TrainingPeaks Member Profile: Beth Heisinger-Stewart, runner
17 October 2008
After a long break, Beth has started running again. Although she may not be as fast as she was in her early twenties, she is more disciplined: using TrainingPeaks to help her plan her workouts, she has transitioned from the impulsive runner that she used to be into a committed athlete.
“I first started running in my early twenties. I never went about it in a very intelligent way. Training to me meant going farther than I did last time. It also meant pushing myself to injury and ultimately quitting. I just started running again 2 months ago. I was on a business trip and started thinking about my 40th birthday that is quickly approaching. I had been walking on a regular basis but wanted to do something significant to celebrate turning 40. I wasn’t sure if I could still run but was willing to go for it. I decided I didn’t need to set the world on fire. I just needed to put one foot in front of the other. Who cares if I am slow! I am wise enough at this point in my life to know that any accomplishment should be celebrated. So, I did a half marathon search on the internet. I found one in Carlsbad, CA that takes place 3 days before my birthday. I registered for it and made a commitment to myself - I am crossing the finish line. Whether I run, walk or crawl over the finish line… doesn’t matter, I am crossing the finish line!”
Beth got excited about her decision right away. “I got home from my trip and geared up a bit. A new sport is a great excuse for some new clothes. I got my ‘runner’s watch.’ I wear it all the time to remind myself that I AM AN ATHLETE. I joined the Go Getters Blog and I started running. I decided to approach it as if I had never run a step in my life. I committed to 3 days a week. The first week I did teeny tiny intervals… 60 seconds run / 60 seconds walk. Now, I am up to 3.5 miles and planning a 4 mile run this weekend. I am training 4 days per week as of Monday.”
Along with all her physical gear, Beth found a new software program that would also help her with her training. “I discovered Training Peaks on a race site. It is a race in Charlotte, NC on 12/12. I am not running that race but started looking at the program. I decided to use it to train properly for my half marathon on 1/25. I love it so far. I am a numbers junkie so the training reports and graphs really float my boat… it is a really easy way to set a schedule. I love getting the morning email with my daily schedule. Also, I like logging my progress and watching my improvement. I would absolutely recommend it to people. ”
Through her new training program, Beth has rediscovered her passion for running. “What I have found is that I love running. I look forward to it. I am elated when I reach my goal. I have not missed one run - rain or shine, I am out there. I think training properly makes a tremendous difference. I don’t hurt at all. My husband now calls me the running diva.”
Beth enjoys running alone. “I like the solitude. It is meditative. I like to run in beautiful places - not in busy places with traffic. Typically, I am running before 8am. I don’t listen to music. I tried running with my ipod but it distracts me. I like to zone out to the sound of my feet hitting the ground and whatever bird is singing.”
During one of her runs, Beth had an epiphany. “I do have a moment of enlightenment that I still reflect on. It was when I had been running for a grand total of 2 weeks. I was running in the park and a ‘twenty something’ woman went blazing by me. Suddenly, I was thinking things like: ‘Oh my God, what are you doing Beth? You are so slow. You will NEVER run like that. Why even bother?’ Then, for some reason I regained my sanity and was completely at peace with myself. I responded to those thoughts the way I would respond to a friend if he/she said those things: ‘Beth, you have been running for 2 weeks, get over yourself. You are exactly where you need to be. You ARE a half-marathon runner. Don’t stop! You are that runner.’ It is a moment I reflect on when I am not feeling so good out there. I’ll always be exactly where I AM in the moment: better than I was last week, not as good as I will be next week and always blessed to be moving my body forward with my own strength. Next year, I have a feeling there will be a full marathon in my future. I love this whole ‘Forty and Fabulous’ trip I am on.”
Moments like that add up to make training an amazing experience. “I’m hooked. I think training is fun. I am not in this to torture myself. I am not an advocate of the ‘no pain, no gain’ mentality. Sometimes it gets uncomfortable and that’s when I keep my eye on the prize. Exercise is like everything else in life - it is hard sometimes. Other times it is exhilarating. Other times it is boring. Other times it is peaceful. But, you stay on the bus for the whole ride and learn about yourself with every step. I am inspired when I see incredible athletes accomplish incredible things. I am inspired when I see a complete novice with a determined expression. I am inspired when I see my dogs run for the sheer joy of it. I am inspired when my own feet keep going…”
Learn more about Beth and other amazing athletes at the Go Getters Blog!
One Response to “TrainingPeaks Member Profile: Beth Heisinger-Stewart, runner”
November 4th, 2008 at 10:55 pm
Thank you Beth….I am currently out from a groin injury, but I’m biking and jogging in the pool. You helped me remember why I run, because I love it. Keep up the good work