My reason for coaching runners and leading FitRec run club is to teach people that anyone can learn to enjoy it, even if they never saw themselves as a runner to begin with. A few years ago, I would have never considered myself a runner. In fact, I very much disliked running and never imagined myself running distances beyond three miles. The only reason I would ever be running was to participate with my dad once a year at our local 2-mile Fourth of July race, and I would only go on a few runs before the race to make sure I could still run that far.
Running was just something I didn’t particularly enjoy. I never really understood what people found so fun about it. Whenever I tried to run, it was mentally tough. I struggled to control my breathing, my legs would get tired quickly, and I constantly found myself wanting to stop and walk. It felt more like something I had to push through than something I could genuinely enjoy. I never imagined myself becoming someone who looked forward to running, let alone someone who would eventually set goals and challenge myself to run longer distances. For example, running a half marathon, let alone a full marathon. These goals were far outside what I believed I was ever capable of doing.
That perspective began to change when I was inspired by a friend who wasn’t originally a runner, started their own running journey, and completed their own first half marathon one spring. Seeing them take on something new and difficult motivated me to step outside my comfort zone and challenge myself to do something I thought I could never accomplish. I began to wonder, why not give running another chance and see what I am capable of? I decided in May of 2024 to start working toward a goal of training for my first half marathon and, to add another challenge, to run and complete one in the fall of that same year, the Baystate Half Marathon.
What started as a personal challenge gradually became something much more meaningful. I became dedicated to my training, committed to improving, and motivated to keep working toward my goal, even when it was difficult. I began learning the fundamentals of becoming a better runner, from understanding how to pace myself and control my breathing to properly fueling and hydrating my body. I learned that running was about patience, consistency, and understanding what my body needed to perform and improve. As I continued running, I developed an appreciation for the process, the progress, and the feeling of accomplishing something.
Along the way, I discovered a genuine love for long-distance running and experienced firsthand the positive impact it has on my life. Running became more than just a physical activity; it became a way to build confidence, set goals, and recognize what I am capable of when I commit to something.
Because of this experience, I understand when people say they are not runners or that they hate running; hell, I used to be that person. I know what it feels like to assume running is not for you or to believe that certain distances are simply out of reach. That is why I believe it is important to approach running with an open mind and allow yourself to discover what you might enjoy. My reason for wanting to coach is rooted in that same belief. I want to help others give running the chance that I gave it and discover the enjoyment, confidence, and sense of accomplishment it can bring.
My goal is to create a welcoming and supportive environment where runners feel comfortable starting wherever they are, working toward goals that matter to them, and celebrating their progress along the way. Just as a friend inspired me to step outside my comfort zone, I hope to encourage others to take that first step, change their own expectations, and find the same sense of fulfillment that running has brought into my life. Along the way, I developed a love for running and the positive impact it has had on my life. You do not have to start out loving running, be naturally talented at it, or see yourself as a runner to get started. Sometimes, you just have to be willing to try.