Runner’s World+ Member: Emily Gordon
Emily is a Runner’s World+ member. Join her and thousands of others chasing their goals with day-by-day training plans, expert advice from editors and coaches, and unlimited digital access. We regularly feature members online and in print!
I like to think I’ve become a calmer, healthier, and more centered person. Running is meditative for me—a place to be alone with my thoughts, be with nature and away from the distractions of life. Most of my problem-solving solutions come to me when I am running and I seem to find clarity by the time I finish. I always feel thankful and grateful to be able to run at all. I have learned to love my body for the strength it gives me to run farther and faster. I used to always feel too big or too muscular, but now I see these muscles for what they have helped me accomplish. It’s also wonderful to feel a part of a community of runners–everyone at the starting line is always so friendly and accepting. No matter how fast you go or how far you run, if you run, you are a runner.
I love having unlimited access to articles about nutrition and strength-training that help me get stronger and keep me healthy and injury-free. The motivational stories help get me out the door. I am a running article junkie and can get sucked in for hour; the list of articles I’ve saved on my phone is embarrassingly long!
I know with each run I will get better and stronger. I run to maintain my fitness, push myself farther and faster, or to burn off some stress from the day. Sometimes it’s simply to enjoy a beautiful day or get my dog some exercise. Whenever I’m not motivated to run, I tell myself just go for one mile and see how I feel; I almost always go for longer. I’ve never regret a run.
I usually run after work or in the evenings. Right around sunset is my favorite time if running outside—the air is cooler and the sky is beautiful. A lot of the time I need an outlet for the stress and frustrations of the work day. I am NOT a morning person and prefer an extra hour of sleep over braving the gym or dark sidewalks.
On a normal day, I run on the treadmill at the gym while watching Netflix or on the sidewalks around my hometown. My favorite place is a hilly trail run that leads down to the Chattahoochee River, where I’ll stop and let my dog go for a quick swim before continuing on. I never bring my headphones on these runs—the silence of nature is hypnotic. For my long runs on the weekends, I prefer the greenway near my home which is a beautiful winding path with boardwalks through a wooded forest and marsh.
I am loyal to Saucony shoes—anything else gives me shin-splints. My husband gave me a Garmin Forerunner 35 for my birthday that has become my best friend on runs. I love being able to track my splits and improvements.
I want to master the marathon. I’ve only done one (and loved it!) but haven’t been able to train for more due to some health setbacks. I would also love to try a triathlon, and eventually one day finish a full Ironman. The longer the race, the bigger the challenge and the more it tempts me. Maybe ultras are in my future, I’m an open book!
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