Welcome to another installment of the Oregon Brewery Running Series Podcast; Inspiring Oregonians to Be Active, Have Fun, and Give Back. We host family-friendly, 5K fun runs that start and end at some of Oregon’s best breweries.
Today on the podcast, we talk with Mark Remy about the only three things you need to know about running. Not only will these things encourage you when you don’t feel like running, but remind you to pay attention to the “brewtiful” things around you.
If you’ve been running for any length of time, you may have unintentionally made it far more complicated than it needs to be. There was a time when I had such specific expectations and requirements for running that if they weren’t met precisely, I’d just stay home.
In recent years, and perhaps most profoundly since all of us went into quarantine back in March, I’ve learned to appreciate simpler running. Like heading out on a whim, without a watch, maybe wearing a cotton t-shirt, and enjoying the experience of moving my body through the beauty of Portland.
I credit much of this new way of thinking to my good friend and running buddy Mark Remy, who is our guest today on the podcast.
Recently we talked with Mark during one of our Happy Hour chats as part of our July Challenge. Mark is kind of an expert when it comes to all things running. He has written four books about running (and a great training journal) and, for many years, contributed to Runner’s World. He was also the executive editor of RunnersWorld.com, then founded his website, DumbRunner.com, in 2015. Dumb Runner is an online destination for runners who enjoy laughter and pie. You’ll have to visit his site to figure out that last part.
The three things Mark is going to share with us today about running are to just go, be patient, and pay attention. These are very basic reminders, especially right now, when it’s perhaps getting a bit difficult to stay focused on fitness and activity goals. I know I need many reminders to be grateful for the little things I have in life – like living in such a beautiful place, with an abundance of places to run, drink great beer, and friends to do both with. Big thanks to Mark for being one of those people I can talk about politics, parenting, our latest favorite beer, and any number of big topics.
THE ONLY 3 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT RUNNING
Back in 2017, I asked Mark to give us some “tips” for running. I quickly learned that Mark doesn’t like tips. Rather, he prefers to give advice.
“Running isn’t easy, but it’s simple if you’re doing it right. It’s so easy to over think and make running more complicated than it needs to be. Needless complications are one of my pet peeves.”
So the following three pieces of advice are distilled down from our conversation. Listen to the interview to get more context around each.
JUST GO!
This is geared more towards the person on the couch, or person too intimidated to get out the door. Mark says the best thing runners should do is just get out the door and start running! “It’s not that hard. There’s the door. There are your feet. Just go…if that means the end of the block, that’s a start!”
This is a great reminder, even if you have been running 2 years or 20. There are always things in life that will get in the way of running if we let them.
BE PATIENT
Running can be easy, but it’s a long process. You don’t need to accomplish everything today, and often, taking a long-term perspective on running is the best way to “become” a better runner.
“Be patient in expecting results,” Mark says. “Too many people get out there and expect instant results. They get frustrated because we’re in such a culture of instant gratification.”
Running will teach you the value of how to be patient. “…if you want to train for a race that’s 4 months away…you gotta be patient.” Take the long view of running and make it a lifestyle.
PAY ATTENTION
Pay attention to your body. “If you start and are immediately gasping for breath, you’re probably going too hard,” says Mark. It’s also equally as important to pay attention to your surroundings (other runners, cyclists, traffic, etc).
But he takes it one step further.
“Pay attention to the world…to what’s happening around you (not just threats), but pay attention beautiful things, especially if you’re on a trail run, or just look for it around you… even just the beauty and music around you.”
Help us Raise $5,000
As part of our summer challenges, we are working with the Oregon Food Bank to help those most impacted by COVID-19. The pandemic has closed most locations where people experience food insecurity typically rely on for meals (schools, community centers, churches, etc). This has created a big gap in the way kids, seniors, and other at-risk populations find food. To respond to this unprecedented need, the Oregon Food Bank has issued the #EmergeStronger Challenge. This is intended to not only meet the current need but also emerge strong once we go back to “normal” whatever that may look like.
We’re working to raise $5,000 for the Oregon Food Bank and we’re REALLY close! $10 provides 30 meals to someone experiencing food insecurity. The need is more profound now than ever!
See the donate link below.
RELATED: The Emerge Stronger Challenge with Kyle Hummel from the Oregon Food Bank.
All are Welcome!
We don’t care if you’re a runner, walker, or something else. We just care that you’re active! We often have 10 – 15 participants who walk our events!
About Us
The Oregon Brewery Running Series is about inspiring Oregonians to Be Active, Have Fun, and Give Back. We host family-friendly, 5K fun runs that start and end at some of Oregon’s best breweries. Register for our next run here! Our theme music, the Oregon Song, is written and performed by James Hoffman.
