# 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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