Why coach?

If you read about my journey into running, you know that I am not a lifelong runner. In fact, there is even more to the story than I quit smoking, gained weight and now here I am. However, the point of this post is to share a little more about why I decided to throw my hat into the coaching ring. Since I started my journey I've found myself alongside several people who have been great contributors to my pursuits. Every person I have talked to about running, every book I've read, every group run I've attended, there has been some nugget of information that I ingested. Along my journey, organically I found that I was sharing what I learned with others and frankly I enjoyed it!

As a data analyst, I spend a lot of time at a computer. I was trying to find ways to increase my fitness creatively. While working on my own pursuits, I sought out ways to "normalize" exercise in the workplace with "planks with Paige" sessions in my office. Encouraging others to join me in mini exercise breaks. Having meetings that were done while walking or using lunch breaks for run sessions. Where there is a will, there is a way.

As I pushed myself further, I was encouraging others to run and push themselves too. Before I knew it, I found myself pacing friends on half-marathons and 50ks. And while there were times during those events my friends were no longer sure about our friendship, at the end they all had smiles that were priceless! And while it was their journey and they did the hard work, I felt privileged to be a part of it.

So why coach? The answer is... it's fun to help others find their joy in doing epic things!