Runner’s World+ Member: Michael Sullivan
Michael 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!
Physically, I’ve lost 10 lbs. since I’ve really started running and I have overall improved health. Mentally, it’s the place I escape to; it helps me clear my mind almost like a therapy session. I’m usually in a much better headspace after my runs.
I love the articles for sure and wanted the ability to read as many as I could in a month :) The stretching/fitness ones I enjoy the most and I really appreciate the gear reviews too. Plus, I get the magazine in print with the same membership!
I’m an older dad to two young girls, which serves as my main motivation. I find that with staying physically active I am able to keep up with my girls energy levels more than if I had a sedentary lifestyle. It also really just makes me feel good overall.
My life is busy. Two kids, both myself and wife work—so finding time to run is hard. I’ve started to run at lunch during work. I’ve found that it helps provide me with the energy for the remainder of the day, plus it lets my mind clear for tasks that afternoon, and kind of reset myself. It’s like a game’s half-time; it refreshes me for the second half of my day :) On the weekends, I sometimes have the time to squeeze in a run here and there, but I save most of that for family time.
I live in the beautiful Pacific Northwest an hour and a half North of Seattle. We are very blessed to have a great system of trails here in our town. My usual run will take me from downtown to our waterfront parks and back again. Rain or shine, it’s a great run.
I like to run light. I don’t like to carry my phone or much else with me. I do, however, have to carry my security badge with me or else I wouldn’t be able to get back into work. I purchased a FlipBelt, made in the USA, and this has been the perfect companion for my runs at lunch. I can tuck my badge into the belt and be off without having to worry of it falling out of a pocket in my shorts. It’s been a great investment.
I participate in the Ski to Sea race each year, which is approximately 8 miles (13 km) with a 2,200 ft (670 m) drop in elevation. My goal is to beat my previous year’s time, which I have successfully done each year. As I age, I hope to be able to continue this.
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