Welcome to "(Still) On The Run"

Thanks for reading + please subscribe!

Hello. Happy New Year and Merry Fitness. Now that we’re in 2023, I’m embarking on a new writing adventure on Substack – I’m calling it “(Still) On The Run” – you’ll understand why as you keep reading. It is my sincere hope that you’ll enjoy -- and support -- me on this new road. I’m excited about the possibilities of expanding my writing topics with regard to all things running – training, racing, gear, philosophy, personal profiles, anything and everything that might be of interest to you, the reader of this blog-style newsletter.

As background for those who do not know me: For the past 35 years, I have written a weekly sports column, appearing each Thursday, for the Poughkeepsie Journal, a Gannett-only daily newspaper in Poughkeepsie, NY. The last 31 years, that column – called “On The Run” -- was devoted to running, racing and other topics in the running realm, centered around the mid-Hudson Valley of New York State. In December, the column was discontinued by the decision-makers at Gannett. It was a bummer, as writing a weekly column basically became an extension of my being for so long. There were times where I thought that not having a weekly writing deadline would be a relief. It was not. It was disorienting and unsettling. I love to write. Mostly, I love to tell stories about the amazing folks who have found joy, satisfaction and meaning that our sport gives them. Especially during the pandemic, when all races were shuttered or moved to a virtual format, the challenge of continuing a weekly running column turned into an awesome experience. I was able to write about so many newer runners, who found great meaning and satisfaction in virtual races, vertical challenges (“chasing vert,” it was called!) and trying to achieve FKTs (fastest known times) on the many awesome running venues we have here in eastern New York State.

When I posted on Facebook that the weekly column was being discontinued, I was heartened by the outpouring of support and encouragement from readers and the local running community. I also received numerous suggestions that I find another platform for my writing. After pondering many options and bouncing ideas off my dear friends with whom I run several times per week in the early-morning hours … here we are! While I’m new to Substack, this blog-style writing concept should come very naturally to me. For the past 15 years, I have written a blog called “Marist Running” on Blogger. Along with being an outlet for my writing, it is also the place for news and results for the Marist College track and cross country teams, where I have been the head coach of the program since 1991. That blog will continue – mostly focused on team results, race splits and other news. This newsletter will be an attempt to relaunch my “On The Run” column on a new platform. My goal will be to do what I’ve always done: Tell stories and provide news and inspiration for all things mid-Hudson Valley running. In addition, this format will allow me to expand offerings a bit – not only regionally and nationally, but also in terms of topics. We’ll start with what we know, and slowly expand the reach and scope of this newsletter. Here is a short working list of ideas for future posts:

--Continue to highlight the amazing stories runners in our area and beyond.

--Highlight local and regional race events, and provide results-oriented stories and content.

--Expand these stories to other regions of the Northeast, and eventually, other areas of the country.

--Provide expert tips and coaching advice from some of the industry leaders – both in the region and beyond.

--Provide expert guidance for injury prevention and treatment from industry leaders in that area as well.

--Conduct question-and-answer interviews with some of the best and most interesting runners in the area and beyond.

--Provide a space for product reviews, tips and suggestions from some of the best specialty running store owners in the industry.

--Explore the limits of endurance by talking about some of the zaniest feats in ultra running and beyond.

Now, and along the way, I’ll be asking for your support. Specifically, I’m hoping you’ll find this content compelling enough to subscribe to it. Yes, for pay. Now, I know that many of us balk at “pay walls” – so many of us want our content for free. Substack provides a great platform for writers like me. I am eager for this newsletter not only to fill the void left by the cancellation of “On The Run,” but also allow me to expand the offerings to those loyal readers, all the while attempting to cultivate and expand that readership base.

I’m asking you – pleading with you – to support this venture by signing up for a monthly ($5 per month) or yearly ($30 per year) subscription to this newsletter, which I’m going to call “(Still) On The Run.” Your subscription will sustain this new effort, and it will motivate me to Be Better (one of our Marist track team’s mottos).

Thank you for reading this opening post. With your help, there will be many, many more words running from my screen to yours. Thanks again.