Grace P. saw her neighbor running around and wanted to be able to, just like her, run without getting tired past 300 yards. Through a chance encounter she learned I was a running coach and started her journey immediately. It didn’t take her long to figure out she had the talent and the drive to thrive in this sport.
She started training for a 5K but progressed so fast she skipped to the 10K, finishing her first ever race in 1:00:13. A couple of months later she checked off the half marathon off her list and within two months had completed two more, shaving off one minute per mile off her average pace, setting her PR at 2:05. She kept running and competing in local runs, even getting a few podiums. Now she wanted a marathon.
As the hottest month of July in recorded history dawned in South Florida, Grace started her preparation. It was brutal. Often she hit the streets at 5 AM under 85-degree temperature and 100% humidity. Yet, she persevered, until one day… Voila!!! It all kicked in and distances beyond 13.1 became not just possible but a regular occurrence. Setbacks like hitting the wall and bonking became learning opportunities. And then came race day!
It wasn’t perfect racing weather in Washington DC. Participants traffic was heavy and uncomfortable during the first 5K. As soon as Grace found herself behind schedule, she comfortably settled into her marathon pace for the following 20 miles. Then fatigue started creeping in and the last mile, with the sun beating on her, was rough, yet she was well prepared and did not walk a single step. The final time was a solid 4:39:07.
Not everyone possesses the hidden talent and drive that Grace demonstrated. Not everyone aspires to become a marathoner. However, everyone has the potential to make the most of their physical capabilities. Just like Grace, it begins with showing up. And the best is yet to come.