“I’m not special. I’ve just turned up time after time after time.”
That’s Susan, a passionate runner and advocate for finding joy in the sport.
She’s 56 years old, a mother of three, and a member of our Personal Best community.
She started with Couch to 5K over 20 years ago. For years, racing was painful. She’d cross the finish line of a half-marathon feeling despair – because now she’d have to do it again to chase a better time.
Then everything changed. She discovered low heart rate training, stopped obsessing over pace, and gave herself permission to walk. Her marathon time dropped to 3:49. She qualified for both Boston and London – and she’s racing them just 6 days apart next spring.
This conversation shows exactly how she did it!
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Here are some of the topics covered:
- 0:00 – Running through Couch to 5K
- 0:45 – My Book “Running Breakthroughs” is Still Available! Get your copy now!
- 02:26 – How she got into running and her personal journey
- 04:50 – Transition from 5K to half marathons
- 06:19 – Growing as a runner, facing injuries and challenges, and exploring low heart rate training.
- 08:54 – Using running as a coping mechanism during tough times.
- 10:32 – Talk about joining a running club.
- 11:18 – Backyard challenges and ultra running.
- 14:40 – Change in approach to training and mindset.
- 24:40 – Pain versus discomfort during races.
- 28:01 – Balance nutrition and the importance of being kind to oneself
- 30:06 – Finding community in running.
- 32:47 – Competitive nature and Parkrun experiences.
- 35:10 – Advice for younger self and importance of community.
- 39:24 – Overcoming injuries and mental strategies in racing.
- 46:35 – Favorite races and experiences shared.
- 51:04 – Cold exposure experiences
- 1:00:32 – Tips for runners stuck in their journey.
- 01:02:35 – How to become a stronger, healthier, happier athlete.
- 01:03:28 – Important closing thoughts.
5 key lessons that stood out from my conversation with Susan:
1. “I’m not special. I’ve just turned up time after time after time. I’m not an elite athlete by any means. I’m just like a normal person that started off doing a Couch to 5K. I figure if I can do it, anyone can do it.”
Susan’s message is clear. There’s no special formula. She’s not gifted. She just kept showing up – consistently, patiently, week after week.
2. “I find running is my help for life. Whenever I’m happy or I’ve had traumas, I just run and it just goes through my body and it really helps.”
When Susan’s relationship broke down, she was in the middle of a charity challenge to run 100 miles in March. She put her trainers on every day and went out anyway. Running became her anchor through the hardest times.
3. “Come on, just give me another half hour. It’s a park run. I will take you to yoga afterwards. You don’t have to do anything else afterwards. Just do this bit for me.”
This is how Susan talks to her legs in the final miles of a marathon. She bargains with them. Promises them rest. It sounds funny – but it works.
4. “I’m not ready to go into the pain cave today. I’m tired. I don’t want to go into the pain cave. I don’t need to go into the pain cave. I’m going to go into the party cave today.”
At the Chicago Marathon, Susan was exhausted from traveling. By mile 6, she wasn’t enjoying herself. So she made a decision: skip the time goal and soak up the experience instead. That kind of maturity comes with time – knowing when to push and when to let go.
5. “Find the joy. Be kind to yourself. Speed will come. Just listen to your body and surround yourself with like-minded people. We only have one life. You want to fill it with as much joy as you possibly can.”
Susan’s closing advice sums up her entire approach. Joy first. Kindness to yourself. The results follow.
Hope you enjoy this new video, CLICK HERE to watch it.
Cheers,
Floris Gierman
P.S. My new book Running Breakthroughs is available now worldwide as Audio Book, autographed book and eBook. It’s a summary of 10 years podcasting lessons, takeaways from coaching thousands of athletes and my own breakthroughs in running and life.
