Wednesday, June 2, 2010

My Coaching Career Begins

Nitmos is going to love this post. I have answered the call. I am now a running coach. But for Nitmos's sake, I'm not an "online" running coach, though I may send motivational e-mails and whatnots and whoseits through the Interwebs. No, my coaching will be done in the flesh. (Heheh, dirty.)

What fool would sign on to follow my hair-brained schemes for how to run? Why, the Enthusiast, of course. This past weekend she was inspired to train for her first half marathon. And since I'm the awesomest runner she knows, she asked me to coach her. Yes, she used the word "coach."

Now, I need a whistle. And a beer bump.

The Enthusiast has not been running too much of late, and she recently confessed that she doesn't exactly like to run. However, she does like the challenge of training for and completing races. The half marathon will be her biggest challenge yet. She has decided to tackle the Akron Half Marathon.

I spent yesterday afternoon trying to remember what I did for my first half marathon, compiling different half marathon plans, researching pacing goals based on my protege's most recent 5-K and concocting a 17-week training cocktail. This morning I tweaked the schedule one last time before I sent it off to the Enthusiast, who ran two miles with Coach Viper last night to kick off her training.

This will be an interesting experience. I hope that while I'm trying to motivate my lady that I will also motivate myself to be a good example as I kick off my own training for the Akron Marathon. I know I will have to find a balance between task master and compassionate companion. Screaming and yelling probably won't be very successful.

My main focus is to convince the Enthusiast that she can run 13.1 miles and to remind her that the goal is to finish, period. Time means nothing.

What say you? Leave some words of encouragement. Go!

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

I've never commented here before, but I love reading your blog.

My words of encouragement to The Enthusiast are the same I'd give to anyone: If *I* can run a half-marathon, anyone can. Seriously. ANYONE!

C said...

You're the 'awesomest runner she knows'? I take it you've not introduced her to Martini yet. Heh.

Of course the Enthusiast is going to do well. There's no doubt about it. And when you become a complete pain in her ass (well, more so than usual) she can take to her blog and complain about you. And we'll all chime in in agreement.

This is going to be the most fun. :)

Ian said...

Be careful. Before you know it she'll be as fast as you and have all sorts of silly ideas filling her pretty little head about beating you in a race.

Maybe you should keep her away from intervals.

Mike Antonucci said...

Just remember your goal is to stay married.

Anonymous said...

"Coach Viper" Things that make you go "hmmmm..."

Al's CL Reviews said...

Make sure you have her do a longer run than 10 miles in her training to learn to deal with that 10 mile head block (of course don't have her do it next week).

Good luck to Enthusiast and you!

Aileen said...

This could be good! I fully support the coaching, and The Enthusiast is sure to do well, because she is awesome.

Nitmos said...

Well, well, another coach enters the arena. Before long, there'll be more coaches than runners. I think, in this case, an intra-relationship coaching is not quite the same as an o.r.c, But, if you take on other clients, prepare yourself for an (extra) snarky comment.

Junk Miler said...

Enthusiast: While it won't always be fun, running will be fun at least sometimes. A good way to get psyched is to read some good running books. I highly recommend anything by John Bingham and George Sheehan. I guess I'm obligated to recommend Born To Run as well, but that might take you down a whole 'nother path. One thing at a time.

Junk Miler said...

Viper: I know she used the word "coach," but I think you should adopt "guru."

X-Country2 said...

How cool! You'll both do GREAT. Good luck.

the erratic epicurean said...

like to i told her - i will cheer you both on with bloody mary in hand! and maybe some breakfast casserole on my plate! good luck coach!

Jess said...

Sounds like fun! I hope your training plan works well for her!