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# Running 🏃🏻‍♂️
- URL: https://www.ryangrier.blog/running/
- Published: 2021-05-22T00:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-08-13T00:29:02.000Z
- Author: Ryan Grier
- Tags: Fitness

I started running a long time ago. The first run I logged into [Nike Run Club](https://www.nike.com/nrc-app?ref=ryangrier.blog) was in August of 2006\. I think I started running a year or two before that. 

The reason that I started running was that I was fat. Seriously. Looking back at the photos, it looks like I ate one of my kids. I weighed roughly 60lbs more than I do now. I think I used to wear size 38 or 40 jeans (loose fit). 

**Getting started**

I started by walking. That worked for a while, and then I decided that I wanted to run. I had never really run before this. But I decided that it was something I wanted to do. So one Saturday morning, I went to a local park (with a circular trail) and I ran one lap, and then walked a bit. Then I did it again. I think I did it three or four times before calling it a day. 

Since that day, I have run miles and miles and miles. In Nike Run Club, I’ve logged over a thousand miles. I’ve also logged hundreds of miles in [RunKeeper](https://runkeeper.com/?ref=ryangrier.blog) and hundreds of miles on my [Apple Watch](https://www.apple.com/watch/?ref=ryangrier.blog). This doesn’t include the miles and miles I’ve run without any sort of tracker. 

**5k(s)**

I’ve run in countless 5k events. I used to sign up for a lot of these each year. My brother and I used to run these together all the time. At one point, I did well enough to finish in the top 5 (or 10) of my age group. 

**Half Marathon(s)**

Then I started running in half-marathons. I think I ended up running in 3 or 4\. I still have the medals for these in the basement somewhere. The best of these that I ran was under 2 hours for a half marathon. This was probably at my peak running. I loved running during this time and loved competing in half marathons. 

**Marathon**

Somewhere along the line, I got it in my head that I wanted to complete a full marathon. So my brother and I signed up for the [Philadelphia Marathon](https://www.philadelphiamarathon.com/?ref=ryangrier.blog) and started the training. I ran almost every day. It got to the point that if I was scheduled to run for less than 6 miles on a given day, it just wouldn’t feel worth it. 

Finally, race day came and I felt great through about 13.1 miles. The halfway point was also the endpoint for the half marathon (duh). When I got there, I almost decided to end it there. But I continued.

We finished the race, I had to walk more than I wanted. I also finished slower than I wanted. I hated myself for the last 3 or 4 miles. But I finished, that’s the important point. 

**Life after the marathon**

It’s funny. I loved running before the marathon. Since the marathon, I don’t really want to run to train for anything anymore. 

I still run. Usually once or twice a week. I have a day where I’ll run for 10 minutes to finish my workout and another where the entire workout is a run. I don’t enjoy it as much as I used to, but it gives me time to listen to a book or catch up on podcasts. 

I also run on vacation or while traveling. Running is an easy exercise to plan out. I don’t need to find a gym, or bring equipment, just a pair of running sneakers. 

I have zero interest in ever attempting another (full) marathon again. A half-marathon was the sweet spot for me. There’s a part of me that wants to run another half-marathon, but I’m not sure if I have the conviction to see that through.

🏃🏻‍♂️