Runner’s World+ Member: Tessa Rivera-Penera
Tessa 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!
Running has given me a renewed vigor in life and taught me about myself. Before running, my career controlled what I did and I forgot a bit of myself along the way. Working through most days and weekends as a physician was a life I accepted but my energy level started to dwindle. I was tired all the time. Running changed that. Even when I feel pain, despair and doubt when the tough miles slam you, the joy and feeling of empowerment crossing that finish line just begs for more. Running has renewed my faith in believing nothing is impossible. I started running long distance at 52 years of age. Six years later, 2020 Tokyo Marathon will be my 19th marathon. It was even a more surreal experience when I Boston qualified for 2018 and ran an arduous battle to a slow finish in the stormiest Boston marathon. I was forever humbled. Call it crazy. I call it living my life fully and moving forward. Running exposes one’s weaknesses and strengths at the same time. I respect the run and it has given me back more in return.
I feel connected to the people in the articles. I feel I belong to a community and can be myself. The stories are inspiring and real. We cheer the effort.
My mind vacillates and bargains constantly for a reprieve from a workout, but once I start, it fades away. I just do it. Fear of losing fitness is a great motivator to get my act together.
I run the treadmill, cross train and do strengthening repeats in the gym three times a week at 8 p.m. when the work and household chores have slowed down. I recently got my own fancy treadmill with the IFit cardio and it has added more variety and motivation. I run weekends in the morning or afternoon depending on my work schedule. I have two rest days. I have my 8-year-old heavy duty spin bike at home too. Well-used. I have a couple of kettle balls, and low weight dumb bells to work on while watching TV.
I do hill training around my neighborhood. My favorite long runs are done in the county park which connects five townships. It is the closest to nature I can get with road trails surrounded by trees, rambling brooks, deers and geese crossing. It has restrooms in each township park and water fountains. Perfect for water stops.
I liked the lightness of New Balance 1500 series. But now I train mostly with Nike Zoom Flyknit and Zoom fly 3 and race with Nike Vaporfly 4% and Next. I like Nike and Lululemon shorts and the latter brand has high waist leggings with convenient pockets. As for tops, I have no favorites. I grab what’s on top of the pile and wear weather appropriate tech tanks, t shirts or long sleeves given in races.
Just keep on lacing up those racing shoes for as long as I can; age just becomes a number.
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