When I first came to Formula Complete Fitness a year ago and started working with Ann and the other coaches, I was ready to take my running to the next level and needed a way to get there. My goal was to see what I could do in terms of effort, speed, and distance, while running injury free. Ann was the perfect guide to get me moving on these goals.
After the initial consultation, she recommended doing 1-2 Equilibrium classes each week, where I was able to combine running with strength, agility, and flexibility training. This is something I would never do on my own. She also recommended one Focus class each week where we did intervals and tempo runs on the Woodways. One of the things I love about Ann’s approach is the endless array of exercises and drills she and her staff keep pulling out while also inventing new ones as well! This combination of running and strength training designed specifically for runners was a powerful way to move me into a whole new level of fitness. It’s really a runner’s dream to have a place like this to come to on a regular basis.
Ann works on the all important mental aspect of running as well. Phrases like “get comfortable with being uncomfortable” and “stay relaxed up top” have a way of getting rooted in your mind so that you can pull them out later during hard runs and races. Just last November, for instance, I PR’d in a 5k after five years of running 5k’s. What makes Ann’s approach even more effective is that she is both an accomplished coach and runner. She really knows what she is talking about when she creates a custom training plan, which includes a weekly pattern of easy miles, quality workouts, long runs, and time for recovery.
My most recent goal was to train for the Promise Land 50K, my first trail ultramarathon. I had run three marathons before and wanted to see if I could go the extra distance. When Promise Land was cancelled due to the coronvirus, I signed up to run the Aravaipa Strong Virtual 50k Ultramarathon which I did at Walnut Creek Park on April 25, 2020. Ann came out to get me started and joined me, along with a few other running friends, on the first nine mile loop. It was a great time out on the trail! I just kept going, running through a particularly tough patch, trusting my training, and finally reaching the 50K/31.12 mile finish.
I have to say that when I first walked through the doors of Formula Complete Fitness a year ago, I had no idea I’d be running my first 50k trail ultramarathon! Thanks, Ann, for helping me get there, and I think I am just getting started!
Scott crushing his first ultra on his own. #goals
Just in case Scott didn’t know we were rooting for him.