Wendy Rivard Keeps Finding New Ways to Keep Running Fun

Wendy Rivard has been running for more than a minute.

Even after 20 something years of pounding the pavement, she still enjoys lacing them up and getting out there on a regular basis.

Wendy Rivard

Let the Half Love Continue

Like many folks that I’ve had the pleasure of talking with over the past couple of years, Wendy is a fan of the half marathon.

By regularly doing a weekly long run in the 8-10 mile range, Wendy is able to pretty much stay in race shape for a half and has been known to jump into a race with little to no advance notice.

And to be honest, I’m right there with her.

Lasting Friendships that Originated Online

Wendy blogs regularly, and she has been able to meet folks that she’s gotten to know online (via blogging and/or social media) at some of the races she’s run over the years.

One such friend lives in Chicago as well, and they’ve been able to meet up for lunch and runs on a very regular basis over the years.

Wendy has also met online running buddies at races across the country, and she loves being able to have a running partner at a race if she wants one.

The Mental Benefits of Running

Wendy Rivard After the Chicago Marathon 2015

Wendy started running over 20 years ago in an attempt to help deal with some anxiety that she was experiencing from other areas of her life.

She started running, and everything changed.

Now, 20+ years later, she still turns to running to help her manage the hustle and bustle of life.

Wendy has been dealing with a case of plantar fasciitis lately, and has been trying to take some time to allow her foot to heal. However, a few days before our chat life started to get hectic, and a short run (that thankfully didn’t seem to make her foot any worse) made all of the difference for her and helping her feel like herself again.

Big Sur 2016

Earlier this year, Wendy had the chance to run the Big Sur marathon. Big Sur had been THE race for Wendy since she started running, and she was finally able to do it.

She ran the race nice and slow, and tried to soak up the experience as much as she could, and it was everything she had thought it would be.

From the scenery to the medal to the fact that it doubled as a 2nd honeymoon for Wendy and her husband (they recently celebrated 28 years of marriage and honeymooned in the Big Sur area after their wedding), Big Sur was pretty much a dream come true.

Wendy Rivard Running Big Sur

Blogging

Before shifting courses in college and getting into nursing, Wendy started out as a Journalism major.

So clearly, writing is something that comes naturally for her.

On her blog, Wendy writes a variety of different types of posts but one of the things that I really enjoy are her monthly book club posts.

Each month, she features a book that is usually running related but doesn’t have to be to read and write about. And Wendy encourages other runners/bloggers to read the book and either write a post on their blog about how they liked the book or leave a comment to Wendy’s post about the book sharing their thoughts.

The book for the month of August (when this episode is being released) is Boston Bound which was written by Elizabeth Clor who I had the pleasure of talking to a few weeks ago on the show.

#Running, and finding ways to keep it fun, helps @oldrunningmom stay young! #runchat Click To Tweet

To further connect with Wendy, make sure you check out her blog and be sure to say hi to her on social media via Twitter, Instagram, and/or Facebook.

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