It was April 9, 2010 when I signed up for a "Beginner Run Class'. A tall, slim, ginger haired guy named Mike Nix would be my instructor for the next few months, every Thursday night, along with many others that signed up for the class. I had started a weight loss journey a few months prior and took this class upon a recommendation of a friend.
On the first day of class he gave us some paperwork and instruction of what we were about to embark on. Shortly after that we hit the streets of Ann Arbor with a 1 minute run and then walk break. The minute seemed like forever until we would hear the loud voice say "Shut it down" which meant we could stop running and walk. He had to yell loudly because our group was all at different paces so everyone was scattered about. And believe me you did not want to miss that command which meant you could walk, thank goodness. A few weeks went on and two of us in class decided we were going to run a 5K exactly one month after we began this class. That went well so on the last week of class I remember asking Mike "Hey do you think I could ever run a half marathon? His response "Yes you could if you didn't worry about your time and focus on finishing" Great advice!
After getting a few half marathons under my belt I called Mike and asked him if he would consider being my trainer. He said yes and soon I would be introduced to places the locals go like Gallup Park, Argo, the Hospital Stairs, The Arb, Broadway, and yes even Harvard Hill! Let's see - I would learn what 400's, 800's, Mile Repeats, and Hill workouts meant and how much, cough, cough, fun they are!
Now 50 pounds lighter and glancing at 32 medals hanging on my wall one of which says 26.2 I call myself a "Runner". I would be remiss to say running came easy to me because it did not. I have runs I struggle to complete, compare myself to other runners too much, and doubt my ability a lot. But I am lucky enough to have met my run coach named Mike. He has stuck with me every step of the way. Guiding, directing, developing training plans, and most important encouraging me to keep aiming higher on my goals but never put too much pressure on myself that I forget all the enjoyment running brings. Because at the end of the day that is what it's all about for me - the love of the sport - something I honestly never thought I would be so passionate about and love. Learning to run at 44 was certainly one of the best things that has happened to me and I encourage anyone to give it a try. I certainly would not have wanted to miss out on this experience and all it has added to my life.
On the first day of class he gave us some paperwork and instruction of what we were about to embark on. Shortly after that we hit the streets of Ann Arbor with a 1 minute run and then walk break. The minute seemed like forever until we would hear the loud voice say "Shut it down" which meant we could stop running and walk. He had to yell loudly because our group was all at different paces so everyone was scattered about. And believe me you did not want to miss that command which meant you could walk, thank goodness. A few weeks went on and two of us in class decided we were going to run a 5K exactly one month after we began this class. That went well so on the last week of class I remember asking Mike "Hey do you think I could ever run a half marathon? His response "Yes you could if you didn't worry about your time and focus on finishing" Great advice!
After getting a few half marathons under my belt I called Mike and asked him if he would consider being my trainer. He said yes and soon I would be introduced to places the locals go like Gallup Park, Argo, the Hospital Stairs, The Arb, Broadway, and yes even Harvard Hill! Let's see - I would learn what 400's, 800's, Mile Repeats, and Hill workouts meant and how much, cough, cough, fun they are!
Now 50 pounds lighter and glancing at 32 medals hanging on my wall one of which says 26.2 I call myself a "Runner". I would be remiss to say running came easy to me because it did not. I have runs I struggle to complete, compare myself to other runners too much, and doubt my ability a lot. But I am lucky enough to have met my run coach named Mike. He has stuck with me every step of the way. Guiding, directing, developing training plans, and most important encouraging me to keep aiming higher on my goals but never put too much pressure on myself that I forget all the enjoyment running brings. Because at the end of the day that is what it's all about for me - the love of the sport - something I honestly never thought I would be so passionate about and love. Learning to run at 44 was certainly one of the best things that has happened to me and I encourage anyone to give it a try. I certainly would not have wanted to miss out on this experience and all it has added to my life.
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