Runner’s World+ Member: Cori Johnson
Cori is a Runner’s World+ member. Join her 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!
Running has changed me many, many times over the years. The most important way it has changed me is that it has made me a better woman TO other women. Because I run, I feel more confident, and because I feel more confident, I can uplift other women, encourage other women, and celebrate other women. At 47 and after having three children, my body no longer is considered Instagram-bikini-worthy, but running helps me not care as much about that (I am not going to lie and say I don’t care at all, but it helps me care less). Running helps me feel centered, it helps me feel powerful, it helps me feel strong, and in all that, I gain confidence. When I feel more confident, I feel more joyful and open, more loving and accepting—of myself and others.
It was a no-brainer for me. Runner’s World is an almost-daily reference/resource for me, so if I have to pay, I will gladly pay! I trust and rely on Runner’s World to keep me healthy and informed!
I run for more reasons than I can count. I run because I am happier on the days that start with a run. I run because I believe strongly that running outdoors in the winter is why I have never had even a hint of Seasonal Affective Disorder. I run because I love to eat, and nothing revs my metabolism quite like running! I run because it warms my heart when my seventeen-year-old is trying to figure out how to get to my race the next morning, despite the fact that it’s going to be in the 20s, “because you’ve been at every one of my races.” I love that my children get to see me doing something for me, and get to see that I have things that I love that don’t involve making sure they have clean underwear and a healthy breakfast. I run because I love connecting with the running community. I run because I love being a part of a community that celebrates runners, no matter how far or how fast they run. If you run, you are accepted, welcomed, and encouraged.
When it comes to gear, the shoes matter and the fit of the tights matter, but for me, the music is what makes the difference. Often I run and don’t even hear my music because I am sorting something out in my life, but when I NEED my music, it’s there for me. My gear that I would be lost without are my earbuds, and my current favorites are the Bose Soundsport Wireless. Oh, and my current shoe obsession is Adidas Boston… I realized I should add that after realizing all my pictures are in variations of that shoe.
At 47, I just had another PR in the half marathon. My goals are to keep trying to PR in the half, and add in a BQ marathon soon. I adore the half and want to see how close to 1:30 I can get. When I feel like I’ve tapped out my potential, then I’m going to run slow, easy full marathons. After Boston, of course. :)
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