It took me like four years before I finally ran through the winter without a significant break. So don’t beat yourself up if it happens. You just get back on the horse as soon as you can. The thing that always forced me back outside was the impending half marathon that I never miss in early May, and I’ll be damned if I’m going to try to run that without training!

My daily mileage changes a lot throughout the week and the seasons. This week was pretty normal for this time of year. I had 5 miles easy yesterday, 8 with speed work today, 7 with hills on Thursday, 4 easy on Friday and 12 on Sunday. (That Sunday run is usually easy, but sometimes there’s a progression run or fast finish depending on what I’m training for.)

I started running because I felt like shit after walking a mile. Then found out I had high cholesterol. After a few months of diet and exercise my numbers improved dramatically, which meant I wouldn’t need medication, but I knew that it wouldn’t last if I didn’t keep working. But honestly I wasn’t actually pleased with running or with my physical health until about 6 years in. I don’t think it should have to take that long, though. The trick for me was getting a dietician. I worked with her for about a year and I really got my food dialed in and my weight under control. (Insurance even covered it!)

Whatever your journey is like, it sounds like you’re doing everything right. If you want to chat more I’m happy to keep the conversation going. Feel free to send me a message if you want.