Community Fridays > What I am LOVING in the Running Community
Hey friends and welcome to the WEEKEND. I really try to not live for the weekend, but I do love Fridays. Friday, Landon and I spend every week, intentionally unplugged with each other. We have a fun date night planned, today including Downtown Abbey, a goal planning session, and some popcorn. Date night, done right.
Before I dive head first into a much needed, unplugged weekend, I want to share my quickly becoming favorite post of the week with you all. COMMUNITY FRIDAYS! What is Community Fridays?
Basically, community Fridays is a day that I am dedicating to the running community. There is something special about cheering others on and sharing good news with other people. Whether that’s an inspiring runner, a good sale on running clothes (who doesn’t love that?!) or an encouraging story, I want to have Fridays be a day of celebration – celebrating real runner’s, real stories, and encouraging others in their own running journey! Basically, Fridays are going to be my new, favorite, on the blog, day of the week! SO, if you know of an inspiring runner or an encouraging running related story, or you want to share YOUR running story (and want to be featured!) make sure to email me at coachbethanythompson@gmail.com. I would LOVE to feature YOU!
Inspiring Runners
Hollie Hughes – I was just introduced to Hollie through the Rambling Runner podcast and man, I was in tears and had chills for about 78% of the entire episode. Hollie is not only a gifted runner, but she is a mom of four. Her son Jonah was diagnosed with and recently Jonah and Hollie ran a 3:08 marathon at the Wine Glass marathon. If that wasn’t enough, another incredible thing about this story is that on top of pushing a chair through the entire 26.2 mile journey, Hollie wasn’t even supposed to be running. She was told last year that she couldn’t run anymore, thanks to a recent diagnosis Addison’s disease. Hearing her share her heart on why she runs, how much her son loves to run with her, and her utter and complete amazement at coming in at a 3:08 marathon was beautiful. I won’t even try to do it justice, but it was just amazing. If you need an inspiring or encouraging person to follow, you can find Hollie here and the episode here.
Seth Totten – If the last name, Totten, is familiar sounding to you, it is because I featured, Seth’s wife, Lauren a couple weeks ago! Seth and Lauren are both super speedy, professional runners with a heart for others and the Lord. Seth Totten is my coach and I am excited to share a little bit about him here. Seth is 2:19 marathoner and a 64 minute half marathoner and he is racing the Dublin marathon this Saturday! I can’t wait to hear how it goes. In Seth’s words, “I’m still running to this day because the daily grind and challenge presents a new goal to chase and works towards. I train because I like to race and compete. Some people enjoying running for running, but I enjoy the challenge of racing and competition. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve adjusted my goals. While once I dreamed about Olympic teams, now I work to be the best version of myself everyday as a husband, friend, and athlete.” I am thankful to be working with both he and Lauren in helping me prepare to get faster and stronger!
Education
Run with Your Mind – If you haven’ read Deena Kastor’s book about the power of mindset and running, you need it in your life! This book has been such a game changer for me and really has helped me seek the good and positive in each and every run/workout. I love the way Deena plays mind games and experiences her races. Reading about her various marathons and races made me feel like I was being a part of them and greatly helped my half marathon this spring. Definitely worth a read!
Gear
I just saw that Brooks running came out with THIS jacket and it is definitely going on the Christmas list. I don’t normally run when it is super dark out, but reflective gear is always nice to have on hand even for dusk/early morning runs.
I am always on the hunt for a good pair of
- Headphones w/o cords
- Running gloves
- Running tights
- Running hat (gotta keep the head warm in these cold temps!)
What are you favorites for all above gear? Give me all the details!