I was approximately 20 feet into Heartbreak Hill, the dreaded incline at mile 20 of the Boston Marathon, when I spotted a child distributing frozen Otter Pops. Despite my determination to conquer this hill, which I had specifically trained for, my dry mouth, sore feet, and overheated body were begging for a break. “Just walk with purpose,” I reminded myself, recalling the advice of my online running coach. As I grabbed a bright blue pop and took deliberate steps while enjoying the frozen treat, I powered up the remainder of the hill, likely finishing faster than if I had continued to slog along.
This was my fourteenth marathon, but the first one in which I had the guidance of an online running coach. Although I had recently obtained my certification as a running coach myself, I had never worked with one personally. A few weeks into my training, I reached out to Adidas, the sponsor of my Boston Marathon bib, to request a connection with a coach from Adidas Runners. That’s when I was introduced to Jessie Zapotechne, the lead coach for Adidas Runners in North America, who also ran a private coaching practice. While an in-person coach could observe and correct your workouts on the spot, what unique benefits could an online running coach provide that a general marathon training plan couldn’t? This was the question I posed to Zapotechne during our initial weekly discussion.
“Accountability would be the number one benefit,” she responded. Shortly followed by the ability to adjust your training as needed and address any inquiries you may have. What she didn’t mention at that moment was the confidence boost in your preparation that comes with training under a skilled coach, a realization I would come to appreciate later on.
After only a few runs, I fell ill with a severe fever that kept me bedridden for a week. Zapothechne reassured me not to worry, inquiring about my medications and side effects before rearranging my workout schedule to accommodate my recovery. When I attempted to resume running once I felt better, each run was a painful struggle. My legs felt heavy, and any pace faster than an easy jog triggered coughing fits. The enduring battle left me exasperated. Following a particularly miserable 18-mile run that I loathed every minute of, Zapotechne provided a new perspective.
“Such runs can also be incredibly beneficial,” she noted. She emphasized the importance of perseverance even when the temptation to quit arises, an essential attribute for marathoners. She also highlighted two positive outcomes from that long, arduous run that I had overlooked: the successful trial of the Adidas Adios Pro 3 shoes I planned to wear on race day and the positive experience with Spring Energy gels for my stomach. Even my most difficult runs were contributing to my preparation for race day.
Ultimately diagnosed with pneumonia and later advised that I may have a partially-collapsed lung, I persisted. Despite the obstacles, Zapotechne adjusted my schedule, allowing for additional rest days and supportive feedback that eased my distress. Thanks to her tailored guidance, I avoided self-criticism over missed runs, understanding that the plan’s adaptability was crucial for my recovery.
As my race day approached, I regained strength and excitement. During our weekly call, I shared my intention to run based on feel and push my limits now that my coughing had subsided. Zapotechne gently redirected my strategy, advising a more conservative approach. She recommended starting the first 10 miles at an 11-minute pace and incorporating walk breaks at each water station, especially up the Newton hills, including Heartbreak Hill. While hesitant to slow my pace or incorporate walk breaks, her expert counsel urged me to prioritize strategy over ego.
On race day, amid unanticipated scorching temperatures, I adhered closely to the prescribed 11-minute pace, with Zapotechne running nearby. As she encouraged me to take breaks and conserve energy for the latter half of the race, I followed her guidance. Walking through water stations, enjoying ice pops, and seeking sodium replenishment from medical tents, I approached the finish line with newfound speed. Despite the challenges faced, including cramping quads and physical exhaustion, I crossed the finish line with a renewed sense of accomplishment, guided by the wisdom and support of my online running coach.
