Writing On Running

This is the audio version of a piece I published on my Substackhttps://bromka.substack.com/p/my-adolescent-strideSubscribe there to receive pieces when I write them.

This isn’t a running essayI’ve been working on this piece for nearly a year. I’d write paragraphs, and then stare blankly at the screen, unsure of where it was going. Because grief doesn’t bend to our heart’s intent.Turns out that I needed to continue living with her memory as my guide.I hope you enjoy this piece and take some solace in the lessons that I’m attempting to learn.Oh, and call your Mom ❤️Music: Michael Marcagi - Scared To Start (feat. Joy Oladokun)

I love the Boston Marathon. Having raced it nine times, I've come to obsess and admire all of its details.In 2018 I wrote this article for Runnersworld about how to approach the course. If you're racing, have a wonderful day. If you're cheering, scream your lungs out. And if you're considering putting in the work to someday arrive in Hopkinton to run, I'm promise you that it's worth the effort.Music: Helen, by Elias Hix

If you thought my experience racing TSP 4.0 was intense, wait till you hear this one.A year after running myself into the hospital with heat exhaustion, I returned to captain the team from Nike to face off against team Adidas. The rivalry was understated but assumed. Both teams were fully committed, financially flush, and willing to take risks for victory.But it’s just a relay race, right?What could go wrong?Background audio:  I know it won’t work - Gracie Abrams

The Speed Project is kind of insane. I mean, it's just a running relay, so it's not THAT nuts, but compared to most competitive running events it's off the rails.This is the story of team Tracksmith, from TSP 4.0 in 2018. This isn't the story I'd hoped to write. I wanted to be able to tell a tale of victory and success, but that's not always how adventures end.Huge credit goes to the Tracksmith team, especially Emily Maye, who documented our suffering, and Matt Taylor, who signed off on something so unpredictable at the intersection of competition and corporate marketing.Text version of the story is available hereThanks for listening!Background audio: Serotonin - Angie McMahon