Running for It
Member blogger Kathleen Bush talks with Jen Whiteside, who recently ran her first 5K after completing Midtown's Running Program with Certified Running Coach Missy Witte. Jen Whiteside, one of the first graduates of Midtown's Running Program, never thought she could run. Although active in myriad other fitness activities at the club, she felt her "bad knee" would prevent her from participating in impact sports. Many miles and her first 5k race later, Jen is happy to say that she was mistaken. Thanks to the guidance of Certified Running Coach Missy Witte and her new running program, Jen is running 3-to-6 miles at a time, multiple days a week. Shortly after beginning to train Jen, Missy recognized that Jen's "knee problem" was actually the result of an overly tight IT band, which Jen and Missy were able to correct using specific stretches, yoga, and strengthening exercises. "Through this program, I was able to identify my problems and what I needed to do to fix them," said Jen. Jen had such good things to say about Missy's program that two of her friends signed up, and they have also been thrilled with the results, and she's has nothing but wonderful experiences to share about training with Missy. Motivational Missy Jen calls Missy "a little dog with a big bite." She credits Missy with not only being a friend but also knowing how to generate results. Jen points out the benefits of Missy's bubbly personality. "She was a great distraction during our first sessions," Jen said. "Because she talks a lot, I thought more about the conversation than the fact I was running." Open Communication Missy provides individualized attention all week long, and not just during training sessions. "It's nice to have constant communication," said Jen. "If you text her a question, she gets right back to you. Sometimes I text her at 10pm, and I always receive a response first thing the next morning. When you're unsure about something, she always sends you something positive." After telling me this, Jen's phone beeps, and she smiles as it is yet another message from Missy. Her First Race After training for several months with Missy, Jen was able to run a phenomenal time in her first road race, a 5k in Tampa, Florida. Despite the hot and muggy conditions, Jen kept a great pace and felt elated on crossing the finish line. She then took on the challenge of a longer race when she ran the Lilac 10k in May. Noticeable Results "My husband says he can see the difference in me" Jen says. Jen, mother of two young children, is fit, toned, and looks great. She loves the change and variety that running has added to her workouts. Just Do It If you're on the fence about signing up for Missy's Running Program, or if you're nervous you don't have what it takes to reach a running goal, Jen has this advice: "You need to go for it. Missy is awesome and she will help you identify where and what it is you want to do with the program, so it's structured and geared specifically for you, and not anybody else." Jen has taken off running and never looked back. For more information on Missy’s Running Program, which can help you start running, train for your first race, or PR your 50th, contact her at melissa.witte@midtown.com or 461-2300, ext. 324.