A 14-time marathoner used an online running coach for this year’s Boston Marathon.
Here’s how they helped her cross the finish line.
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coach withAdidas Runnersin New York City and founder ofGirls Run NYC
Although I recently became a certified running coach myself, Id never actually worked with one.
I asked Zapotechne for her thoughts on our first weekly call together.
I would say number one is accountability, she said.
Close behind were the abilities to help you adjust your training as you go and answer questions.
I was pumped to get started.
Zapothechne told me not to stress about it.
I tried lacing up again once my symptoms calmed down, but each run was an ugly slog.
My legs felt like lead, and anything faster than an easy pace gave me a nasty coughing fit.
Day after day, the struggle wouldnt let up, and I grew increasingly frustrated.
coach withAdidas Runnersin New York City and founder ofGirls Run NYC
After a miserable 18-miler Id hated nearly every minute of, Zapotechne gave me a new perspective.
Even my bad runs were helping get me ready for race day.
I was eventually diagnosed with pneumonia, and later learned the radiologist thought I might have a partially-collapsed lung.
Shortly after, I sprained a rib muscle from coughing so much.
I asked the doctor if I should still be running.
He told me to keep at it as long as I could breathe okay.
I was eventually diagnosed with pneumonia, and later learned the radiologist thought I might have a partially-collapsed lung.
Then I sprained a rib muscle from coughing so much.
After seeing my notes about all this on the Google sheet we shared, Zapotechne was understandably worried.
It was the first time during a marathon build-up that I didnt second-guess tweaks to the plan.
One of the joys of working with a coach is the opportunity to be flexible, Zapotechne told me.
In a perfect world, you have a training plan and you nail all the workouts.
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My original goal was no longer a reality.
Finally, I started to feel better a couple weeks before the marathon.
She gently talked me down, suggesting a more strategic approach.
Everyone feels good during the first miles of a marathon, she said.
Right, smart, I said, thinking that sounded terrible.
I always tell my runners, Just walk with purpose.
And use walk breaks to mentally regroup.
I nodded, but wasnt sure whether I wanted to listen.
Aside from an overly-excited first mile, I stuck pretty close to that 11-minute pace.
Zapotechne, who was also running, ended up coming behind me around mile 3 or 4.
How are you doing?
Hot, I answered.
Save it for the second half, she added.
Given the weather, the hilly course, and my less-than-ideal fitness, I knew she was right.
By the very end, I was running the fastest I ever had in a marathon.
Even though my quads were howling, it felt amazing.
By the very end, I was running the fastest I ever had in a marathon.
Even though my quads were howling, it felt amazing.
Zapotechne sent me a message after the race saying she was proud of me for running smart.
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