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Over 50, Running, and Not Done Yet
I’m over 50 and taking up running and walking. I hear all the time how “cool” it is that we’re sharing our adventures. People tell me they wish they could do it too. And every single time I say the same thing: If I can do it, you absolutely can too. We’re all in different stages of life. Our why is different. Some of us want to lose weight. Some are recovering from addiction. Some want to be able to move at 80. Some of us are quietly trying to outrun our own mortality. Whate
Mai Smith-Trau
5 days ago3 min read


Training Updates: Building Strength, Endurance, and Confidence
We are still training consistently. While we do take one to two rest days per week , we are now following a structured routine that includes strength training every other day with running in between . My husband and I do different workouts based on our individual needs, but we follow the same overall schedule , which helps keep us both accountable. I am still using the Runna app to build and guide my training program. I’ve adjusted my plan to include one full rest day per we
Mai Smith-Trau
Mar 283 min read


The 99% of Running: Training, Gear, and Learning What Works
We have all heard it before—the race itself is only 1% of the work , while the other 99% happens during training . Living in a colder part of California, training outside has been an adventure of its own. We regularly find ourselves running in 30-degree weather , and there are days when we’re training in rain or snow . Learning what to wear to stay warm, dry, and comfortable without overheating has been a process of trial and error. Shoes: Finding What Works for Your Feet For
Mai Smith-Trau
Mar 72 min read


Two Weeks Until the Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend: A Bittersweet Countdown
We’re just two weeks away from the Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend, and this one is definitely bittersweet for us. Living in California, we absolutely love doing the RunDisney races here—they’re magical, convenient, and full of nostalgia. But last year, we were told that RunDisney at Disneyland would be on hold again . RunDisney paused the races in 2020 due to COVID, and now they’re pausing again because of upcoming Disneyland construction. That means… no Disneyland races
Mai Smith-Trau
Jan 173 min read


The 99% You Don’t See
We’ve all heard the saying that people only see the 1% —the finish line, the medals, the before-and-after photos—but they don’t see the 99% of effort it takes to get there. And that 99%? That’s where the real work happens. There are plenty of days when I’m not motivated to exercise. I’ve had a long day at work. I still have mom and wife duties waiting for me at home. And somehow, I still have to figure out when and how to fit training into my day. That’s where Runna has tru
Mai Smith-Trau
Jan 103 min read


My Lifelong Weight Journey & How RunDisney Helped Me Break My Plateau
As some may know, I have struggled with my weight my entire life. Even at a young age, I understood I would never be the “skinny girl.” I wasn’t built like a ballerina—I was built like an athlete. In high school, I was incredibly active: basketball, volleyball, track, and softball . But as adulthood rolled in, everything changed. Work, responsibilities, parenting, and exhaustion slowly edged out my fitness routines. 🔁 The Cycle of Diets, Successes, and Setbacks Like many peo
Mai Smith-Trau
Dec 6, 20253 min read
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