Jennifer J.
Mar 1, 2010
Finishing my first 10-miler was an indescribable feeling. I had never run more than five miles in my life, so pushing my body beyond my comfort zone was both challenging and incredibly fulfilling. Training for this race gave me a clear fitness goal and reintroduced the sense of discipline and structure I had been missing since graduating from college and leaving behind organized athletics.
I never considered myself a "runner." Even now, I sometimes struggle to identify as one. But something has shifted—I now find myself looking forward to long runs, embracing the challenge, and enjoying the freedom that comes with every mile.
Finding Inspiration in Friendship
The idea to run a 10-mile race wasn’t initially my own. A friend of mine, who wasn’t very physically active, wanted to push herself to get healthier and was looking for a training partner. When she asked if I’d join her, I thought, why not? It seemed like a great challenge, and I figured that if she could do it, then so could I.
What I didn’t expect was how much we would end up motivating each other. She confided in me that my commitment helped her push through tough days, just as she had inspired me to take on this challenge in the first place. In the end, we became each other’s biggest supporters, proving that sometimes, the best motivation comes from the people we surround ourselves with.
The Impact of Training with Walter
When I made the decision to run, I had already been training with Walter for about two months. Once I shared my goal with him, he adjusted my workouts to maximize my performance. Not only did he push me during training sessions, but he also held me accountable, checking in to make sure I was sticking to my running plan and eating properly to fuel my body.
Walter brought the structure and discipline I needed to stay consistent. His guidance made all the difference, helping me stay focused even on days when I wanted to quit. Not only did my endurance improve, but I also lost over 20 pounds during my training and noticed a huge transformation in my abs—they became more defined and tighter than they had been in years! Seeing those physical changes kept me even more motivated to push forward.
Advice for Anyone Who Thinks They Can’t Run
If I can run a 10-miler, you can run a 10-miler! I know that sounds cliché, but it’s absolutely true. If you asked my parents, they’d tell you I hated running. When I first mentioned this goal, my dad thought I was joking! Now, he and my mom are my biggest fans.
For anyone hesitant about running, my advice is simple:
Start Small. My friend and I began with a 20-minute run and gradually built up to 10 miles over four months.
Choose a Scenic Route. Running on the National Mall was incredible—it kept me excited and made every run feel like an adventure. Now, I love exploring new trails and discovering different parts of the city.
Push Through the Setbacks. There were days I didn’t want to run, times I battled minor injuries, and moments of doubt. But breaking through those barriers was the most rewarding part.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that being a runner isn’t about speed, body type, or experience—it’s a mindset. Once I started embracing running as part of my identity, I realized that I could run any distance I set my mind to.
What’s Next?
My next long-term goal is to complete another 10-miler, but for now, I’m focusing on shorter races and helping a friend who has never run before find her inner runner. Through this journey, I’ve connected with so many people on different paths—some training for their first 5K, others running half-marathons. Running is a personal journey, but it also brings people together in the most unexpected ways.
Beyond just finishing the race, training with Walter has completely transformed my body and mindset. Losing 20 pounds and tightening my abs was just a bonus—I now have a deeper appreciation for what my body is capable of, and I’m excited to see how far I can go. Thanks to this experience, I’ve found a new passion that I never thought possible. And I can say with confidence—I am a runner.
