Episode 12-Updates, Losses: how can we cope?

We begin Episode 12 with a discussion about what I have been reading lately. A hint: "Old Hickory." We also give information about sending a race photo and/or report. While I will post the pictures on this site, the race report will be posted on our sister site. You can find information by following the link at the left.

Also, we share an email from Doug in Springfield, Missouri. Doug shares about the loss of his brother several years ago and the loss of running a few months ago. That leads into our main topic. I discuss two issues relative to loss: loss of the ability to run for a season and how to cope with the loss of a loved one.

I offer some general ideas of how to get along when you are laid up from running and finish up by sharing some ideas that have been helpful to me as I have dealt with death in my family. I close by sharing a poem I wrote about my father's situation just before he died. While the episode is heavy, I trust it is helpful, all the while going 2 hours with me on this long run, about 13.7 miles. Remember, while this is a running podcast, it is just as much a podcast about life that happens to take place while we are running.

The pictures above are of my father and me several years ago and a photo I took of the crabapple in my front yard of some cardinals in the Spring. The tree--named "Sam", after my father--was a gift from some good friends a few weeks after my dad's death.

While this episode may seem a bit heavy, I thank Doug for planting the idea in my mind. We will lighten up next time. Promise! Thanks for listening, and as always,

Thanks for sharing some of the road with me,
The 20 Minute Runner

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The music heard in the body of the podcast is entitled “Dying to Live," by Sacred Desire. Check it out at Mevio Music.

The background music is entitled “Afternoon in the Sun.” It is by John Williams, from his album “Long Road Home.” Check it out at Magnatune.

The opening music is entitled “Point of No Return” by Roger Subirana and is the title cut of the album. Check it out at Jamendo.com

The closing music is entitled "Stories from Emona III" by Maya Filipic, from the album "Between Two Worlds." Check it out at Jamendo.com

Episode 11-Peppers (a hot question), what does "The 20 Minute Runner" mean?

Episode 11 opens with a hot topic: Is your name Peter Piper? Have you have ever pickled peppers? If you have a good recipe, send it my way. While we begin with an update on my two types of peppers, tomatoes and apples, we soon hit the road the next morning for the bulk of the program.

We are in week 2 of the 4 week cycle, running a 1 hour, 45 minute long run. Beautiful weather and the strength gained from a large pecan--regardless of how you pronounce it--covered Cinnabon roll devoured the night before ensure a strong run...and finish!

I encourage you to send me any race update(s) you may have; include a photo and I'll make sure it's posted on this blog. I'll also do my best to play any audio clips you send as well. Send me an audio report of your most recent race (.wav or .mp3) and you might hear it on an upcoming podcast. Part of the fun of this podcast is including your input as much as possible. This is a two-way street. Let me hear from you via email, with (or without) photos, with (or without) an audio file.

I appreciate you going with me on this run. I really enjoyed putting the episode together. And as always,

Thanks for sharing some of the road with me,

The 20 Minute Runner

Download this episode (right click and save)

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The music heard in the body of the podcast is entitled “Riding the wings of victory," by Triple6fusioN. Check it out at Mevio Music.

The background music is entitled “Afternoon in the Sun.” It is by John Williams, from his album “Long Road Home.” Check it out at Magnatune.

The opening and closing music heard in each podcast is entitled “Point of No Return” by Roger Subirana and is the title cut of the album. Check it out at Jamendo.com

The transition guitar piece is by TwistedLemon and posted at The Free Sound Project.

Episode 10-Having the Heart of a Champion

Episode 10 is about the realization that you are a champion, regardless of whether you achieve what someone else may define as success or not. While you may not have the fastest time in a 5K or have completed a marathon, the fact that you are racing--or simply running at all--defines you as a champion.

We also discuss three areas of benefit the running life produces:

• Mental aspects
• Physical aspects
• Weight loss and management

I also share some recent emails, including one from David in the UK who is attempting a PR in the half-marathon this fall. I offer some insights to prevent injury and make sure that he is ready on race day. The link below (as promised) is the program I will be following--with some minor modification--as I prepare to run my first half this fall.

While those around you may have definitions for success, this episode is about defining our own success. You alone know what that is for you. It may be running a set number of miles per week, running a certain time for a race, or just getting out 3 days a week and running. My definition is the last one. And those 3 days a week, as well as a race now and then, are big successes for me, regardless of the time.

I have included the photos in this post to illustrate one of my personal successes: weight loss and management. David can identify, as you will hear. You can probably tell which picture is the "before" and which are the "after." While I will not print it here, I do share my numbers in this episode. If this issue is one you struggle with, I trust this episode of T20MR will encourage you to achieve your weight loss--and maintenance--goals.

Define your success and then work to achieve it! That is what makes a champion.

This is a full episode. Thanks for listening. And as always,

Thanks for sharing some of the road with me,
The 20 Minute Runner

Download this episode (right click and save)

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The music heard in the body of the podcast is entitled “Heart of a Champion," by Bob Pressner. Check it out at Mevio Music.

The background music is entitled “Afternoon in the Sun.” It is by John Williams, from his album “Long Road Home.” Check it out at Magnatune.

The opening and closing music heard in each podcast is entitled “Point of No Return” by Roger Subirana and is the title cut of the album. Check it out at Jamendo.com

The half-marathon training program referenced in this episode can be found here.

Check out Matt's podcast at Run Digger Run.