Author: kevin_rader
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My First Half Marathon Experience
Four weeks after achieving a major milestone—running my first sub-20-minute 5K and beating my younger brother in the process—I found myself making an impulsive decision. On a whim, I decided to run my first half marathon. At the time, I didn’t have a training plan, and the longest run I had ever completed was just…
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Running as a Family Legacy
Leaving a legacy of running has always been important to me. I started running over two decades ago, in my early 30s, and from the beginning, my family was part of the experience. My wife, Lynn, and I built running into our lives, not just as a way to stay fit but as something that…
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The Power of Nutrition: What I’ve Learned Over the Years
I’ve read a lot of books on the power of nutrition over the years. In fact, if you ever need a gift idea for me, the latest research-backed book on proper nutrition is always a solid choice. I love digging into what the science says—how food impacts the body, and more importantly, how it can…
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Running Smart: The Importance of Moderation and Balance
Running has been a cornerstone of my health journey, helping me stay active and push my limits. But I’ve also learned firsthand that there’s a fine line between running smart and overdoing it. This lesson was reinforced by the tragic stories of two colleagues who embraced running—only to pay the ultimate price. A Shared Passion…
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Running from the Shadow of My Grandfather: How I Started Running
For those who have followed my blog, you know I’ve shared my struggles with weight during college. I dabbled in running back then, but at a heavier weight, it led to knee swelling and pain. So, I turned to low-impact activities—rollerblading and calorie restriction—following Weight Watchers until I reached a more manageable weight. By the…
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Breaking 20: How I Took My 5K to the Next Level
Back in early 2004, after I had about a year of running under my belt, I set my sights on a bold running goal: breaking 20 minutes in the 5K. But there was another motivation fueling me—beating my younger brother in the process. I circled May 8th on the calendar, the date of the Apple…
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Celebrating 5 Years of the Prosper Running Club
Five years ago, on February 14, 2020, just before the world changed with COVID-19, we officially launched the Prosper Running Club. What started as an idea among a few friends has grown into a thriving community of runners who support, motivate, and challenge each other every step of the way. How The Prosper Running Club…
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How The Power of Vitality Keeps Me Motivated and Moving
Staying active and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can be challenging, but having the right motivation makes all the difference. That’s where the Power of Vitality program comes in—a workplace benefit designed to encourage employees to prioritize their health through exercise, nutrition, and wellness education. While the financial incentives are modest (about 100 points per dollar,…
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Running for Chocolate: My Hot Chocolate Run 15K Experience
A Race That’s as Sweet as It Sounds. Every February, my wife and I lace up our running shoes for one of our favorite local races—the Hot Chocolate Run 15K in Dallas. It’s part of a national race series that takes place in cities across the U.S., known for its fun, well-organized atmosphere and, of…
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Garmin Epix 2: A Game-Changer for Runners and Athletes Like Me
Over the years, I’ve tried different fitness tools, gadgets, and training strategies in my quest to improve my running and overall fitness. My focus has always been on running, strength training (even if it’s not my favorite), and nutrition. While I’ve used various Garmin watches through the years, starting with the Forerunner 301 back in…
