‘ellooo runner 👋 This week’s RunLetters brings you an 89-year-old runner who’s still running 50ks, a running retreat in Portugal, and more.

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Can you imagine still running at 89 years old? And I’m not talking about a few rounds around the block. I’m talking about 50k.

Meet Bob Hayes, an 89-year-old runner who proves that age is just a number. He still runs 30 races a year. In this mini-documentary, we see him training for the Bighorn 50k ultramarathon.

Some would say Bob does things the hard way, but really, he does things his way. As he nears 90, the toll of long-distance races grows, but Bob’s determination never wavers.

I’d label this one emotional and crazy inspiring. Worth the watch 💯

One of my favourite moments is at 13:55 😉

Mary M McCarthy might be completely your vibe (or… the opposite, haha). Her Instagram feels like one big running party.

But there are a few things that can’t be argued about: 1. she’s a pretty dang good runner (with a background in cross-country, now focused more on road running), 2: she puts in plenty of time and effort into her social content, oh, and 3: her content screams positivity.

Fun, generally lighthearted, feminine energy, and honest. British. Mix in some fast running here and there, and you’ve got her feed. If you’d like more of that, she’s worth a follow.

Imagine running the trails in beautiful Portugal with like-minded people, while simultaneously being pampered in a gorgeous boutique hotel. That’s a pretty good description of what Endorfina will be like, a new retreat kicking off this May (7-11) in my coastal hometown Ericeira.

The retreat includes daily guided runs, sauna/cold plunge access, delicious and nourishing food, and other (restorative) activities like yoga, pilates, and breath work sessions.

Knowing the two hosts, I’m sure it’s going to be an epic retreat. Have a look, and maybe I’ll see you in May! 🌞

The Adidas Adizero Evo SL is probably one of the most loved shoes of last year. It’s a road shoe that works for almost any type of run: easy days, faster runs, long runs, and even races (if you’re OK skipping a carbon-plated racing shoe). The bottom has decent grip, and there’s enough cushion to keep your legs from feeling too tired on longer efforts.​

The one thing some people didn’t love about the Evo SL is the upper. The new “Woven” version of the shoe is supposed to fix this. Its upper holds your foot better, and the tongue is easier to keep in place when you tie your laces. ​​

Because the Woven version is out now, the original Evo SL is on sale in a lot of (online) shops, which makes it a steal. If you want a light, fast, cushioned shoe without paying the highest price, this is the one for you.

Sam Cornforth has been featured before, but he 100% deserved this week’s wild card again. If you’d like a quick laugh, I promise this 1.5-minute-long reel will do just that.

That’s it for another edition. Remember to hit reply and TELL ME if you know an inspiring runner, cool gear, or an amazing race I should feature. I read every single email.

And don’t forget to join the RunLetters Run Club for incredible discounts and fun running challenges.

Have a wonderful weekend! ☀️

Caroline

P.S. Just published a new video on YouTube. Avoid the mistakes I made when I started running.