Disclaimer: I received coaching from Endure Strong as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review, find, and write race reviews.
If you have followed my running at all, you know that I struggle with consistency and putting the weekly miles, so when I had the opportunity to work with a coach, I figured why not. Thinking that being accountable to someone would help me get weekday runs and workouts in. Turns out it does...a little. The daily emails with scheduled runs and workouts was a nice reminder to lace up.
Who is the coach? Just U.S. Olympian Jared Ward. Jared is a busy human: Professor, assistant cross country coach at BYU, dad and husband, you get the idea. So he understands the juggling it takes to take care of our minds and bodies. As the online coach for Endure Strong, he provides training plans, suggestions and responds to questions. Team Manger Andrew Webb sends weekly emails to remind members of upcoming team calls and other helpful information.
It
was easy to set up my account on my laptop. I was even able to figure
out Zones, by putting in my April 14, 2019 Gazelle Girl Half Marathon
results with the Endurance Nation Run Pace. Apparently, there is an
"Easy" Zone and a "Very Hard"I introduced myself to the team on the social wall and I was officially up and going!
I was pleasantly surprised that every morning, I received an email with my daily workout. Unfortunately, since I injured myself, the workouts had not been consistently accomplished, but with the informative blogs and podcasts, I was able to learn, while recovering.
The Wednesday night team video chats were educational and inspiring. Even when my home wifi went down, I was able to watch the video chat the next day, while at a local coffee shop.
Logging my activity was difficult to remember, but easy to accomplish. Funny thing is that I could not have been the only one, since Team Manager Andrew set up "Journaling" as the Challenge of the Week around the same time that I was struggling to remember.
My goal race was the MISH Waterfront Half Marathon in Gladstone, Michigan. From my understanding, this was the second year of the race. This year's race was well organized with plenty of water stations, which were well staffed, ample parking and plenty of restroom options, and a very scenic route.
Unfortunately, my pace was not where I wanted it, for this race. I do not blame anyone but myself as even though I had an amazing coach and great support system, I failed to stick to the training plan. I can come up with so many excuses, but that is exactly what they will be: Excuses. I injured my lower right leg, which held me back. I had work, family, etc obligations, which limited my ability to log the miles. You name it and I can fault it. Truth is, however, that I still struggle with consistency.
Coach Ward and the daily emails were awesome. The weekly calls were inspirational. In order for me to reach my running goals, I have to set aside all of my excuses and log the miles. I need to stop running 13.1 miles each month, without properly training as I know that is a recipe for slow times and injury.
If you are interested in getting serious about your race times and taking on a coach, I would certainly suggest Coach Jared Ward and Endure Strong.
Happy Running!
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