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Shay's avatar

I’m currently listening to “It’s OK to Not Be OK”, and I felt compelled to share a bit.

I live in Tel Aviv, Israel. A few weeks ago, during the Iran-Israel conflict, I went out for a morning run. Mornings were typically quiet during the war, and when ballistic missiles are detected, we get a terrifying alert sound on our phones and about 6–10 minutes to find shelter.

I was doing interval training, and during my second interval, the alert went off. I was 1.2 km from home and ended up sprinting harder than I ever have before. It wasn’t tempo pace, threshold, or marathon pace, it was a "run for your life" pace. The streets emptied in seconds. Ironically, Strava claim I PBed for 400m, half a mile, 1K, and a mile.🤦‍♂️

I reached a shelter just a minute before the air raid sirens began, and missiles started falling not far from where I was and where my family was.

A few days later, I did the “I Don’t Wanna Run” guided run, and it really helped. I ended up running 20 laps around the block, didn't wanna get caught out again.

Since then, we’ve also welcomed a new baby, which has been incredible! That said, juggling parenting, sleep, and running has been a real challenge.

There’s a ceasefire now, but I still haven’t quite found my rhythm with running again. It’ll take time, I know. But thank you for that episode! it came at exactly the right moment.

Thanks!

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Andrew Mogendorff's avatar

That’s highly impressive even to leave the house. Stay safe, and congratulations on the new baby!!

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Marjorie Waters's avatar

I ran the Comeback run earlier today. Four weeks ago, I started the half marathon training plan. Two weeks ago, I had emergency gallbladder surgery. I’m feeling better and ready to slowly start over. The Comeback Run is my comfort run, I use it every time I’ve been away for awhile. Today was more of a walk-jog and it felt so good to cross the starting line again.

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Geoff Livingston's avatar

I am reading this before going to bed, a short night of sleep as I drive out to toe the line for a FA trail event, my second attempt at an ultramarathon. I pulled out at mile 21 last time after falling and smacking my knee into a rock, a wise decision as it turned out, I had a bone bruise.

Eight months later I am back, better trained, more versed with running on trails. The course owes me nothing. But I made it back. And now I feel great for doing so.

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Rhiannon's avatar

I ran the 7 minute run this morning. My first run in so long I cannot remember. Life lifed over the last year. I thought I lost my spark. Then I found a glint. So I ran with it. Then, on the same day as my comeback, I read this post, and it solidifies that glint and it burns brighter. Thank you Coach Bennett. Thank you.

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Kathy's avatar

Thank you Coach, I needed to read this today.

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Olivia Pont's avatar

Thank you. I’ve started again training for a half in November. Thank you. I will try the miler guided run. Thank you. You are also an inspiration to us out in this world. Thank you 😍

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C. L. Clark's avatar

Listened to the "It's OK to Not Be Okay" episode the week I learned that my favorite poet passed away after a few years with terminal cancer. (Andrea Gibson, for anyone who's got an interest in poetry, especially spoken word.) It was a great episode (as usual), but really resonated with me and was a comfort. Maybe because it also resonates so well with their philosophy on life, all the way to the end. Thanks, Coach.

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Dave's avatar

I ran the 9k run this morning. Probably should have reminded myself the hot run tips!!! AZ is a bit hot!!! Thank you for being an inspiration to me and all of us. You’re da man!

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Sarah Schmitt's avatar

I read your newsletter and had my comeback run on the trails that day. I’m not fast, I’m often clumsy, but I get out there and I give it a go. It’s been so long. I’ve struggled with my ‘why’ because it has felt I’m constantly derailed with injury or illness and I spiral into doubt. But I heard you Coach B. You always seem to say what I need to hear when I need it. Thank you 🩷

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Paul walczyk's avatar

Thanks, Coach. I really needed this today. Barely got in a listless workout this morning, and bummed that i haven’t moved my rings enough on my watch. But there is a lot of day left. And there is always tomorrow. And I’ll see you on the starting line then.

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Andrew Mogendorff's avatar

Thank you, Coach Bennet! I’m signed up for a half marathon next weekend, which I’ve done before and am really looking forward to, but I was on vacation the last couple of weeks and basically did the opposite of good training, so I’m not feeling super confident. Your motivations are just what I need to get out and make things happen, with grace and kindness

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