Running Monologue

When I think about all the good in my life, much of it is related to running.  Now, obviously, my children didn’t come from running, but I think running contributed to healthier pregnancies and a stronger body that allowed me to carry and give birth to very large, very healthy kids.  Running has also given me better strength, cardiovascular fitness, mental toughness, self-confidence, and stress relief.  It has given me some of the best friends and mentors of my life, and it has made me view myself in a different (better) way.  Overall, it’s been a pretty good hobby, and its benefits are things I believe in passionately.

I wasn’t always a runner.  In fact, I remember a time when I was barely able to make a whole lap at the park without walking, but over time, I built up my strength and endurance.  Soon I was able to run for long periods.  Still, I was mediocre at best.  I didn’t really know what I was doing.

Then I met my coach who taught me more than I ever knew existed about the science of running, and lo and behold, I got better.  I don’t mean a little better; I mean head and shoulders better.  I mean five minutes off my 5K PR better.  I mean shuffling along at the back of the pack to running in National Championships better (though I was still out the backdoor at the National races).  My point is that coaching and learning the nuances of running made a difference for me, not just in my running but in my life and in how I view myself as a person.

People ask me all the time what they need to do to get better.  Sometimes they want simple answers and quick fixes, but for the most part, they just want someone to teach them how to improve.  They’re willing, but they don’t know where to begin.  That’s why I’ve decided to begin coaching other adults who are seeking some of those same things I was several years ago. 

I told you that 2012 was going to be my year of taking action and doing new things, and as part of that action, I am offering a holistic health and fitness program for all levels.   If you are someone who knows you need to exercise but feel overwhelmed by that first step, this is a good place to start.  I can design a program fit specifically to your needs, goals and abilities and give you the encouragement you need to get moving toward better health in just a few weeks. 

If you are a regular exerciser but you’re looking for something new and different, this program is also for you.  Whether you have never run a race or if you are looking to see just how fast you can run, I can personalize your plan to meet your goals based on your current fitness and health.

Just knowing what to do and having the right tools to reach your goals is all you need to get started in making a change in your life.  Not knowing where to begin or feeling that you are alone are two of the biggest motivation killers, but having a coach to communicate with or to meet for a run is a key to getting started and sticking with a fitness or training program.

I don’t have a lot of fancy gimmicks, and I’m not going to lie and say that this is easy.  It’s not; if it were, everyone would do it.  I believe in consistency and putting in the work.  If you do those two things, you are well on your way, not just in overall health but in personal growth as well. 

Running, for me, is a metaphor for life. You get out of it what you put into it.