Marathon training update

I had a scheduled 18-19 mile long run yesterday.  The route was planned and I was ready.

Things were going really well until I realized I was at mile 16 and getting home was going to take a lot more than 2 or 3 miles.

Taken during my run

At mile 20 I started to panic.  I was still on the canal, which meant at least 2 more miles.  My body wasn't ready for this, and after all this training, getting injured due to a mistake in route would really suck.

After a few minutes of panicked thinking, I realized that I have no choice but to keep going.  There was no need to panic at the moment.  I wasn't injured.  I felt fine, and I had no other means of getting home.

My body, while it's not the strongest in the world, has become strong enough to, not only train for a marathon, but also to do more than what I thought possible.

So I started giving thanks to God for a strong body, and for the wonderful things it can do.  I started smiling at other people, and I took in the beautiful surroundings of Hawaii.

The last few miles went perfectly fine; I did a total of 22.73.  Nothing bad happened.  I made it home with no injury, with no more aches than at mile 18 and a lesson about giving thanks to God. Who woulda known?  Plus, now I know I'm ready to kick this marathon straight in the butt!!
-- Written by Emily Collins, Owner of OnTrack Fitness & personal trainer Honolulu, HI

Cycle of fitness

Today at the beach after I'd done some swimming, I overheard two women discussing their upcoming swim training as they passed me.  I assumed they were triathletes based on their lingo and their suits.

They looked and spoke like they were comfortable with the upcoming workout.  These women acted confident and when they started their swim, they

Ala Moana Beach, Oahu

obviously knew what they were doing.

You know what else?  These women didn't look "perfect" in the sense that the media likes to portray.  They didn't look like professional athletes.  They looked like normal people who were active and fit.

The only reason I was aware of what they looked like is because I'm a trainer.  NOT because I judge bodies - quite the opposite.  I work with people every day who are beginners.  They're nervous that people judge them.  They're afraid, sometimes, to work toward a goal (like a triathlon or 5k, or whatever) because they might not fit in or feel they're overweight & will embarrass themselves. 

I absolutely love it when I see people who look just like everyday people getting down and dirty with the goal of their choice!  I love it because good for them.  And I love it because they're the wonderfully perfect inspiration for us ALL to take a leap and go for our dreams!  And when we go for it, it inspires others to do the same, creating a cycle of goodness.

So, thank you ladies at the beach.  You'll never know that your afternoon training swim inspired this trainer! -- Written by Emily Collins, Owner of OnTrack Fitness & personal trainer (Honolulu HI)