Runner’s World+ Member: Terry Barnett
Terry 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!
Only in recent years has running changed from a mostly solitary fitness activity to something that I truly enjoy doing with friends that I’ve developed through running with a charity group through our local church. Since I started training and running the Chicago Marathon with World Vision in 2017 I’ve developed many close friendships as we share common goals and a common purpose. I spend a lot of time with these folks training, and I’ve grown to enjoy runnng with a group of friends. It’s amazing the things you end up sharing and discussing during an 18 or 20 mile training run! We really do go farther together!
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Running is a way for me to stay active and healthy since I typically work at a desk most days. Running is something I can do (and enjoy doing) anywhere as long as I have my running clothes and shoes. In recent years running has become a way to connect with new friends and to use it as a service opportunity raising money and awareness for safe drinking water in third-world countries through Team World Vision.
I’m mostly an early morning runner. Usually starting my runs between 5:00 and 5:30 a.m. That’s the least disruptive time to the rest of my schedule and the one that works best for me. The only downside is that over half of the year I’m running in the dark. On weekends I start a little later so that I can sleep in a little and run in the daylight.
My favorite routes are ones I’m exploring for the first time when traveling. Most recently I ran 10 miles on the beach along the Pacific Ocean near Cannon Beach, OR. It was one of the most beautiful runs I’ve had in a long time - probably top 5 all time. When I run by myself I have a few different 4, 5, and 6 mile loops around our neighborhood where I can get out the door quickly, and often go to a local state park on weekends. When I run with friends it’s often on a path along the Rock River.
Currently I run in Saucony Ride ISO-2 for longer runs and switch up with lighter New Balance 890v7 for quicker paced short runs. I use a Garmin Forerunner 35 watch paired with my phone so that I can share my location when running alone. I have a t-shirt and running short combo that I have been wearing for years that are due to soon be retired.
My primary goal is to remain actively involved in running with friends for as long as I can. Hopefully into my 70’s.
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