Earlier this year, my client Stephen set a goal to run the Times Colonist 10k 2014 in under 50 minutes. His previous best time in this distance was back in 2010, which was 1:09:47.
I have been working with Stephen since October 2013 and in December 2013 he expressed an interest in one of my 10 week running programs in order to help him achieve a personal best in the 10k.
It became apparent to me that he was looking for a 20-minute improvement in his 10k time.
My response was something along the lines of this: “I cannot predict how you will feel on race day and what will happen, but what I can almost guarantee is that I can for sure help you improve your 10k time by 20 (or more) minutes in approximately 10 weeks.”
I know how hard Stephen works during my sessions and I knew that when he sets his mind to something, he will undoubtedly achieve it.
Therefore, I had no reservations when I made the above statement. That statement came directly from my belief in him.
He has shown nothing but progress in everything we’ve done during our sessions and I KNEW that he would do really well following my running program.
Now, I know you might be a little skeptical about my “guarantee” because you cannot believe that someone could improve that much in such a relatively short period of time. I DEFINITELY believed it because I’ve experienced it before.
When Stephen got through 8 weeks of the 10 week program, he spontaneously signed up for the Sooke River 10k race on April 13, 2014, which took place exactly two weeks before the TC10k.
Stephen’s performance in the Sooke River 10k proved that I was accurate in my predictions for him. He finished that race in 48:26, which meant that he already accomplished his goal of breaking 50 minutes. I was extremely proud of him.
At that point, I was pretty sure that he would post another personal best at the TC10k, because the Sooke race was not an easy course.
Once again, my prediction was spot on. He finished the TC10k in 46:31 (chip/net time), which is almost a 2-minute improvement from two weeks ago.
Above: Stephen and I at the TC10k 2014 finish line. BIG thumbs up!
Here’s what he said to me in a text message: “Thanks for all the help and encouragement. I couldn’t have done it without you. You’re a very inspiring coach.”
Several weeks later, Stephen posted another personal best. He benched 245 lbs, which became his newest personal best.
Above: Stephen got the $20 bonus because he benched over 240 lbs.
That amazing moment when a client achieves a personal best is definitely a moment worth celebrating.
Words cannot describe how proud I am of how far you’ve come, Stephen. Thank you so much for believing in me as a trainer. It’s an honour and a privilege to watch you reach your fitness goals.
Stephen is currently well on his way to running his first half marathon this fall. He is a pleasure to work with and I look forward to seeing him cross that finish line.