Hi Paul-not sure if you saw this story about former Olympian Paul McMullen. He was a legend in his hometown of Cadillac, Michigan and gave so much to the running community on the west side of the state. A GoFundMe has been started for his family and I'm hoping you can help spread the word.
It is always a positive sign when you can recognize when you need that extra boost - be it a coach, teacher, therapist, etc. Outside help and motivation from a professional can only help you grow. Looking forward to reading about your journey.
I stumbled on a documentary about a race in Ouray where Avery ran 10 miles or something in the wrong direction before chasing down the leaders and winning handily. The name sounded familiar and a quick Google reminded me he was the subject of that piece you wrote. Seems like a pretty good fella to have as your coach. Best of luck
I was hoping you might write about this! I've been thinking about looking into hiring a coach. It was much simpler in high school/college, when it was just like, here's the team and here's the coach. Now there seem to be so many options and prices, its hard to know where to start. Any advice on finding one? Or how you found yours?
I got lucky in that we had time to get to know each other over the last few years, so there's a built in comfort and trust factor. I think it's important, at least for me it was, in figuring out why I wanted a coach and whether that person's approach was right for me. Good luck, I'm not exactly sure where to look beyond asking friends for reccs.
Scary and exciting and good luck! It’s easy to forget how we’ve already pushed ourselves at many other times in our lives whether it’s running or work or academically or whatever. This will be just as exciting and productive I’m sure!
Thanks, Matt. It's interesting you say this. Learning how to push myself has been one of my primary running takeaways. Not that I was a total slacker, but let's just say 'overachiever' was not part of my identity until I got serious about running. Feels like I'm entering new territory here.
Totally agree. Lots things felt like part of a process for me but training for a triathlon was literally a conscious decision to try something. Felt that much more satisfying after the first one (and exhaustion).
Congrats! After I trained really hard for a marathon and failed to reach my goal, I hired an online coach via a local running store program. It was a mixed bag as I felt like he just helped me make a schedule and checked in occasionally, but I trained 5 days a week instead of 6, took my easy days really easy, and got my PR. It introduced a lot more variety into my training as well. I'm looking forward to reading along with your journey.
Love that sentiment, thank you. To be 100 percent honest, I wasn't looking for a lot of interaction in my old writing. I had a take, you could disagree or not, but I wasn't looking for a discussion. This is much nicer.
I'm reminded of this: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” Good luck on your new journey!
Thanks Hoon. You guys helped give me the courage to take this step.
Hi Paul-not sure if you saw this story about former Olympian Paul McMullen. He was a legend in his hometown of Cadillac, Michigan and gave so much to the running community on the west side of the state. A GoFundMe has been started for his family and I'm hoping you can help spread the word.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/mcmullen-family-rest-in-peace-paul?utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link_all&utm_source=customer
https://www.runnersworld.com/runners-stories/a35744890/paul-mcmullen-dies-at-49/
It is always a positive sign when you can recognize when you need that extra boost - be it a coach, teacher, therapist, etc. Outside help and motivation from a professional can only help you grow. Looking forward to reading about your journey.
Yes, indeed. Thanks, Will.
I stumbled on a documentary about a race in Ouray where Avery ran 10 miles or something in the wrong direction before chasing down the leaders and winning handily. The name sounded familiar and a quick Google reminded me he was the subject of that piece you wrote. Seems like a pretty good fella to have as your coach. Best of luck
Hahaha, that's him. He's notorious for getting lost.
I was hoping you might write about this! I've been thinking about looking into hiring a coach. It was much simpler in high school/college, when it was just like, here's the team and here's the coach. Now there seem to be so many options and prices, its hard to know where to start. Any advice on finding one? Or how you found yours?
I got lucky in that we had time to get to know each other over the last few years, so there's a built in comfort and trust factor. I think it's important, at least for me it was, in figuring out why I wanted a coach and whether that person's approach was right for me. Good luck, I'm not exactly sure where to look beyond asking friends for reccs.
Scary and exciting and good luck! It’s easy to forget how we’ve already pushed ourselves at many other times in our lives whether it’s running or work or academically or whatever. This will be just as exciting and productive I’m sure!
Thanks, Matt. It's interesting you say this. Learning how to push myself has been one of my primary running takeaways. Not that I was a total slacker, but let's just say 'overachiever' was not part of my identity until I got serious about running. Feels like I'm entering new territory here.
Totally agree. Lots things felt like part of a process for me but training for a triathlon was literally a conscious decision to try something. Felt that much more satisfying after the first one (and exhaustion).
Love that framing of conscious decision making. There's a difference between doing something and freaking going for it.
Congrats! After I trained really hard for a marathon and failed to reach my goal, I hired an online coach via a local running store program. It was a mixed bag as I felt like he just helped me make a schedule and checked in occasionally, but I trained 5 days a week instead of 6, took my easy days really easy, and got my PR. It introduced a lot more variety into my training as well. I'm looking forward to reading along with your journey.
I'm hoping our prior relationship will help smooth that out a bit. Like I told Avery, I'm looking for a partnership. Also, congrats on that PR!
Also I never comment on things but the way you write makes me want to share!
Love that sentiment, thank you. To be 100 percent honest, I wasn't looking for a lot of interaction in my old writing. I had a take, you could disagree or not, but I wasn't looking for a discussion. This is much nicer.
GET IT, PAUL!
Right now I'm just trying to get an accurate HR reading. Oof. Thanks, Tracey.
You must be so excited, Paul. A great time of year to start a new endeavor. Happy trails!
Mostly nervous, but still excited Joe. Thanks, man.