Ted S. (50) is a busy architect with a passion for running and enjoying life. He has completed multiple marathons and is aware he hasn’t run his fastest quite yet. As much as he would like to set up a PR in his next marathon, and as physically able he is to do so, his professional and personal lives are always getting in the way. But that has never been an excuse not to exercise his passion for the sport and the enjoyment of the social aspect that running bring to his life.
The challenge of working with a guy like Ted is that both coach and trainee need to be openminded to ever-adjusting plans and goals in order to accomplish the task. The key is to make sure the enjoyment of the activity doesn’t wear out, regardless how close you get, or you don’t, to a PR. And not every runner lives for the PR, the thrill of crossing the finish line and sharing stories with your running buddies over a cold one, is enough to keep you going.
Working with Ted is a good reminder that your value as a runner is not based on your PRs, your year-to-date mileage or the number of medals on your wall, but the enjoyment you can get out of the activity, both physically and socially.