Eleven weeks ago, I completed my first half marathon – in training – in a time of 117 minutes at a 9-mile pace.

My training consisted of 3 runs, one long and two medium to short runs.

My thirst for running was limited, and my knowledge of how to progress even more so.

I knew I enjoyed the simplicity and challenge of running and the satisfaction of completing a long or efficient run.

I had signed up for no less than three half marathons over the previous 12 months.

Poor planning, short-sighted expectations, and naivety meant I missed all 3. 

 

I was somewhat unlucky, too, but my enjoyment of running which was internally motivated, kept me going despite these missed opportunities. 

Eventually, my momentum was built through my consistent habit of running 3 x / a week, and the SF half rolled around again.

I set a conservative goal of 110 minutes and finished in 104 minutes – trusting the process works. 

I now had momentum, and the Oaktown half eight weeks out was in my sights. 

In my beloved resistance training, I had to keep going with a modified approach.

Deadlifting for me is particularly fatiguing; however, squats, my weaker of the two powerlifting movements, conveniently needed a lot of work. 

 

I have continued to squat 2x/a week, and the combination of squats and running has been especially rewarding. 

I have learned that the only fundamental limitations we face are the ones we place on ourselves. 

I am not the best runner, nor do I have the best squat, but believing and trying to do both to the best of my ability has proved I can make significant strides in both.

On Monday, 9/5, I squatted 340 x 4 sets x 1 rep, which is a long way from my 385 best and 405 goals, but I am still squatting and not significantly regressing. 

I then ran a pr of 96 minutes this week for my half time which was a hugely uplifting experience. 

 

I gained so much throughout training for this most recent race, none more important than the belief that I can do much more than I know. 

I am incredibly fortunate to enjoy exercise, live pain-free, and have fantastic resources to exercise. 

I know my clients are often not afforded the same opportunity when it comes to exercise to have the experiences I have.

I also know that we are nodes in a network, and through my certifications, experience, and passion, I know my progress in my health will convey to my valued clients. 

I know that exercise is medicine.

I know that our health is our wealth. 

I know we are all capable of so much more if we put our minds to it.

 

Do you want to get stronger, build up your muscle mass and seriously improve your health?

Book a free consultation via the link below;

https://calendly.com/progressionhealthcoaching/consultation-call