Author: Vanessa Junkin (She Runs by the Seashore)

Pemberton 24 Take 2: I completed 10 5Ks in 24 hours

October 10, 2020

There are challenges that come with an event like the Pemberton 24 that aren’t found at many other types of races.
One challenge is that unless you plan to do all 24 of the 5Ks offered, there is no real “finish” that you must meet. You stop running when you meet your goal — but, you can skip a 5K, or a few 5Ks, and come back to the race course. You can use strategy to get extra points during the middle-of-the-night 5Ks. Your goal can change at any time. … More Pemberton 24 Take 2: I completed 10 5Ks in 24 hours

I struggled through the virtual Run, White & Blue 5K

October 4, 2020

I’ve participated in the Run, White & Blue 5K at Delaware Technical Community College in Georgetown since 2016. I love this race, always held on a Thursday evening, and the massive amounts of food served afterward. For those past four years, I received a free entry in exchange for blogging about the race. So, even … More I struggled through the virtual Run, White & Blue 5K

I ran the trails at Hashawha for the first time in more than a decade

October 3, 2020

I’d been wanting to make it back to the trails at Hashawha Environmental Center in Westminster, Maryland, for a while, and I finally made that happen last month, on Sept. 6. I grew up about 30 minutes away in Hampstead, and I remember going to Hashawha — which is north of the Westminster city limits … More I ran the trails at Hashawha for the first time in more than a decade

I explored the Nanticoke River WMA – Nutters Neck for the first time

September 12, 2020

Even though I’ve lived in Wicomico County full-time for almost nine years, and I’ve seen a lot of our county, I’m still finding new places to explore. A couple weeks ago, I decided to check out the Nanticoke RIver Wildlife Management Area – Nutters Neck. … More I explored the Nanticoke River WMA – Nutters Neck for the first time

Runner Reads: “Let Your Mind Run” by Deena Kastor and Michelle Hamilton

August 23, 2020

When I was trying for fast mile times earlier this summer, I thought of what I’d read in Deena Kastor’s book, “Let Your Mind Run: A Memoir of Thinking My Way to Victory,” written with Michelle Hamilton. I tried to think positively on my way to a fast (for me) time. Kastor, who set American … More Runner Reads: “Let Your Mind Run” by Deena Kastor and Michelle Hamilton

The virtual Race Across Maryland kept me running through the hot summer

August 20, 2020

I had 60 days to run 250 miles in the virtual Race Across Maryland. This was about 30 miles a week, and I figured it would pose a good challenge, as it’s a little more than my usual mileage. So, it would be a stretch, but doable. But I got behind, and did something I’m … More The virtual Race Across Maryland kept me running through the hot summer

I ran my first in-person race since March: The Naylor Mill 7K

August 15, 2020

The week of the Naylor Mill 7K, I received my race bib and a cloth mask in the mail. That’s something that would have been pretty odd if it would have happened last year. But this year, this mailing was a way for the race to avoid a gathering at packet pickup, help keep runners … More I ran my first in-person race since March: The Naylor Mill 7K

July Wrap-Up: Running during Maryland’s hottest month ever (really!)

August 13, 2020

The month of July sure was a hot one. I feel like I’ve never been slower. I am not all about speed, but I do like to be able to do a run without feeling like I can hardly get through it. I mentioned in my June wrap-up that I’ve been doing plenty of run-walk … More July Wrap-Up: Running during Maryland’s hottest month ever (really!)