Tuesday, October 8, 2024 – Supporters

Hi Everyone!

Huge congrats to Bob G who ran the Ptit Train Marathon in an impressive 3:03! And here in the Toronto Women’s 5K, Erin Smyth came 4^th in her age group, and Monica Black came 1^st in her age group and 3^rd overall! Way to go all!

As I work through my own marathon training this season, I am reminded of how hard it is. Always a good reminder for a coach. I’m also reminded of how hugely important our supporters are in this endeavour. There are so many runs and workouts now which I just don’t think I would have been able to do without my buddies either there beside me or doing the same thing in solidarity elsewhere but knowing they’re cheering me on and that they will ask about how my workout went. This type of training pretty much requires support. In the athletes I coach, I’ve seen people who aren’t currently training join others for their long runs, I’ve seen partners ride their bikes beside their marathoners, providing water, I’ve seen friends showing up early at races to cheer on their buddies, I’ve seen people re-jigging their schedules so they can run together… All of this really really helps those who are running to do bigger things than they could do on their own.

Then the thought occurred to me; if runners tend to be happy people who live longer lives than non-runners, could it be because of factors that are not running? Just a hypothesis, but to be a successful distance runner, you pretty much require community. And in finding community we find our ticket to longevity and happiness. Same with purpose. In supporting others in their efforts we find we are needed and valued. This is also a data point which leads to happiness and longevity. Could it be that running itself is health neutral, but that the structures, people and connections we put in place to BE a runner are what makes us healthy? I think there’s something there. Just a random thought as I’m feeling very grateful for and dependant on my supporters right now!

On to tomorrow’s workout – back to Lakeshore and Leslie – 6:05 drills, 6:15 GO!

1. Mile tempo, 2 min rest, 4 x 400 m @ (fast and smooth) w 1:15, 2 min rest – repeat. Marathoners finish w 1 mile @ MP.
2. Chicago runners!!! 1 mile @ MP, 2 min rest, 2 x 400 w 1:15

That is all – see you in the am!

xo

Seanna