sad realization over the weekend: my arthritic hip won't let me attempt a half-marathon next month. After I ran-hiked an 8K on Saturday, the hip yelled at me all day and night, and I knew if I tried doing 13.1 miles on pavement, I would destroy what's left of it.

So, I did what I considered the unthinkable: I dropped to the 5K.

Immediately, I felt loss and like the character of Fran, in "Strictly Ballroom," the secretly talented ballroom dancer who is relegated to the beginner's group because no one realizes her ability -- until she meets a handsome, talented dancer who lost his partner.

For me, running is Scott Hastings: the thing you want so much and who you hope will pick you.

Running, once I was capable of it, was this challenging, yet gleeful feeling. I belonged! I could do it and fit in! I was so happy.

Until reality and age settled in.

Sorry, my brain is still processing all of this and I am feeling kind of shattered, still.

I did sign up this morning to volunteer at the marathon finish line next month. It will not be the same, but will be better than not going.

I haven't given up on running/hiking, because -- honestly -- nothing else will fill that void. I'll let you know when I figure this all out.

It's been a few weeks, people. I know. Had a couple of eps ready to go and I changed my mind because I wasn't happy with them.

In the past few weeks, I have rekindled my love of running, but also adjusted my plans for a couple of upcoming races out of an abundance of caution -- or pride.

And one of you gets a shoutout. You'll just have to listen to find out. :)

Kate Mihevc Edwards used to run for no particular reason, except that she loved it. Then, she discovered the world of competitive running in college and ran numerous half marathons and 13 marathons -- three of which were Boston. On her son's first birthday, she went for a run, like always. As she returned home, her heart rate skyrocketed to 300 bpm. She was later diagnosed with a rare heart condition that sidelined any hope of returning to running.Meanwhile, she left her career in marketing and studied to be a physical therapist and board-certified orthopedic specialist who practices running medicine. She has over 15+ years of experience working with high performers, CEOs, runners and athletes of all levels, from recreational athletes to Olympians. She is the founder of Precision Performance Running Medicine Clinic in Atlanta, GA, the RUNsource app and co-host of the Interdisciplinary Case MIles Podcast. She is an integral part of the multidisciplinary team supporting Atlanta Track Club Elite. Dr. Edwards has served as adjunct faculty at Emory University School of Medicine and is a published author and speaker, contributing extensively to education, research and the advancement of sports medicine for runners. Follow her at: @katemihevcedwards @FBrunsource @precisionpt_atl

Saturday marked the first time I've done what I call "Big Boy" trail races since last November.

I was not especially trained for the hilly terrain, but gave it a shot.

It was embarrassingly slow, included a downhill tumble, and I considered quitting a couple of times. Mind you, it was "only" a 5-mile (actually, 5.4-mile) distance.

I finished, humbled but determined to keep going through challenging things instead of giving up.

I'm signing up for races all over the place. I guess that means getting out of the house and actually running.

Strangely, a memory came up on Facebook the other day. It was a photo of me and Orly (Hundo) with Normita looking on as we wrung out our socks midway through a 20-miler. I mentioned that I went out later and got in 3 more miles. (!) Those were the days when I was training for a 50-miler.

I look back on that time and realize it likely won't happen again. But, I'm grateful to have had the ability to get through almost three 50s.

I arbitrarily decided to start the seventh season of the podcast because...why not?

This week, I give some pro tips to beginners, share the experience of running my first trail race all year and why I think my two listeners (/s) like what I do here.