RUNNING THROUGH THE AGES
I wanted to say how much I enjoyed reading December’s Runner’s World. Why? Because I’m an older runner (69) and there was much in this issue that gave me inspiration, information and role models. I particularly enjoyed the super-vet article on the Old Men of the Mountains [99-year-old George Etzweiler] and the other runners over 90 who were mentioned. I also took note of Andy Dixon’s mention of Jeannie Rice (aged 71, with a 1:37 half marathon), whose achievement gives me something to aim for.
Tookie Davenport, via email
SUB-TWO RELAY
I thought you might get a kick out of an event that happened recently in West Michigan, US. In honour of Eliud Kipchoge’s first ever sub-two-hour marathon, I organised a marathon relay on October 27 in the city of Holland, and recruited 44 other runners to run 210 x 200 metres to see if we could match or beat Kipchoge’s time. It was a ton of fun and we got it done in 1:49:32 (4:11/ mile pace). Runners ranged in age from eight to 55 and ran between one and 26 legs. I ran 26 of the 210 legs and I’m feeling it this week! Crazy to imagine maintaining that pace for
26.2 miles solo.
John Ornée, West Michigan, US
RUNNING IS A JOURNEY
I recently ran a sub-3:00 marathon. I had been training for this goal for several years and thought that once I achieved it, my life would be different: I would be some kind of running demigod. The reality was of, course, very different. Even a few weeks after achieving my goal, my resting heart rate began to creep upwards and climbing stairs now makes me reach deep into my lungs for air. The sacrifices we make, the pain we endure and the hard yards we push for are transitory. And yet, what makes us runners? I believe it is the fact that we embrace this and start again at the bottom of the performance curve and fight for every gain. To me, running is not the feeling of being at the top of our game, but the journey we go through to get there – and that is why running inspires, impresses and annoys us all.
Oliver Tyler-Elder, London
IT’S A WRAP
Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant. It was fantastic to receive Runner’s World in a paper envelope rather than a plastic bag this month. Small differences add up. Could you also try to introduce seasonality into your recipes so we aren’t trying to buy food out of season, which has put in significantly more miles to get to us than we run?
Anna Goymer
PAPER CURRENCY
Congratulations, Runner’s World! I’ve just received the December issue of your magazine through my letterbox – in a recyclable paper wrap! I was as excited to see the wrapper as I was to see the magazine. Although your response to Emily’s Hubbard’s letter said the plastic wrap would disappear by March 2020, it is fantastic to see it’s already being replaced. Keep up the good work!
Tanya Roberts
We’ve received such an overwhelming response about the new paper wraps. Here’s to a greener future.