SO…if you have been reading my blog (thank you by the way!) for any amount of time, you have probably heard me talk about the training group that I run with, MIT. In case you’ve missed it, you can check out more info on joining the 2011 Celebration here!
You also probably know that I run with the 13-minute per mile pace group, fearlessly led by Duane, and I’m totally satisfied with the pace I run training and racing – didn’t you know slow is the new fast?!? Not to say, of course, that I am not trying to improve myself and my running, but I don’t think improvement always has to be how fast you do something. While getting a PR in the Emerald Half this summer by finishing under three hours was a goal I was ecstatic to have achieved, I have also learned that improving my running is also things like keeping a more consistent pace over longer distances, learning to hydrate or fuel more effectively, or conquer more hills in my training.
This Saturday, we met for our usual morning training run – cold and snow doesn’t stop us – and I was astounded at the amount of new faces that were present to run with our group. Not only were they there, these individuals were excited to run and believe me, they left it all out there on the trails. They gave it their all – some were not feeling well, some tired, some had never run 4 miles before, and yet others had the best run of their season. Talking with these runners reminded me of why I even started running with a training group to begin with. There is nothing like the camaraderie of fellow runners – nothing. It doesn’t matter how slow, how fast, how far, if you walk, if you don’t walk, if you’ve run five halfs, 19 fulls, 6 100 milers, 2 5Ks, don’t even know where to sign up for a race, or have never run a step in your life – we’re all there to support one another. In MIT, there is no “I’m a better runner than she is,” or “Man, his form is all over the place,” or “That pace group always seem to stay on track.” We’re all there to help one another – offer helpful suggestions from time to time and share our own experiences – but, mostly, we are there to support each other mile after mile. And this, my friends, is how lives change. Just look at me.
SO – in case you forgot I do have the BEST news EVER to share – I was beyond thrilled (words can’t describe how I felt really) when Duane asked me to help him coach the 13-minute group!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have never been so excited in all of my life, I don’t think. I cannot wait!!!!! Pace Coach for MIT = pure awesomeness. I can’t wait to help people change their lives one mile at a time. I can’t wait to learn even from even more awesome pace coaches like Duane and Pru and Randy and the other ones I don’t even know yet. Did I say I was excited??? Oh yeah, and happy???
Best. Thing. Ever.
So my questions for you – my blogland friends – do any of you have coaching experience? What do you find most challenging? How do you deal with those challenges? What do you find most rewarding? I want to hear it all!
Happy Running,
Follow
congrats! that’s so great!!!
i know that for me TNT changed my life. i started running, and put it all out there. when they asked me to mentor i was SOOOO stoked. it was my chance to give back and to help others realize that they can do it to!
you’re going to be a great coach!
Congratulations! That’s just sooo fantastic. I was a swim coach for MANY years – best advice I ever got regarding those coaching duties was to always wear a smile. I know it’s not the same at all, but it’s still really good advice. Can’t wait to hear more about this! I wish my area (Fort Wayne IN) had an MIT running program 🙁
So proud of you Sara! You are AWESOME!
Congrats Sara! That’s awesome!!!
Congrats!
Congrats! I know you will be an awesome coach because you have so much experience from which to pull. Good luck!!
Congratulations, Sara!
That’s so amazing – congrats!!
Congrats!! Wow that IS super exciting news!!! 🙂
I haven’t the slightest coaching advice but I believe that your generous nature and supportive enthusiasm is going to be just what your group needs!!
Yippee!!
Congrats! That is awesome! I don’t have any coaching advice but I think your passion for running will help tremendously, good luck!
Congrats!
OH MY GOSH!! That is the coolest thing ever!! Come move to Utah and we can run together. You are going to be the bestest coach in the whole wide world! KEEP US UPDATED!
Congrats!
Congrats! That is awesome! I don’t have any coaching advice but I think your passion for running will help tremendously, good luck!
congrats! that’s so great!!!
i know that for me TNT changed my life. i started running, and put it all out there. when they asked me to mentor i was SOOOO stoked. it was my chance to give back and to help others realize that they can do it to!
you’re going to be a great coach!