Oh Running….it’s the one aspect of our program where people are NOT afraid to admit that they’re showing up to do a workout that they may not be excited about. It’s funny, so many people think they hate running or aren’t runners, but come out of our running program singing a totally different tune. I like to think that’s the magic of this program, we produce converts to the sport.
What makes our running program different is that we don’t expect you do commit to anything except showing up. You scale the workout however you need to, do the weekend homework, then VOIALA! You’re a better runner by the end of it.
This summer was full of running magic. There were PRs up the wazoo, first time racers, and light bulbs of clarity going off all over the place.
I RUN, THEREFORE, I AM (A RUNNER)
There was a lot of running happening this year, we had TWO programs going at the same time – our infamous Pier to Peak half marathon program, and our new program in partnership with Santa Barbara Running for the She Is Beautiful 5k/10k.
Some of my Pier to Peak clients have been with me for a few years, so it’s been a real treasure to watch how people have “matured” as athletes over the years. This group tends to be very hungry for progress and results, and now that small workout balance tweaks are happening, results are happening. But results doesn’t always mean a faster time, sometimes, it means being a smarter runner!
But let’s talk about speed – we had a few mind blowing, bone crushing PRs happen this year. Jenny B. took 30 freaking minutes off of her time. 30 MINUTES PEOPLE. WHO DOES THAT?!?!!? And The Claw (Jim for short) who’s run this race many, many times FINALLY came in below his average time of 2:45…by almost 15 whole minutes.
Sit back and think about that for a minute, even with the adjusted course, these people essentially took their old running selves, threw them down a hill, and showed up ready to throw down for every workout. We had a few other PRs (also adjusted for distance) that made us super proud. These people showed up, did the work, focused, and the reward was awesome. And let’s put a very special shout out to first timer David Kafer…he’s still learning the ropes of running, but watching him finish was one of those “I’m not crying, you’re crying, shut up!” moments.
Just a few weeks later, our She Is Beautiful training program also came to an end, and also left me swelling with pride, tears, and awe. We had two women show up to the starting line of the 10k who had NEVER PUT A RACE BIB ON BEFORE. You want to talk about bravery? Think about what it would feel like to not have a running background, never have previously considered yourself a runner, then suddenly find yourself on the starting line of not a 5k, but a 10k.
All I could tell them was to HAVE FUN, take in the energy, and race smart – today was not a day for anything heroic, but to simply take it in and enjoy their first race experience.
When we watched them approach the line for a 1:12 finish, we just about lost our marbles. Fathiah and Jackie looked happy, fresh, and FIERCE. Holy cow was it amazing! They stuck to their race plan of repeating a 4/1 run/walk interval and they crossed the finish line with big smiles.
Congratulations to ALL of our runners who stepped up during our running programs this summer – every single one of you did something you should be very proud of!