I've always loved running! I guess it comes from my dad who did long distance running when I was a child. I still remember on long trips to the country to visit family we would drop dad on the side of the road 20km's out of town in 35-degree weather and meet him in town.
But for me running was always a solo adventure, I would pop in my headphones, crack the music up and just zone out.
Then not too long before I became a trainer at Vision I was talking to a friend who was already a Vision PT and he was listing all these goals he had for the year; I felt a bit embarrassed that I had none!
So, I started to think about it and decided I would do something EPIC! I signed up for the North Face 100 (a 100km trail run in the blue mountains) the next day! I downloaded their free training plan and I was off! Now this story doesn't have a happy conclusion, I injured my knee 2 months out from the race and recovery took months! That didn't matter, I was hooked!
By this time, I was a Trainer at Vision and was regularly doing events. I still remember when one morning a client came in all excited about having done the City to Surf over the weekend. We must have spent an hour chatting on the treadmill about how great events were and why we loved them. The idea was buried in my brain! I loved events, they challenged me and forced me to go outside my comfort zone but more than that, they were fun! I decided that I wanted all my clients to experience this! There is nothing like running along with thousands of random people pursuing a common interest, the community spirit and sense of accomplishment is addictive.
Over my years of being a trainer I have probably done close to 100+ events. From 4km walks with clients to marathons and Ironman Triathlons. No matter what the event, the feeling is that same, I still get that same butterflies in my stomach when I'm running a 7km Fun Run with a client as I did before my first full Ironman.
For anyone reading this who hasn't experienced the challenge and rewards of competing, I encourage you to go out and find an event that looks interesting to you and register. If you need some support, drag your trainer along to do it with you!! Some of the many highlights from my time at Vision are crossing finishing lines with my clients.
The reason I am so passionate about doing events is to encourage you to do something you never thought possible, whether it's running a marathon or losing 20kg's. I believe that if you can show yourself that they CAN do things you never thought possible, what else is there in your life that you CAN now do? Use an event to show yourself what you're capable of!
So, what are you waiting for? Go out and try it!
Thanks for reading!
*Disclaimer: Individual results vary based on agreed goals. Click here for details.
