Fall marathon training season starts this weekend
Behold! It’s the most wonderful time of the year!
This weekend will mark the beginning of my 10th training season with the Sports Backers Marathon Training Team, and my 5th as a coach. I can’t believe it’s been that long!
Once the kid who got out of running the mile in gym class, running is now as much a part of my soul as breathing. I can’t imagine my life without it.
It’s not just the act and routine of running that I love. It’s also the community. My team is my extended family. I’ve truly become a member of the church of the Sunday long run, which, at least for now, helps complete my life.
Not only do I love being a part of the Richmond running community, but I also enjoy being a part of the greater running world. Contributing to publications like Runner’s Life on Medium, having a presence and community of runners on social media, and ambassadorships with some of my favorite companies all add to the layers of this sport for me. I currently have relationships with Goodr, SaltStick, BOCO Gear, and SpiBelt.
One of the head coaches of my team has asked for a tally of our race distances from half marathon and longer. I’ve run 15 half marathons, 10 full marathons, and one 50k ultramarathon. Not too shabby for the girl who avoided this sport for so long.
As of now, there are 22 first-time marathoners signed up to run with our team. The best part about coaching a “novice” team is ushering in that new generation of marathoners. From the intimidating first day when they wonder what they are doing, to seeing them realize as the miles stretch longer that the goal may be achievable, to witnessing their joy at crossing the finish line of the Richmond Marathon, it really is a privilege to do this.
We tell our team to focus on their “why,” especially on race day. Why do we run marathons? Everyone has their reasons. My first one was just to prove that I was capable of doing it. But the routine of fall training definitely centers my life. Running to exhaustion helps quell anxiety. And I do love the time on my feet with friends.
As an adult, it can be really challenging to make friends. But finding running partners is like magic. What’s said on a run stays on a run. It’s like Vegas! Making connections with like-minded people who are all just as committed to wellness is amazing.
That’s what coaching is about really. It’s helping others commit to living an active and healthy lifestyle. It’s definitely consistent with what I do for a living as a physical therapist!
If you’ve ever considered running a marathon, don’t be afraid. Especially if you have local training teams. It makes all the difference in your success and joy in pursuing this endeavor. And if your marathon happens to be Richmond, look for me on the course. I’ll be wearing a pink tutu and an orange coach’s singlet!
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Are you training for a fall marathon? If so, which one? I’d love to hear about it!
As always, I hope you all are safe and healthy.
Anne the Vegan 