One Step at a Time

“While I am not new to running (having started in 2011), for the majority of my years running, I have always been a back of the packer and really slow in terms of what I hoped I could do. I realize that running is an individual sport and personal but I simply never had the confidence to push myself harder. Like so many people, the COVID-19 pandemic hit me pretty hard and brought much stress to my life. In 2020, instead of immersing myself in the runs, I stopped running and in fact, gained a significant amount of weight. With the support of my husband, I gently started to run again in early 2021 and regained some of my fitness back. The journey was often difficult but I took it one day and one step at a time. When 2022 rolled along, I was in the best shape of my life but knew I was missing something–the dreams I had of running faster with confidence and to conquer my fear of going back to the marathon distance, a dark place I swore I would never go back to! 

In 2022, I ran PRs for every single distance I typically race (5k, 10k, 10 Miler, and the Half Marathon). All that was left for me to PR was the full 26.2 and I was scared! When my husband told me to reach out to Kaylin to help me cross that finish line, I did not hesitate. I immediately felt comfortable with her and shared my hopes, dreams and goals for running. She has been supportive, encouraging but tough (which is what I need). She listened closely and adapted my training plans so that I am in full control and I can turn a bad run into something better because of the mental coaching and tools she has provided to me over time. On Sunday, December 4, 2022, I ran the California International Marathon in Sacramento, CA. At no point during the entire course did I ever doubt myself or think I needed to stop. How did I go from this insecure , out of shape person to this mentally tough cookie? Who is that person?  LOL. Not only did I finish, I crossed that finish line with a huge smile on my face and a PR of 1 hour and 2 minutes. I cried tears of joy and texted Coach K. I know I could not have done it without her and I am so very excited to see what 2023 brings because I have learned that I can dream big and make it happen. I am grateful beyond words for Kaylin.”

-Rima