We chatted with Andy Knapp, one of our distance athletes, about how his training with Fleet Feet has been going so far. Andy is half way through the 12 week training cycle, culminating at the Syracuse Half Marathon on March 24th. He's been having so much fun that he's decided to keep running with us for the rest of the year. Next up, Mountain Goat!
What's the best part of running with Fleet Feet?
The camaraderie is the highlight for me. The friendly atmosphere, fueled by a shared love for running, makes the experience special. Seasoned veterans willingly share their wisdom, eagerly guiding newcomers like me through our first half or full marathon journeys. It creates a supportive and encouraging community that enhances the overall joy of the running experience.
How are you liking the Wednesday night workouts? Any favorites so far?
I love them! Believe it or not, my favorite experience was tackling hills at Green Lakes during the nighttime rain. All the pace groups ran together, which is not the usual scenario. Despite the challenging workout in less than ideal conditions, it was enjoyable to participate as a large group. It created a sense of community as we shared the workout, turning it into a great moment.
Long runs seem, I don't know... long!! How do you get through all the miles?
The long runs on Sundays are nice because you get to do them with your pace group. Solo runs can be challenging but I try to keep it interesting by trying new routes and/or listening to an interesting podcast.
Has training in the winter been hard?
I personally love winter training over dealing with the heat of summer. Effective layering is key, and the advantage is that if you happen to overdress, you can always shed layers. I also believe training in challenging conditions with coaches is beneficial, as it prepares you for potential race-day uncertainties.
What have you learned about distance running since joining the program?
I'm finding that long-distance running requires a different approach than the 5k training I've experienced in the past. It's more about discovering and maintaining a steady pace while staying attuned to how your body may be feeling at any time during the run. I've also learned how important it is to trust the program/coaches especially when I should be taking it easy so my body can fully recover. Most recently I've been delving into the nuances of nutrition timing, understanding when and how to incorporate it effectively during extended runs.
How'd you learn about Fleet Feet training and why'd you sign up?
I've been aware of Fleet Feet for a while, but I never took the chance to enroll in their regular coaching programs. Working with Steve Challis has been transformative; he inspired me to get back into running and complete my first 5k. The desire to run a half marathon and eventually a full marathon has always been a huge goal of mine, and it feels serendipitous that Coach Steve has persuaded me to join the Fleet Feet program. I'm excited to embark on this journey and finally achieve my running goals.
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