Bec Williams

5 things I learned from running #sexypace

I first signed up to run a half marathon with Cantoo in 2018. Now many years later after finishing my MBA, some time overseas in the UK, that pesky global pandemic and some very wet summers here in Australia, I decided it was time to sign up again.

While I still don’t love running (truly!), I still love the program. I love feeling fit and healthy, love being part of the team and love kicking goals together.

In case you are wondering #sexypace is a term coined by the Nike running app. The pace at which I run is what some would consider particularly slow. Understandably I prefer ‘sexypace’, which alludes to running which looks and feels effortless. While I am currently a Garmin girl, the term has stuck. Thanks Nike ;)

As we near the end of the program, I am once again feeling super thankful for Cantoo.

Here are some of the things I have learned this time round:

Trust the process

If you reviewed our training schedule just one week at a time, you wouldn’t think we would be able to run 21 km in a few months time; but knowing the full picture changes everything. Training intensity comes in waves and is planned to build strength and endurance over a period of time. It really is a one step at a time, one week at a time kind of deal.  

Rest is where the real work happens

This is one of my favourite facts. Turns out, you don’t get fitter while you are running or working out, but during recovery. Each time you work out you create microscopic tears in your muscle tissues, and when you rest your muscles start to heal and grow back stronger making it easier to do the same workout next time. The program I am doing builds in rest and recovery days, and needless to say – I look forward to these every week!

Accountability is the game changer

This applies to so many scenarios in life and is deeply true. Accountability is 99% of the reason I turn up to early morning training sessions when I would mostly prefer to stay in bed. In this program I am accountable to my fellow Cantoo runners, to my coach, and to all my wonderful sponsors. I don’t want to let anyone down and I do believe I am a small (but important) part of something much bigger than me.

First comes discipline then comes joy

Discipline sometimes get a bad wrap, and can often feel boring or hard. Stretching (on my foam roller) twice a day; or turning up to the gym to do your cross training by yourself on a Thursday morning in the dark, or choosing not to drink on a Friday night to give myself the best chance of a good run the next morning - all these things can feel difficult at the time. However, when I’m able to ‘enjoy’ a long Saturday morning run feeling fit and healthy, knowing I did the work and achieved the result - my little A-type body and brain just loves it!

Find an expert

This year my training ‘pod’ is incredibly lucky to have our coach Simone. She knows exactly what it will take to get us to race day feeling fit, healthy, injury-free and happy!

We are all very different runners with different levels of ability and experience but she manages to make us all feel included, known, and cared for. This expert advice and coaching changes everything. We would definitely feel lost without her!

The Cantoo Foundation provides professionally coached training programs and raises money for cancer research. Since established in 2005 they have raised more than $25 Million for cancer research. I love what Cantoo are doing and am so proud to be apart of it.

If you’d like to support the cause you can donate here.

Vamos Cantoo!