Heya and welcome back to Five Things Running!

I had huge running plans for the last week. Those plans included two runs across bridges over the River Rhine in Cologne, where I spent two nights. But I also spent too much time on trains and too much time eating and drinking and partying, so instead of running I slept a bit longer. Even on Saturday I felt so tired from the week that I canceled a Sunday morning run with a friend who was in town. But the upcoming week will be my return to running, finally. At least I really want this to happen.

I now even have the right outfit for it!

Make sure to grab some Waldlauf t-shirts or sweatshirts for great fall running!

Here’s this week’s Five Things Running!

The War Over Downhill Running

Critics call it a shortcut that edges better runners out of big events. Downhill enthusiasts have a message for them: Get over yourselves, and if you think it’s so easy, try it.

About 2,000 invitees to last year’s Boston Marathon made it in by running races that were at least 2,000 feet downhill.

If it is legal, then you might as well be able to do it. Somehow too many people complain about others trying to run Boston. If you want to establish bragging rights, then run some uphill course to get a BQ!

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Running into Humility

After an X-ray, the doctor called to explain that I had severe osteoarthritis with bone spurs. I would need a hip replacement. His matter-of-fact and seemingly final prognosis on my running future left me stunned and in tears. But if running teaches us anything, it is persistence, determination and comfort with discomfort. Three years later, I am still running on the same hip, thanks to an outstanding physiotherapist and the magic of artificial joint lubricants.

Arthritis, unfortunately, has a way of showing up uninvited. After two years of decent running, the past winter was another six months of pain and limping. But runners don’t give up, right? Over the next few months, I went from painkillers to get out the door for 20-minute walk/runs to an 18k and then a 25k trail race, a 50k ultra and then another. I finished dead last in each of them and crossed the finish line with the sweepers in both 50ks. I suppose I might have been discouraged or embarrassed. Instead, running offered me important lessons: humility and appreciation.

As I am slowly getting older, I cling to these kind of stories of hope. I find it remarkable how many people are running into their 70s and 80s these days.

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'I Ran a Mile Every Day for 100 Days – Here's How It Changed Me'

As is often the case, Telander's idea came to him on the toilet. He tells MH, ‘I decided to start running because I was actually on the toilet, and I thought, "Man it would be really cool to run a mile in 10 minutes today, and then try a mile in 9 minutes and 50 seconds tomorrow, 9 minutes and 40 seconds the following day." Essentially, dropping 10 seconds each day until I can’t do it anymore. And then within the hour [of that thought], I was at the track running.’

My longest streak was around a month of running or so, I think. The best thing about streakrunning is that you are running every day, which is also the worst part about it. But when I am trying to get back into the habit of running, this is what I try. If you see me looking ripped, then you know what happened.

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Is there such a thing as a ‘vulnerable’ race? And could an average runner win it?

Competing only against yourself, and striving to help others get better. Running for the joy of the freedom of the road and the benefits of convivial conversations.

Inspiring others, improving your mental health, telling off anyone who calls parkrun a race.

That’s what running is all about.

Or is it… what if, just once, you could win a race?

What a fun story by Craig Lewis. Chasing victory can be so much fun when done with friends.

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Ode to Pre-Run Coffee

I love a good cup of coffee, especially before a run, ride, or whatever awaits in the gray gloom of dawn. Think of it now. Warmth radiating through ceramic. Smoky heat at your lips. Liquid ardor to confront the day’s ragged edge.

Everyone has their preparation preferences, but drip coffee usually works for me. I like the blend of ancient plant and mechanical modernity—grounds resting soil-like within a paper filter, buttons tinkering, electric kettle cheerfully gurgling with percolation.

Whatever your preference, however you take your coffee, you know the ritual has power.

I drink too much coffee, even though I don’t think that’s possible or should be a problem. I love the magic moments in the morning when I get in the first sips of hot coffee. A morning without coffee is not possible for and as I mostly run in the mornings, I always have my coffee before. Great piece about my favorite morning ritual by Sam Robinson!

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Thanks to COROS for supporting this publication!

If you missed last week’s edition, you can read it here:

Five Things Running: Issue #131 Sep 15 Read full story

Now, go running!

— Nico

🏃🏻‍♂️