About Me

In most races, I am basically nobody or somebody just like you. I am 49 years old, 6 feet tall and I weight 168 pounds, I was a swimmer in college and have been running for over 26 years. I have run 18 marathons (3 Boston Marathons), along with many 5k’s, 10k’s, Half Marathons and some other races that are greater than 9 miles. I train in Wayne, Pennsylvania near Valley Forge where the Kenyan’s train for Boston. The fact that the elites train in my back yard has not really helped my times over the years but the weather is mild most of the year even in winter and summer. Humidity, thunder storms, snow and ice can be a problem but have never stopped my running — now that I own a pair of ice cleats!

 

I have experienced the highs and some lows (mostly during winter marathon training) during my running life. I actually placed in my age group in one marathon but usually finish in the top 30 % of the field but no higher than the top 8% depending on who is racing that day. Most of the time I am in the top 30% and that makes me a mid-pack runner like most people who finish in the top 20% to 70%.

 

Over the years, I have gained some practical insight into training, eating, shoes, clothing and conditioning that work for me. I also know that one size does not fit all but the information I provide may help you. I have also read a lot about running and realized that most of what is written about running pertains to either elite runners or very beginners with nothing of substance for the rest of us who have some knowledge of the sport. We are the mid-packers and we make up the majority of the running field.

 

I have run and trained with many people that run at my speed or slower and I found we have a lot in common. I often wondered over the years why the largest group of runners (the mid-packers) seems overlooked. I suppose many writers feel we need less information because we know everything there is about running. I had always wished someone would just put some basic knowledge out there for us that has been time tested and works. Again, I know what works for me and I feel I am kind of a tester of running gear and methodology. That is my reason for starting my site.

 

I expect that the “experts” will dismiss my work but I know what I know and it works for me. I have taken the experts advice over the years and some if it is good and some of it just does not work for me. I think you all know what I am talking about. Let’s face it – you can’t train like a Kenyan if you run the way I do. My body just couldn’t take the stress even if I didn’t go as fast as most professional runners.  I don’t even have the time to train like they do. And make no mistake, they are professionals. They only show their face when there is good money to be won. You will never see them at most ordinary Marathons or races but you may see me and you may be their as well.

 

My site is not intended to be the end but rather a beginning of my insight into the sport of running. I am not sure what entertainment value you will find in my work but it is my hope that you can pick-up something useful. I think we can connect on whole new level and help each other. Lord knows, I don’t know everything and things do change over time. My running tends to be evolutionary not revolutionary.  I remember when heat was the cure for sports injuries and steak the meal of champions.

 

Don’t get me wrong — change can sometimes be good. Many things have improved our running lives like timing chips, online coaches, online race registrations, heart rate monitors, running shoes, clothing, hydration systems, hand sanitizer(for after a trip to my Bob) and watches.  Online coaches and heart rate monitors are optional but may work for some people—I just don’t use them because I try to keep it simple.

 

I am a preparation nut when it comes to running because I hate getting 18 miles into a 22 mile run only to remember that I forgot my gel pack - or worse yet - sports drink or water. I love looking for running equipment I think I may need some time in the future. I have a habit of looking every time I enter a sporting goods store (my son hates when I do this). I can spend hours in the summer looking for bargains on a piece of clothing that will make my winter runs in 15 to 30 degree weather seem like a summer dream. I never stop thinking about my next run or race and what I may need.

 

My reasons for running have basically never changed. I like to stay in shape, compete against others in my age group and with two kids half grown I need all the energy I can get. Sitting around getting big and slow is not my idea of fun and I know it is not yours. We all want a healthy lifestyle and for me this includes fishing, surfing, kayaking, biking, swimming, canoeing, camping, hiking, ice skating, skiing and many other sports. That is why I run. Beginners may need to use running to lose weight and elite runners to show us how slow we really are, but we mid-packers out number them by far. We run because we like to and it is what we want to do to keep in shape.

 

See you in the pack,

 

Bruce Eppinger