Jul 26

Rest and Invest

by Erica McClurkin in Exercise, Three Tips 0 comments tags: change, execution, fitness approach, rest days, running, taking action
I’ve been collecting running shirts since I started racing ten years ago, and it’s time to go through them and let some go. It seems like they multiply when you aren’t looking, though not so much over the past year or so…
May 17

Training and Racing Insights

by Erica McClurkin in Exercise 0 comments tags: adaptability, being present, celebrate your wins, execution, fitness approach, getting started, goal setting, patience, resilience, rest days, running, support network, taking action
Despite many of the large May races being canceled or postponed, I was overjoyed to see so many in the running community complete smaller, local races this past weekend. Waking up at 5am yesterday to support our running group was a breeze for this night owl because the prize was seeing many of our runners run their race. (Race day is one of a few special reasons for getting up early with a smile on my face and a very happy heart.)
Apr 26

Safety First

by Erica McClurkin in Exercise 0 comments tags: best practices, evaluate, instincts, resilience, running, safety, stay alert, well-being
When I started running regularly, I made the decision to run with others much of the time and rarely ran outside alone, instead choosing to run on a treadmill. As I’ve become a more seasoned runner, this hasn’t been practical for many of my longer runs, and I’ve ventured out alone, making the decision to run on main streets and to let K know my route and how long I expect to be out.
Mar 15

What Is Your Why?

by Erica McClurkin in Exercise, Feelings, Goals, Self-Care 0 comments tags: being human, consistency, energy management, execution, exercise benefits, fitness approach, goal setting, habits, movement, resilience, running, stress management, taking action, values, well-being
Until this past weekend, it had been a year and a half since I ran more than 17 miles at once. I had to look back at my training logs to confirm the date, mileage, and pace because I couldn’t remember if I had run that distance in the absence of a fall marathon goal race in 2019 (I knew I hadn’t run that distance in 2020).
Jan 25

Muscle Soreness and Managing Expectations

by Erica McClurkin in Exercise 0 comments tags: DOMS, execution, happy running place, managing expectations, movement, muscle soreness, running, taking action
Brrrr… It was cold outside this past weekend! I’m not complaining. It’s January in Ohio and I get to run outside without overheating, so I’m a very happy human. Happy because I think I’ve finally figured out how to dress properly for outdoor exercise. Maybe. (Ha! Who am I kidding? I usually overdress and I only got it right this weekend because it was sooooo cold. 😂)
Jul 20

Training to Build Resilience

by Erica McClurkin in Exercise, Goals 0 comments tags: adaptability, execution, make a plan, outdoor training, resilience, running, stay on track, taking action
Do you ever have a day that doesn’t go quite as planned? Of course, right? (It’s a silly question, isn’t it?) Yet, despite knowing that things come up and life doesn’t always go according to plan, we sometimes have trouble accepting these unscheduled adjustments. Other times, we easily make the best of the situation and roll with the changes.
Sep 10

Pacing the River Run Half Marathon (Unofficially)

by Erica McClurkin in Exercise 0 comments tags: adaptability, challenge, movement, observable data points, opportunities, pacing, running, support network
Last Sunday, I ran the River Run Half Marathon for the eighth time. Seven years ago when I ran this for the first time, I never would have guessed that I would be (unofficially) pacing the same race for my fellow Fleet Feet Cleveland runners. Then, it was about finishing and not being too sore or too hungry afterwards. Now, it’s about hitting a target pace (and associated finish time) in a doable fashion and, when given the opportunity, being the pacer that I wish I had in some of the many races I’ve run.
Aug 25

Tapping into Pure Joy

by Erica McClurkin in Exercise 0 comments tags: being present, happy running place, joy, meditation in motion, movement, running, running downhill, well-being
Gravity-assisted sprints (e.g., running down hills as fast as possible) are the best. There was a time when I used to fly down hills on Rollerblades, semi-protected by the helmet, wrist guards, and knee/elbow pads. My sister and I would blade through the Metroparks, taking the flat curves easily and being careful to stay upright when navigating down hills.
Oct 16

2016 Marathon Training – Long Run Log

by Erica McClurkin in Exercise 0 comments tags: 2016, running
10/16/16 – The journey that I began with friends in June has come to its conclusion with the 26.2 miles that I ran this morning. Marathon #2 is now in the books. Wow! The morning was dark and cool, and we began shortly after the sunrise. I was told a long while ago that I’d cry at the end of my first marathon, but I get teary-eyed at the beginning of marathons – today, more than last year.
Jan 09

A Change in Pace

by Erica McClurkin in Exercise 0 comments tags: getting started, happy running place, running, slowing down
This morning, I had the honor of serving as the 11-minute-mile pace group leader for a 4-mile kick-off run.  Sometimes, it’s awesome to run fast and set a new record, but I have been taking it easy on the running front since my latest half marathon this past October.  A run here, a run there – just for fun and to spend time with friends.  In any case, I knew I’d be asking for trouble if I tried to pace the 9-minute-mile group, even though that’s pretty close to my regular running speed, so I asked for the 10 or 11 spot.   The course was hilly, and the morning was a little rainy.  No complaints here – it’s January in Cleveland, and at 48 degrees, it was beautiful running weather. 
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