What's Behind a Successful Runner?

Fleet Feet Running Club Annual Distance Memberships available here.

By: Coach Michele

Much like the fall leaf change, race season is peaking. With many major marathons and half marathons drawing close, runners near and far are wrapping up the bulk of their training. Speed work, tempo runs and long runs are in the bank, waiting for each one of us to make a withdrawal come race day. 

Savor the moments because this is exactly what you’ve been running for the past several weeks, months or even years. It’s important to reflect not only on the hard work you have put into your training but also to think of all the people who have had a hand in your success. 

Behind every successful runner is…

a partner willing to spend Sunday mornings solo-sipping coffee or even bringing water out to various locales while you run. Or does the dishes. Or that takes the kids to and from a birthday party at Chuck E Cheese. Or, or, or….

Or maybe a friend who cooks dinner because you can’t bring yourself to chop a single veggie on a Sunday evening after running 18 miles. This person likely buys you chocolates and comes to every. Single. Race. With a tutu on. And a funny sign about poop.

Or a running store employee who knows the nuances of your foot issues (bunions, calluses, plantar fasciitis) and can address them with great shoe recommendations. Same goes with sports bras, chafing, nutritional needs, superficial love of all things floral print, etc. 

Or a running buddy who wakes early to avoid feeling the guilt of not waking up early to run with their friend who in turn makes you feel the guilt if you missed your run date. The mutual guilt saves us all. And so does the mutual groaning.

And one of the most important classifications of people to have in your corner: 

Running coaches. I’m not talking about the drill sergeant that doles out the miles and the interval workouts. I’m talking about the warriors on the road, the shepherds of shuffling, the guides in gliding on the pavement. Pace group coaches who turn into gurus, therapists, best friends and mentors. Coaches run with us, dish out advice, troubleshoot cramps and constipation and above all motivate and inspire with stories and sayings.

This is what you get, and more, when you sign up for Fleet Feet Running Club’s Annual Distance Program. Registration is open and comes with a whole year of guided workouts, long runs, recovery tools, cross-training options and every other tool you’ll need to successfully train, stave off injury and get ready to race distances from 15K to marathon. Email Coach Michele at michelem@fleetfeetsyracuse.com or click here for more information.