Spring training isn’t just for baseball.  Runners need to get into shape both physically and mentally…Boston is just around the corner!

“The hardest thing about training for a marathon is the time you have to commit to it. If you are used to runs of 30 to 40 minutes three times a week, then suddenly picking that up to four, five or six runs a week, each lasting 60 minutes or longer, requires a tremendous commitment. But there are no shortcuts; the marathon is an honest distance, and you reap on race day what you sow in training… You, and you alone, are the key to a successful marathon.”  Steven Seaton, from Marathon Running: From Beginner to Elite by Richard Nerurkar.

“Don’t feel guilty about driving somewhere nice to run. If people can drive to a park to eat hot dogs, you can drive there to run.”  Bill Rodgers, 4-time winner of the Boston Marathon & 4-time winner of the NYC Marathon.

“I should probably clarify now that I am not a fast runner. As a matter of fact, I do not have a runner’s body. I am however, gifted with a strong body. I admire people who have runner’s bodies; they look so beautiful and graceful when they run, their feet seem to barely touch the ground, their stride is long and light, like watching a gazelle or deer. Do you have that vision in your mind now? Beautiful, isn’t it? Okay, so that’s not me. When I run, I am neither graceful nor beautiful. My stride is short and heavy. I think I look more like a Clydesdale horse when I run, strong and pushing forward, getting the job done. Don’t get me wrong, I am more than good with not having a runner’s body. Sure, it would be great to be fast but that’s not why I run. I run because I just love running! Runners come in all different sizes and shapes. You don’t have to be a super athlete to run. You just have to do it.”  Diane Wilhelm, Bold Moves: Diary of a First Time Marathoner.

Until next time…

Reggae Marathon RunninGuy (aka Sugar ‘Tuff Gong’ Bong)

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