The 20 Minute Runner

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.

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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

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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!

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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

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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.

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If you have ever had a brother, you will identify fully with this, Episode 9, dedicated to my oldest brother, Sammy. Sammy not only introduced me to running years ago, he also modeled the importance of family and caring for one another, relationships and the critical role they play in all of our lives.

He probably knows how much his support and influence meant to me during a very difficult period of my early life, but if he does not, this episode helps to clarify why I feel this way.

The episode includes a 15 minute interview I conducted with Sammy recently. We talk about the “early days” of our running, including some scary–as well as funny–times we shared together.

More than running, relationships are so vital in our lives. My hope is that this episode will move you to contact that person–or persons–who were a stabilizing influence during a difficult place in your life; we all have those places–and those persons.

This episode has a special place in my heart and is one of my favorites up until now. As you listen, I think you will know why. 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 “Brother of Mine,” by Shane Alexander. Check it out at Mevio Music.

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

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“Brother of Mine” (Words and music by Shane Alexander)

Out of the darkness came a pinhole full of light Out of the emptiness some peace of mind tonight Filling the space that had been dark in both our lives Slowly at first, but still grows brighter all the time

And I can’t lie, I never thought about it all that much I don’t know why, but now you’ve opened up my eyes Brother of mine

A familiar face, you’ve got a smile that looks like mine Ten years between us, we grew up in different times But what’s in the past don’t make much difference anymore Now that it’s open, may we never close the door

Cuz I can’t lie, I never thought about it all that much I don’t know why, but now you’ve opened up my eyes Brother of mine Brother of mine Brother of mine

What’s the lesson to be learned from the way the story’s turned From the way the fear has died

Cuz I can’t lie, I never thought about it all that much I don’t know why but now you’ve opened up my eyes No I can’t lie, I never thought about it all that much I don’t know why but now you’ve opened up my eyes

Brother of mine

Brother of mine

Brother of mine

Brother of mine

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