9/1: =PR= Training Programs... Staying Committed and Seeing Results

Coach Taneen Carvell

Taneen Carvell coaches the DC based Distance Training Program and Running 101/201 training programs with =PR= Training Programs. She is an accomplished runner and many time Ironman triathlon finisher as well. Fall is a great time to think about setting some new running goals -- whether it's getting started or getting faster! New programs kick off in a few weeks!

Anyone that has taken part in a group training program knows how it works. You show up at first because you "have to." You committed to a race and to the group program both financially and otherwise. But it’s on that rainy cold morning weeks into the program when you find yourself driving to the workout without longing for the warm bed you just left that tells you why you really signed up. Because you "want to" run. And share in conversation left off at last week’s run. And to support those in your group as they support you.

I started coaching with PR Training Programs this year, taking on the joy of coaching the 101 Training Program at the Cleveland Park store in DC. I’ve been coached by Margie and the PR team through 8 marathons and 3 Ironman competitions so I certainly felt I could pass on their knowledge and offer something to the new eager and somewhat hesitant runners that stood in the store that first session. What I didn’t expect was how much they would teach and offer me over the eight, no sixteen, now make that 24 weeks of training since.

There were just six runners that first week. Each brought their own reason for being there and what they hoped to get out of it. What no one saw coming was how this small group would face reasons to run and rally each that no one ever hoped for. Dealing with not one unexpected death of a loved one, but three. In the matter of just that many weeks. And still those facing this loss came. And ran. And were able to find comfort both in running itself and from their fellow runners. There was illness and injury that sent one person to the sidelines. And still she stayed committed. And at the end of just 8 weeks, there was a mock 5k race that showed each of them that showing up through it all brought them successfully to the finish line. And to the start of the next 8 week session with the wisdom to lead an even larger group of runners.

The second session expanded the level of runners to include both beginners and advanced runners. There was speculation in all of their faces as to how such a blend was going to work in the jungle trek through the city style twice weekly training format. But because the ‘veterans’ knew what the beginners felt and could mentor them as the more experienced paced runners could mentor the veterans, with the beginners reminding them all how they too started out as a runner – the tiered training proved valuable to all.

The format taught through it all is that first its fun, then its hard and still fun, challenging, motivating and always fun. Cheers are offered throughout while technique is mastered and confidence is gained. I was taught this way and all the participants quickly adapted the same mentality. As we approached the later weeks in the program, the veterans and advanced runners decided among themselves to rally a 10k race together. And alongside me as we cheered them through were members of the group gearing up for their first 5k race a few weeks later. This group thing clearly was taking hold and as a coach I couldn’t ask for more. Especially as each member came across that 10k finish line giving it their all and cheering each other the entire way.

Our first mock 5k under our belt, it was soon time to test the expanded group of runners in their own mock 5k / 10k challenge. This was set as a way of celebrating the group’s different training accomplishments more intimately than we could do in a larger organized race. Of all my members, just 2 missed out due to unavoidable circumstances. And each who started, finished their respective distance with a final drive to the line beyond their own expected ability. Great stuff!! Even better? The group’s collective celebration on their coach’s behalf that immediately followed. How do you say what it means to see those you support so completely quietly organize a most amazing rally of support on your behalf? Facing my own race challenge (Ironman Lake Placid) just weeks later, my team of trainees made sure I knew they were as proud of my efforts as I was theirs. And I can tell you I felt their cheers through every mile to the finish line. I am forever changed for the experience and look forward to seeing them all reach beyond their potential in the months and years to come.