LauRunning

In 2025, I got back to running longer distances after a period of illness at the end of 2024. I also did the fewest number of races since I started running, and I'm okay with that. A 2025 highlight: running a 5k with my mom. A goal to build my strength back I had a long period of illness at the end of 2024, so my goal in 2025 was to build back my strength, specifically to do longer runs. Running in 2024 reflections post It was easy enough to get back into the long run habit because my partner, John, ran the Edinburgh Half Marathon in May, and I trained alongside him. Our longest run together was 11 miles before he ran the full 13.1 on race day. We then both ran the Seven Hills of Edinburgh in June, which ended up being 16 miles. That didn't feel so much like running, though, as we were walking up the hills. Still, it was a vigorous physical endeavor. Seven Hills of Edinburgh recap Running the Seven Hills with John. I wasn't running long distances towards the end of the year...

I ran my first ever race in Maryland at a vineyard with my mom. After a long stretch of hot weather, I appreciated getting a cooler morning for a run. Vineyards: a different type of trail run. Why Bordeleau Vineyards I'm currently in Virginia visiting my mom. One of my mom's friends mentioned a 5k in Maryland that was happening while I was here, and I was intrigued. I've never done a race in the US outside of New Jersey or New York, so I liked the idea of running in a new state. It was both a run and walk, so I ran the 5k, while my mom walked it.  I've called this run Bordeleau Vineyards 5k, but it was technically part of Wine Run 5k. These are 5k events around the country that take place at wine-related location, and you get a glass of wine afterward. I don't drink and am anti-alcohol in general, so this isn't the type of race I'd normally seek out. But this isn't an area with many races, so I jumped at the chance to do one, no matter the theme. The jou...

 I ran up to the top of all seven of Edinburgh's hills, and I feel shattered for it. Not a medal, but a coaster this race. Why Seven Hills of Edinburgh I planned on signing up to the Edinburgh Half Marathon this year because my partner, John, wanted to run it. He signed up, but when I went to do so 36 hours after he did, it was already sold out. I still wanted to do a big run this year, but I didn't want to travel far. That's when I remembered the existence of the Seven Hills of Edinburgh, a race I've often thought about doing, but every time I've looked into it, it's sold out. The race is as it sounds. You run to the highest point of each of Edinburgh's seven hills. There's no set route. Just reach the peak and run the hills in a set order. This year, I set myself a calendar reminder for when entries went on sale. Good thing I did, because it's a race that does pretty much sell out in minutes. John was also kind enough to agree to run it with me, ju...