Runner’s World+ Member: Mark Stinneford
Mark is a Runner’s World+ member. Join him 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 think running has proved how tough I am, which is a good thing to know given all the personal, professional and logistical challenges of the pandemic and our political situation. It’s also introduced me to a diverse, multi-generational group of folks who I wouldn’t have gotten to know otherwise. I’m an introvert by nature, but on a 10 mile run in a cold rain, you really learn a lot about another person.
I was attracted by the stories of runners of all ages, abilities and backgrounds—from Olympians to chuggers like me. It’s really inspirational to read about runners who have been better able to manage weight issues, depression, setbacks, and health crises through running. I love to read about folks who accomplish things through running that they never thought they could.
I run mostly for the opportunity to get better. I am an older, slower runner, and it’s a real boost when I can cut my mile time by 10 seconds. And, even after a bad run, there’s nothing like the feeling of having done, particularly in terrible conditions.
I usually run a tree-lined, sidewalk route in Cary on a loop that takes me about 3.4 miles. I like it because it’s familiar (I know most of the cracks in sidewalk), and it has some long stretches of shade. It also includes a couple of really challenging hills—one on a street named Dynasty (that runners call Die-Nasty). It doesn’t feel like a real run to me unless there’s a tough hill.
Garmin 630. Even though I’m a slow runner, I’m obsessed with every piece of detail, particularly any signs that I’m making progress.
I became a father for the first and only time when I was nearly 50. I started running seriously several years ago in hopes of remaining ambulatory until my child gets out of college. We’ve made it to the sophmore year of high school so far, so the plan seems to be working.
I’d like to run regularly in the 10-11 mile per minute range. Right now, I generally run in the 11-13 range, depending on the temperature and humidity. My bucket list has a full marathon penciled in, but half marathons are challenging enough right now.
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