Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Weight Training with Colleen!

I either will or won't qualify for the Boston Marathon in December, but regardless I'm sure having fun with the coaching that's leading up to the race.

This morning I met with Colleen De Reuck (Olympic marathoner and wife of my coach, Darren) for a one-on-one weight-training session. I've taken weight training classes and followed weight-training circuits from books many times, and I know my way around a weight room, but I've never had a one-on-one session like this--and certainly never with someone as knowledgeable about runners' bodies as she is.

I was a little nervous, not only because she's a celebrity (four times at the Games, winner of the Berlin Marathon, I could go on and on) and runs at a level for which I'll always be just a spectator, but also because I don't like talking about myself and my first-world problems and I feel I've been doing a lot of that lately. Back blah blah blah.....body fat blah blah blah.....steroid shot blah blah blah.....How could it not bore other people?

Moreover, I know from my own experience occasionally at my job that just because you're paid to help others doesn't mean it's always an enjoyable task. Don't get me wrong--most of the time my job is very gratifying, and I like helping most of our library patrons--but some days and some people just....get to you. I'm sure this is true in any job with a customer service component, be it taking orders at McDonalds, answering library research questions or giving weight-training advice to amateurs.

Turns out none of this was a problem. She was as nice as could be, and working with her was interesting and enjoyable enough that I completely lost track of time and made myself late for a much-anticipated lunch date with Cynthia (thanks again for being so understanding, Cynthia!). In the end, I came away with a series of 14 exercises to be done twice a week, and instructions on how to do them with proper form and so as not to hurt my back or anything else. She also gave me a great idea for a long run course in Boulder that will mimic that of the California International Marathon. Nothing like local advice!

I had almost an hour and a half with her. Half a day later, my back has protested not at all, something that hasn't been the case for me with strength training in a long time, barring my excellent Pilates sessions with Patty. I'm so ready for lunges, planks, hamstring curls, lat work and the like.

I'm a born-again strength trainee!

16 comments:

  1. Holy cow - you are in some seriously GREAT company!! I am so excited for you!! 

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  2. raina_smalltownrunnerJuly 31, 2012 at 8:11 PM

    Awesome that you have such a great trainer!  Also, it is great that your back is taking it all so well. This could be good news for the rest of the year :) Hope so!!

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  3. BostonboundbrunetteJuly 31, 2012 at 8:29 PM

    Awesome that you have such a great trainer!  You are going to be super ready for CIM!  I am sure you will BQ!  I have to say it again...I am so jealous!

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  4. so lucky you get to run shoulders with greatness...it's an added bonus that she's so NICE too...   glad you made it to lunch - I was worried about you!!  :)

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  5. That's so cool! It's always fun to train with people who know what they're doing.

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  6. I am so incredibly happy for you!  Good strength training and no pain - fabulous!

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  7. How cool! Can I have your autograph? I adore CDR and I haven't even met her. I think the strength training will be wonderful for you.

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  8. How is it you get to hang with all the celebrities???  :-)

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  9. Awesome! Me, too- I've been excited about all the strength training again this summer, especially since I'm on a short running break and figure there's no better time.  

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  10. That's a pretty cool gig with a big celeb!!  An hour and a half weight training would probably kill me - nice going!!

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  11. Very cool! Having knowledgeable people to give you guidance is the BEST.  Jackpot, sister! :) I'm loving weight training again.

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  12. A great trainer can make all the difference in the world!!!!!! So glad that your are back into your grove of things ;)!

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  13. I'm finally joining a gym and putting together a strength training plan.  I love weight training, but it's so hard to come up with a good workout.  I'm jealous of your awesome trainer!

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  14. I'm soooooo jealous! I'm just waiting for that short window of time when Colleen and I are not the same age/in the same age group. I would love to work with those guys! Keep it up.

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  15. This sounds awesome!  Very cool that you're working with Colleen.

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