Huh? A Running Blog? You Sure About This?

Welcome to Running With Rick. In response to the questions above, the answer to each is a “yes”, “why not?” and “absolutely.” I’ve been thinking about a doing this for quite some time. I’m not an elite runner with endorsements. Can’t say that I’m offering expert training advice for the marathon – since I’ve never run one before. Rest assured, I’m definitely not trying to sell anything.

I’m a runner. But I think that’s enough. I have the same jitters as any of you before a race. I grumble whenever the weather causes me to revise my running schedule. And like all of you, I experience that satisfaction and pride when I meet a goal and endure that same frustration when that doesn’t happen. Also, like each of you, I absolutely savor those moments when I’m lost in sheer enjoyment of being out on a run.

Those commonalties provide plenty of topics for me to pursue every week or two on this blog. It’s my hope that what I write is at times informative. Definitely hoping for some humor. Guarantee you’ll have glimpses into some of my quirks (i.e. music, Nikes and fine wine). Most of all, I would like have a number of “oh yeah, been there before too!” moments. Perhaps, once in a while, this blog will offer some inspiration.

But this isn’t just about me. I really, really hope that RWR prompts comments and discussion. Tell me there are shoe brands not named “Nike” and that I overpaid for that Hypervolt Go and that you’ve never heard of “Arcade Fire.” Please share your stories, races, techniques…anything related to running. Social media has given us an opportunity to meet. Let’s take advantage of it.

The plan is to post a blog every other week. All you need to do is clink on this link to add your email address. To get a sense of my writing, I’ve included several Facebook posts from the past couple months.

Before I end, I want to thank several people. First off, big thanks to Terry Kruse for allowing me to his picture from the start of the 2021 Capital Pursuit for the homepage. Terry’s as talented a photographer as he is a runner – which is pretty damned impressive. Also, thanks to Tim Ives from The Body Project. Words cannot express how much his coaching and guidance have helped me these past several years. Another huge round of thanks to James Laughlin and Todd Schemper’s amazing work as physical therapists at The Kinetic Edge as they’ve guided me through injuries that would have sidelined me for much longer durations. On that same note, I cannot thank Sarah Masengarb enough for her skilled work as a massage therapist at Hands On Sports Therapy. Most important in all of this has been the guidance, support and love from my amazing wife Amy! I love you, sweetheart!

Here to the coming year in running! Best wishes to everyone!