Beth's story
I had a message in January - "I've got into the London Marathon in the ballot! Where do I start?"
And so, I met Beth. Well, I met her online on a video call and she excitedly, but with slight apprehension told me about her success in the ballot. We soon got into discussing her running history and physical background so I could start to form her training plan.
It was at this point that I learnt that Beth was not a runner. It was mid-January - less than 15 weeks before the race! Beth is a Pilates teacher, and a physiotherapist so is in great physical shape; however, she had been going out a couple of times a week for a maximum of 2 miles each time.
This was going to be a challenge!
We set some short-term targets, building consistent running, for time as well as distance and focused on 4-week blocks. A slow and progressive start as to not overload her 'non-runner' body.
The first block went well, but then, Beth suffered an injury to her back and the running had to stop. Walking was painful, so recovery and rehab was necessary - this was not a pain to push through.
After a couple of weeks, walking and small runs were re-introduced, with a check-in after each one. All was going well. By mid-February, running was comfortable and Beth was back in the game.
Until the next obstacle anyway.
Beth is a busy woman, juggling work and children she was struggling to find time to fit the training into her schedule. Marathon training can take its toll and shortly after these last couple of weeks, a decision needed to be made.
I suggested that she deferred entry. That she took time (the whole year) to become a runner.
To learn and to be consistent and to build running strength; to enjoy the process rather than feeling that every run is a struggle.
Sometimes, the time is not right. Sometimes there are too many obstacles. Sometimes you know that you wouldn't be able to give it your all. Sometimes you must be honest with yourself.
As a coach, one of the hardest things to do is to tell one of your athletes that they are not ready to reach their goal. But honesty and transparency is vital if you put your trust in someone; it's that two-way communication; it's the voice messages, the texts, the adaptation of a training plan to try and make it work.
it's that two-way communication; it's the voice messages, the texts, the adaptation of a training plan to try and make it work.
So, my advice to you, if you have any reservations, is to take some time to carefully consider your position in your training.
It might be that the time IS right; that it's a mental spiral that you need to get out of. It could be that you are almost there but 'pushing through' might be more destructive that resting up a bit.
Whatever your circumstance, whether the time isn't right, or whether you are having doubts; I'm happy to try and help you, so get in touch.
30 minute 1:1 video consultation are available in March, so drop me a message via the website to see if I can help you.
Andrea