Runner’s World+ Member: Benjamin Dashley
Benjamin is a Runner’s World+ member. Join him and thousands of others chasing their goals with day-by-day training plans, expert advice from editors and coaches, and unlimited digital access. We regularly feature members online and in print!
I have made some really great friends through running groups, and I’ve never felt more strong or healthy. I lost 30 pounds and stopped feeling pain in my knees after just a little bit of walking. Weight loss isn’t my goal, but it’s a nice side benefit!
Running has also blessed me with physical and mental endurance. During my PR 5K last year, I wanted to quit the whole time, but I kept thinking, I ran a marathon! Another mile or two is nothing!
I am happier and less anxious and I sleep better, too. It also brought me closer to my wife, who started me on this running path by inviting me to run a 10K with her in 2018. We love going on runs together.
As a journalist, I wanted to support good journalism. As a runner, I wanted to be able to see what the latest trends are and ways I can improve my running, whether that’s through technique or through gear. So much gear!
I’m a near-obsessive box-checker, so I love being in the middle of a training plan and making sure I hit every scheduled run. Beyond that, I run because I worked hard to finish a marathon, and I want to keep up that level of fitness. There’s also this moment, often about two miles into a run, where all the thoughts of my day fall away and I’m only focused on the next step, the next breath. I live for that moment.
There’s an out-and-back route in South Bend from my apartment that takes me down the street I live on for about two miles and then back on another road. I pass some of the coolest old houses, including some built around 1900. It’s exactly four miles, which is my favorite “just because” running distance.
I should probably say my bright pink Nike Pegasusv36s that took me through a marathon, but it’s really my fanny pack. I ran more than 1,000 miles last year and it was with me on every run. I don’t even remember where I bought it. It’s black and silver with a pink tag, and I use it to bring my phone, wallet and keys (and sometimes nutrition) with me on my runs.
I love hot sauce. I have about 30 bottles at home and I’m always collecting more. I also write about it occasionally for a food blog.
Run a sub-2 half marathon.
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