# 9to5 Challenge Ma
From Challenger to Coach
Images : Jeannie Jordaan
Meet Lauren Smithers , one of our # 9to5 Challenge coaches , who actually went through the Challenge , then went on to become one of the coaches herself !
y first experience of distance running was once a year back in primary school , when we would have an inter-house cross country event . The race
Mwas just a few laps around the school field , but it held great importance in the Smithers household for almost a decade . Growing up doing ballet , swimming and netball , I had always been physically active and I loved it , but my final year ’ s cross country race still stands out vividly in my mind .
I had been in second place for most of the race , with one of my friends leading . Then , with just half a lap to go , I realised that I could no longer feel my legs , but saw them extend from underneath me and suddenly I was flying – and my friend disappeared behind me . I ’ m not sure if it was the extreme adrenaline , or just pure fear , but I managed to continue the family legacy – my brother had taken the title many years in a row – giving my mom bragging rights for the rest of her days , and
developing in me a fierce competitive streak .
Goal-oriented Approach
Exercise has always been an escape for me and I am happiest when I am working up a sweat , but in my 20s I picked up a significant amount of weight , so I decided I needed a goal . A friend and I therefore entered the bikini category of a body building competition and I lost a great deal of weight . I enjoyed looking and feeling better , even placed third ( there were only four competitors …) and had a lot of fun laughing at myself while experiencing something new , but I quickly realised that I am not the model type , and did not like the way I had become critical of my body rather than being proud of what I could achieve with it .
Then in January 2016 I entered the Pick ‘ n Pay 8km race and the proverbial bug bit . I was so proud of myself for completing the race in what was apparently a good time , and I started to wonder if there wasn ’ t more to this running thing . My best friend ’ s husband and # 9to5 coach , Jonathan Tudhope , was starting a new challenge a few months later and suggested I give it a try . I did not know anything about the science of running , but I was intrigued by the interval training we did – something I had never done before – and loved seeing the results of putting it all into practice as I learnt about my body and what I am capable of . Jono was also incredibly motivating : When I lost momentum and missed sessions , he was understanding and wise enough to encourage me not to push too hard , but soon got me back up and going .
I realised I wanted to be part of this world , to encourage and educate others the way Jono had encouraged me , and I had also gotten to know Coach Jeannie better , so I could think of nothing better than to work with and continue learning from such an inspiring ball of positivity and strength . Needless to say , I jumped at the opportunity to become a # 9to5 coach and merge my passion for teaching ( I ’ ve been an English
teacher for six wonderful years ) with my growing passion for health and fitness .
Learning on the Job
Even as a coach , I am still learning as a runner . Being competitive and wanting to push my limits , I had to realise that in order to race at a certain pace and achieve a certain time goal , I have to train at that pace , and that takes patience , tenacity and commitment . The # 9to5 programme is perfect for teaching this , as it includes regular speed and fartlek training sessions , which are so much easier to conquer with a group of like-minded , motivated running friends .
One of the most memorable moments I have experienced while being involved with the # 9to5 challenge was celebrating the 10km finale run of my first challenge with cupcakes and champagne . Another was witnessing one of my most committed and inspiring challengers cross the finish line of her 10km finale race , after persevering through the cold weather of winter and a terrible battle with flu , with her evercheery disposition intact . It was great to see Irene ’ s hard work pay off .
Running remains an incredible source of therapy for me . My body , mind and spirit all suffer when I miss an opportunity to run , or don ’ t challenge myself with new goals , so long term I have my sights on a Comrades finish , and meanwhile I would love a top five finish in a shorter distance . In hindsight , I can certainly say that my initial fitness goals were rather unambitious and shallow ( many based on aesthetics ), but now I aim to be a happier , healthier , motivated and motivating athlete .
If you want to go from zero to hero in just nine weeks , then sign up today for the Modern Athlete 9to5 Challenge . Go to www . modernathlete . co . za / page / 9-to-5-challenge or e-mail jeannie @ run925 . co . za for more info .
Lauren Smithers
# 9to5
CHALLENGE
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