My Absolute Dream Running Goals + Coaching

The other day, Runner’s World posted a Facebook status asking followers to list their absolute dream running goal. Of course I always have a lot of goals, but I came up with three ultimate goals that would make me ecstatic if they ever came true.

1. Break 3 hours in the marathon.

2. Run with Kara Goucher.

3. Run a half-marathon with my husband.

All three are things I would be pretty shocked if they actually happened with #3 probably being the most likely, followed by #1, and then #2 coming in dead last and probably never going to happened. Oh well, it is fun to dream.

Speaking of Kara Goucher, I finished reading her book Running for Women this week. It was an easy read with hundreds of tips for new and veteran runners. I picked up a few tips of my own and especially appreciated hearing about Kara’s experiences as an elite athlete.

Some of Kara’s advice that I picked up:

– A tip for running hills: “Imagine a towrope attached to the middle of your chest, that is pulling you to the top of the hill.”

– On racing: “Take the first few turns wide: If there are tight turns early in a big road race, approach them a bit wider rather than ‘running the tangents,’ as we say in running.”

– “Take two week off completely each year.”

– “I don’t worry too much about getting percentage of this or that type of macronutrient (carbohydrates, fat, and protein). I just try to combine food that are good source of each.”

I especially appreciated her advice on pregnancy running since I am still treading those waters currently:

– One common myth about pregnancy running: Keep your pulse below 140. “Rather, use common sense, listen to your body, stay well hydrated, and never get overheated.”

– Another common myth: No lying on your back, and no abdominal work. “You can continue as long as you are comfortable, probably well into your second or even third trimester. If you are unable to lie on your back, you can continue to work your obliques on your side.”

Kara also talks about finding a coach: “Having a coach is not just for elite runners; it’s for everyone. In fact, it may be the best thing you ever did for your running.”

With coaching guidance from myself, Craig was able to shave 45 seconds off his average mile pace in less than a month.

So. . . . .if you are interested in finding a coach to help you with your running (hint, hint, nudge, nudge), I still have capacity to take on additional athletes who want guidance in their running.

While this coaching journey is a new endeavor for me, I am thoroughly enjoying it so far! I have been working with a handful of runners—some who are newer to running while others have been running for several years. You can read more about my coaching philosophy and what I offer on my Coaching page. (There is a tab at the top of the page as well.)

I also had to highlight a couple of friends who are doing some coaching as well.

Nichole was my coach for a couple of months this winter until I found out I was pregnant. Nichole resigned from her corporate job to pursue coaching and definitely has an eye for what she does. This past weekend, eight of her athletes ran Grandma’s Marathon and ALL of them PRed. Now that is impressive. She definitely motivates me to work hard to be the type of coach I want to be.

Another good friend, Nate, has been coaching over the years and is looking for new and seasoned runners who would like some guidance this summer. He is offering a free consultation and training plans throughout the summer months. Check out his coaching page and let him know if you are interested.

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Question

What is your absolute dream running goal?