What’s Next?

If you're an athlete/runner, you KNOW adversity is going to be a part of your journey:

aches, pain, stiffness, imbalances, improper biomechanics, weakness, under/over trained systems, nutrition mistakes, race strategy, hormones, load, intensity, injury, post surgery, mental acuity and focus, I could go on and on - I've experienced all the above both as an elite athlete and as a coach and trainer. Having a trained professional to guide you through these "moments" is priceless. Reach out. I absolutely love working with developing female (all runners) athletes as all navigate this beautiful sport and life in the healthiest and most joyful path possible. Jackie Pirtle-Hall jaxtherunner@hotmail.com or info@emergefitness

What’s Next?

The past week I have had the pleasure of working with athlete runners from middle school, high school, college, post collegiate, sub elite, master’s and more. 

I sometimes have to pinch myself that this is my job!

For one-

I love my sport, the community, and all the old, current, and upcoming information and creations that move our sport forward; mostly, we are curious and learning then personalizing. 

AND Two-

I was born a problem solver. I am often told that I am so focused on finding and fixing the problem that I miss the latency of just sitting in a problematic moment with a friend than my reflex of solving or fixing it for them - efficiently and with a lesson on top! Ha!

...just be quiet! Ha.

Ok I digress-

Perhaps this is why I love my job. With all the types of runners, goals, lifestyles, age groups, history, body types, behaviors, and so on, I am always looking for what’s next in order to help my runner feel fast, free, and healthy.

I am fast, I am free, and I am healthy - sometimes - ha!

It’s so very important to understand one thing if you are wanting to pursue and succeed at the sport of distance running.

It’s what you do when things don’t work out (as expected or planned) that is most important.

This is where having faith is KEY: in your goals and desires, in your personalized plan, and in YOURSELF-no matter what you read, see, or compare yourself to. You are not them. They are not you. You may run 20 miles a week, they run 100, you are new to the sport. They have been racing for over 30 years. Now, would you treat these two athletes the same? NO! Are the answers to their problems even the same- sometimes but mostly no. 

I see so many runners waste years questioning themselves, their dreams, their training only to get exhausted by self doubt and comparison…

and in the end have nothing to show in the sport- and not that you need something to “show” but many of us runners want to see progress in some fashion so these types are still frustrated- seemingly floating in and out of what they think they want and what others want for them. 

My dad always asked me: Do you want it? 

Yes. I do. So focus. Stop getting distracted by all the noise around you. Talk with your support system for advice. Talk with those who are rooting for you really. 

Then get the best on your side and ride the highs and the lows of this sport!- I mean buckle up for some fun. Because this sport is not for the faint of heart- you will have just as many disappointments as you will excitements- but it's in those disappointments that you reflect, problem solve, learn, and TAKE ACTION. Try again. This is known as LOVING THE PROCESS. 

I had a friend ask if I was nervous for the New York Marathon with such a quick build (she didn't agree with the aggressiveness in mileage) but again - this person is still floundering in self doubt while I'm crushing through the finish lines. I hate this for them; but it's also a drag sometimes— 

No exceptions: It's a choice, do you want it?

Then believe in it. 

Stop questioning everything. 

Believe in You and then sit down with your Coach. 

Of course, there are the problems lol - I’ve had injury, I’ve gotten sick, I’ve had difficult races, but with each disappointment I bloom brighter, bigger, stronger - my mind understands even more about this sport than I could ever study in a book. What great runner with longevity in this sport has not had bouts of adversity? I don't know one. 

So here I come to the New York City Marathon! Houston! Berlin!  

And will there be problems?????- oh yes- I certainly hope so!!!!

Jump on the train with me. If you have a developing female athlete who is in need of a female endurance coach - reach out please! If you are any type of runner in need of guidance, reach out. 

Life is such an adventure when you believe. 

Love, Coach jaxtherunner