Annie Beckstrand on the art of endurance
Why do you run?
I began running when a friend stated she wanted to run her first half-marathon. I sent her a training plan I found online, and began training with her. As I made it more of a rhythm of my life, I found that running became a peaceful experience. It’s a time when I am not worrying about life or circumstances and grew to be very empowering!
What inspired you to join RCTC?
One of my big regrets from high school is not being a part of more clubs and trying new things – namely, cross country! I went to a fairly athletic school and simply believed I wasn’t one of “those” people who could run, and never challenged myself to try. After I began running more consistently and enjoying it, I began dreaming of different goals I hope to achieve and didn’t want to do it alone. I love that I feel a part of a team who already inspires me to stay consistent with my goals!
How did it feel to run in your first race?
My first half-marathon took place in September 2021. My goal was to simply finish the race without walking. I hadn’t gotten much sleep the night before, but was still happy with completing my goal! I turned to somebody after the race saying “I never need to run further than that” which makes me laugh as I am now training for the Portland Marathon.
What have you learned as an Orangetheory coach? What are the similarities and differences to endurance running?
As an Orangetheory Coach, I’ve learned a lot of the value of different kinds of training, such as endurance, strength, and power. Orangetheory is a heart-rate interval workout and has taught me a lot about listening to my body, and knowing what more I have to give.
This ties into endurance running, because even though you are running long distances (endurance), you still need to incorporate strength and power training to improve overall level fitness!
While the bulk of training should be at easy, base-pace feel, incorporating different training will make you a faster endurance runner in the long “run!” As a coach my job is to recognize who has more to give, and inspire them to accomplish more than they thought they could when they first walked through the doors.
Where do you want to take your running?
I would like to focus on endurance running and eventually qualify for the Boston Marathon!
What about running makes you laugh?
As a coach, I think a lot about running form. I get a good giggle when I think of how Johnny Depp runs in the Pirates of the Caribbean – he wastes a lot of energy with those arms flailing but will make me laugh every time.
Anything else you’d like to share with our followers?
If you don’t think of yourself as a runner, I’m your gal! It’s amazing what working out with a group can do to help you accomplish what you never thought you could. Begin where you’re at and make those small achievements as you go!
