The perks are endless and indescribable.
Our runners do it for the…
- “accomplishment you feel every time you finish your training run. Especially when you didn’t feel like starting.“
- “time spent with your running buddies that turn into friends.”
- “opportunities to encourage fellow runners when they don’t feel like taking one more step.“
- “challenge. Physically and even more so, mentally.“
- “race day adrenaline rush that you feel as you’re standing among the thousand (plus) of other runners waiting to start.“
- “laughs you have while reading crazy signs made by adoring spectators/cheerleaders.“
- “final step you take as you’re crossing the finish line, officially making you a “Marathoner”. One of the 1% of people.”
- “overwhelming amount of emotion you feel soaking in the achievement of your body and mind.“
- Lastly, “for the moment when the “Why did I do this? I’m never running again…” thoughts all seem funny and you can’t wait to do it again.“
Nicole Ongalo trained with our Marathon Training Program for her first marathon in 2015.
Here she shares her experience with us…
“I was excited when I was asked to share my story about my experience with RW’s marathon training program. I knew last year that I wanted to run a marathon but I also knew that it would be nearly impossible for me to do it on my own. I’d met several people who’d gone through the program so I knew I wanted to do it.
What I love about the program is that from day one, you are assured over and over that this is a totally doable feat. I’d never run more than a half marathon so I had a lot of doubts but the coaches did such a wonderful job giving you the steps in bite size chunks. It never felt too overwhelming because I knew that if I just focused my attention on one run, one day, one week at a time, I’d be able to do it. I have to say, I’m pretty sure I was put in the best pace group with the best pacer. 😉 Earle never made any of us feel pressured or badly if we missed a run and always was such a calming, encouraging, rock. He made me feel confident that if I just stuck with him, I’d make it. It’s funny how you start to look forward to waking up before dawn on Saturdays just so you can run for hours with a group of people just as crazy as you are who are all working towards the same goal.
Another thing I LOVED about the program were all of Paul’s clinics that were often centered around post run recovery, taking care of your body while upping mileage, and nutrition. All the information was so helpful and it’s stuff I would’ve had to figure out on my own. Without someone giving tips and suggestions on what to try when it came to pre-during-post run nutrition, electrolyte replenishment, trigger point, etc. I would’ve had a hard time knowing what to even try. What’s great about the coaches, pacers, and trainers is that they realize that there’s not a single right formula for everyone so they work with you individually to help you be successful (as long as you ask!)
Another PHENOMENAL part of the program is Sharon Hunt who is a massage therapist who gave massages after almost every long run on Saturday mornings. I also saw Sharon during my training if I ever had any pain issues. She is so great because she’s a runner herself and knows about running related injury and prevention. I cannot say enough good things about her!
Overall, I had such an amazing experience going through this program and if I ever meet someone who wants to run a marathon I will recommend they go through it as well.
I won’t forget something Paul said at the kickoff meeting before our training started. “We don’t want you to just finish a marathon. We want you to finish and then want to do another one.”
And here I am. A marathoner, KNOWING I will run another one.“
-Nicole Ongalo
Half & Full marathon training begins July 25th!
