She Qualified for Boston by Doing the Majority of Her Running in Water
Running changed my life trajectory. Before I started running, I had a job as an executive in fast-food marketing. After I started, I changed my career course to focus on health and fitness. I became a certified personal trainer via the American Council on Exercise (ACE) in 2008. In 2011, I became a USA Track & Field run coach, certified Aquatic Exercise Association instructor, and then created Fluid Running as a result for my passion of water running.
I started running 5Ks and 10Ks, but then signed up for a marathon. I ran my first marathon, the Chicago Marathon, in 2001. Then in 2002, I ran the Chicago Marathon again and qualified for Boston. I was hooked. I followed Hal Higdon’s plans exclusively for my first 12 marathons that I ran between 2001 and 2009, and still reference him.
However, in 2010, I was training for the Chicago Marathon with my siblings, and raising money for the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation in honor of my nephew. Six weeks before the race, I tore my calf muscle and my doctor told me I could not run. I was devastated, yet determined.
I searched “how do you stay in running shape when you can not run,” and came across an article on aqua jogging, and contacted the author who is a running coach. His associate gave me a training plan that included five runs a week in the pool, including my 20 miler! I ran solely in the water for the final six weeks of marathon training.
After I discovered pool running in 2010, I would still reference Hagdon’s plans, but I would replace two to three of the land runs on the schedule for water runs.
For pool running, I wear a flotation belt which allows me to run as if I were on land. I am upright in the pool with my legs underneath me. I keep my head held high, shoulders pulled back, and my arms swing by my side. My legs mimic land running form but with a little more “sweepy” back and forth motion.
For the 2022 Chicago Marathon, I decided to try a Track Club Babe training plan because I liked lower mileage, and I focused on speed and slower long runs. I only did the long run and one speed work run on land. The rest I replicated in the pool, and I still qualified for Boston!
Since discovering pool running, my last six marathons have been a combination of about 50 percent pool and 50 percent pavement.
This was my “aha” moment, and I wanted to share my journey, so I created Fluid Running in 2011. A huge benefit is that there is absolutely no impact on the body, so you can do it with many common injuries.
In my recent training for the 2024 Boston Marathon, I did two or three land runs per week (which includes a speed session and the long run), the rest of my running in the water.
I honestly don’t know what I would do without running in my life! It’s my moving meditation. I started dating my husband through running, made many friends, and ultimately created Fluid Running because of it.
These tips have made my running journey a success:
1. Strength train
I’m a huge fan of strength training, especially as we age. I do two sessions a week focusing on my leg muscles and core. I do a lot of single-leg exercises. I know this has played a huge role in keeping me strong, especially toward the end of marathons.
2. Adopt positive self talk
I’m a big believer in positive self-talk. I talk to myself constantly during my runs. One of my mantras that I will say over and over when I run is “strong legs, strong mind, strong body.” “Yes you can” is another one I say often.
3. Learn from your setbacks
I’ve had some setbacks, like all runners. Setbacks, though, are when I ultimately become better and stronger. Setbacks allow me to reflect, and they make me realize just how much I love and need running in my life! Setbacks are temporary, so don’t stress out about them.
Jennifer’s Must-Have Gear
→ SPI Belt: I love it because it’s comfortable and holds so much—my phone, my airpods, gum, and a gel!
→ Power Plate Vibrating Roller: I love it because it gets so deep and feels so good. I try to use it both before and after my runs.
→ Goodr Sunglasses: I love them because they are light, cute, and they make everything look deeper in color. The sky is so blue when I wear them!
posted Saturday May 4th