Today in Bend was the annual Turkey Trot run/race. There is the option of a 5K or 10K run or walk. One of my clients, Cathy Baumiller, wanted to do the 10K run so we have been incorporating several running days along with her strength training to get her ready for this.
She has previously run a 10K (6.2 miles) distance, but has had to walk several times. Leading up to the event, she was able to run for 1 hr, but this was indoors on the treadmill. I decided I would do the run with here to help keep her motivated and to try and push her a little harder than she would be able to on her own. We set a goal to have her run the 10K in under 1 hr 5 minutes.
She has previously run a 10K (6.2 miles) distance, but has had to walk several times. Leading up to the event, she was able to run for 1 hr, but this was indoors on the treadmill. I decided I would do the run with here to help keep her motivated and to try and push her a little harder than she would be able to on her own. We set a goal to have her run the 10K in under 1 hr 5 minutes.
All smiles prior to the race
We started off at a little faster pace than Cathy was accustomed to, but quickly settled into her rhythm around mile 2. I let her set the pace but also wanted to push here a little bit. The 10K course consisted of 2 loops of the 5K course. It was all flat terrain with a few gradual inclines. The weather turned out to be perfect for running, maybe a bit cold, but it was sunny and not too windy.
At the 5 mile marker, she started to get a "second wind" and was able to pick her pace up a little. At this point we were on pace to finish just about at the 1 hr mark. She wasn't able to maintain the faster pace and had to slow back down a little, but wouldn't give up. I could tell she was giving everything she had left in her legs and lungs. With about 200 meters left she once again picked up the pace and almost sprinted the final 25 meters to the finish.
Because she was completely exhausted, she didn't realize her finishing time. After taking some time to catch her breath (and nearly throwing up), I informed her that she ran it in 1 hr 2 1/2 minutes. This was the fastest she had ever run a 10k. I couldn't have been any happier for her. Her boyfriend and parents were there to cheer her on at the finish as well. Nice job Cathy!!!
Cathy's effort today is what makes my job as a trainer very rewarding. Seeing how hard she worked in the gym, and pushing herself to her limit today to be able to accomplish her goal is all I could have asked of her. I'm sure she will enjoy that turkey dinner tonight.
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