I’m not gonna lie, these last few weekends have been entirely lazy, full of movie watching, fitting in an easy run when I can and eating waaaay too much sugar. I think i’m getting a little stir crazy. This always happens this time of year up until March when spring racing starts, then the year seems to fly by.

I did something to keep me on track with my running goals and to stay focused for my 1/2 in March. I hired a running coach! The first thing I know i’ll get asked is “why?” I’m a personal trainer and I have a ton of running experience. I create workouts for a living and can keep myself motivated, but I can always use the help and anytime i can learn more about running I’m game!

Let’s start with the facts. I don’t have a track or cross country background. I was in drama & art in high school. Something about Florida humidity made it real easy not to like running.  I was an active kid though, always outside, we had a pool and trampoline. Running just wasn’t in the cards yet. When I actually started running I was 22 years old and didn’t know anything about Runner’s World, Flotrack, Competitor or basically how to ask for help. I started running solely by trial and error. I bought the wrong shoes, wore cotton shirts, never brought water with me and had no idea what i was doing. Since then I’ve learned so much about the sport, but i’m not embarrassed to say I don’t know everything about running.

I wish I were a little less shy about asking for help when I started, but I’m guessing it’s why I read running blogs now– to learn how other people train. That’s where my coach comes in. Lauren is fast and has a background in track/cross country and is going for a sub 3:00 marathon this year. I want to learn from her. So she’s created a tailored training plan for me, my goals/speed/distance and schedule. For once it will be nice to have someone to tell me what to do! The big reason I decided to have a coach (almost typed couch, but that’s not the same thing) is to keep me focused and on track <— literally and literally. Consistent speed work is what I’ll need this year to set a few PR’s, qualify for Boston, and look good in a wedding dress 😉

I’m excited to share my experience of having a coach with everyone. If you are interested in reading more about Lauren’s coaching options or her amazing blog click here–>Will Run For Boston. Don’t be afraid to ask people for advice or help when it comes to fitness. The industry is constantly improving and always changing and why i’ll never be bored with my job.

What I did last week

Monday: 5.2m treadmill 8:00/pace

Tuesday: 15 min Chest/Shoulders Crossfit, 30 min Core 

Wednesday: 30 min quad/hamstrings, 10 min summit trainer 

Thursday: 5.4 easy 7:46/pace (7:58, 8:01, 7:52, 7:30, 7:27), 20 min abs

Friday: 3m treadmill 9:00/pace (legs felt super heavy/tired, ended run early)

Saturday: Rest

Sunday: 8m easy 8:05/pace 

Total Miles: 21.6

Anyone else have a coach?

Do you train for a race with a training plan?