Behind every great runner is a coach. Sometimes they are a coach in the most literal sense, creating your training program and developing you into a better runner. Many times they are on the sidelines of a race cheering like crazy as you run past. Always, they are that person who believes in you even when you don't believe in yourself. 

 

I've had many coaches in my life - from my dad who was the spark that ignited my passion for running, to my high school XC coach who tuned my training so I could experience the thrill of victory to my sister who became my coach after I was diagnosed with Lupus and helped me train for - and finish - my first marathon. She was literally with me every step of the way.  It's because of her that I became inspired to own a running store so I could help others experience the life changing power of running. 

 

Over the past seven years, it has been an honor to be a part of so many people's running journeys, but even more empowering to see the coached become the coaches.  People like Rich Dillon and Amy Frey (pictured above) who once were participants in our training programs, but who have been so affected by running that they devote nearly every week of the year to coaching our No Boundaries Beginner 5k program.  Between the two of them, they have easily helped 1,000+ people cross the finish line. 

 

It's also people like Amy Trainor, Randy Collins, Deborah Ross, Rachel Tambling, Kim Marchand and Jeanne Corey who have spent countless weekend mornings helping folks to conquer longer distances like the 10k, half and full marathon.  They are the ones who arrive in West Hartford early to set out water stops and are among the last to leave, making sure their peeps all made it safely back to the store...and have been known to offer free massages post-run too!  They willingly share their favorite tips to make running more enjoyable (just ask Jeanne to sing you the Ant Song) and as injury and bonk-free as possible.

And it's people like Bill Honeck, former owner of Pig Iron Sports and race director of the Lake Terramuggus Triathlon Series. Billy is one of the heartlines in the tapestry of our active community.  His easy-going nature and effervescent personality made him easy to like.  And no matter how stressed he was making sure his Lake T tri's flowed smoothly, he always had time for a high-5 or shout of encouragement. We raise our (PBR) cans in toast to you and wish you much success and happiness in Idaho! 

 

Last Saturday, several of our No Boundaries peeps who are also in a barbershop quartet called Waiting in the Wings honored their coaches before practice with a beautiful rendition of "For Good" from the musical, Wicked.  My video skills are lacking, but you can watch it here. The song lyrics couldn't have been more fitting. 

 

To all our coaches, thank you for believing in us and helping us grow into the athletes we are today!