WEBVTT
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The most important thing to ask yourself is if you wanted to be there.
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Because if you want to be there, then you absolutely deserve to be there.
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The only person that gets to dictate whether you should be there is yourself.
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Welcome to Coach Bennett's podcast, the Nike After Dark Tour series, where every run is a purpose, where kindness is hardcore, where this is about running and it's also not about running.
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This is where running meets storytelling, and where we make more room for women at the starting line and behind the mic.
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We're celebrating the women who run, who lead, and who lift others up along the way, because every run should feel like it's yours.
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This week's episode is a little different because today you're going to hear from two women, two runners, two journeys, one from Shanghai, one from London, one who already ran her after dark tour race, and one who's about four weeks out from the London 10K.
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And what I love about their stories is that neither one followed a straight path to running.
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Queenie started as a bodybuilder.
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In her own words, running didn't make a whole lot of sense at first until it did, until it became her third space, a place to think, a place to breathe, a place to discover what was possible when someone ran beside her.
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And then there's Rahana who once found herself shoulders deep in a muddy bog during a trail run.
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Most people would have looked at that experience and decided trail running wasn't for them.
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Instead, she came back the next year and ran a 50K on that very same course.
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Because sometimes the thing that scares us becomes the thing that teaches us the most.
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And while their stories are different, they both arrive at the same place.
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The realization that running is about more than running.
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It's about confidence.
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It's about resilience.
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It's about finding people who help you become a little more yourself.
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Because whether it's a friend helping you run your fastest 10K or a run club helping you believe you belong, the lesson feels the same.
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We are capable of more than we think.
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And sometimes we don't discover that on our own.
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Sometimes we discover it because someone else believed it first.
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That's what this episode is about.
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Not just the kilometers, but the people who help us find them.
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The stories that inspired someone to run their first farthest or fastest.
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And I'm betting your story will inspire someone too.
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So head to bit.ly slash after dark pod.
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That's B-I-T.LY backslash A F T E R D A R K P-O-D.
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And leave me a message.
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This week's voice message comes from Coach Ja in Philly.
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Be sure to stick around to hear it.
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All right.
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Let's hear a few lessons from the pack.
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I'm Coach Bennett.
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All right.
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Let's start.
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Okay, we're here for a very special episode today.
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I'm with Rahana Jade.
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And listen, I gotta tell you, one, thank you for being here.
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It is such an honor to have you.
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And two, thank you for everything you do for the sport because you do so much.
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Thank you so much for having me.
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I'm so excited to be here today.
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All right.
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So everyone has the starting line.
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I want to hear about yours.
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I want to hear about how you kind of found running, or maybe running found you, whichever it is.
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You found each other.
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When was this?
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How did it happen?
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I grew up in Canada, very sporty and outdoors or outdoorsy upbringing.
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My my dad was a runner, so I was aware of the sport from a young age.
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I didn't participate as much as I could have, but um I did do the occasional park run 5K with him.
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And I got very into cycling and spin classes in particular.
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So practiced that for a few years.
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And then when I moved over to this side of the pond, I was in Paris first and then London.
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I was looking for another sport and way to stay active.
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So I started running a bit more consistently then.
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Okay.
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Now we had spoken a little bit before we started recording, and you had told me that you also you mentioned being very outdoorsy.
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You mentioned that you would canoe.
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And I know I I just gotta bring it up again because it's such a random thing to say.
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Like, yeah, I would canoe.
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Tell me, I'm sorry.
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You just tell me a little bit.
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What are you talking about?
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What do you mean you canoed?
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So there's something called Georgian Bay in Ontario, and it's a beautiful bay of freshwater with rocky shallow islands all the way up northern Ontario.
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And so I would spend my summers doing multi-day canoeing trips where we would paddle maybe 90 nautical miles a day and portage over rocky islands and then camp and sleep on the side of the rocks overnight and carry on the next day.
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So yeah, I actually didn't start trail running until I had already done road marathons over here on in the European side, but it felt less daunting to me at the beginning because I had so much experience hiking and canoeing as a kid with my family.
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Yeah, now I I gotta ask, was it was that fun?
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Because the way you described it, you're canoeing 90 nautical miles, you as you put it, sleeping on rocks, portaging.
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Like, was this fun?
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I think I would actually have more fun doing it now than I did at the time.
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There was elements of fun to it, like the the sort of camping cottage style over here where you're with your friends and you're just jumping in the lake and you have a barbecue and a fire.
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It's really, really beautiful way to spend your summer, but it's also quite gritty.
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I remember just like the paddle just rubbing water and chafing my hands and just complaining to my family and arms and back sore.
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It sounds totally hardcore.
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And I'm wondering, you know, from from that experience as a kid, is there some of that you've kind of brought into kind of your life with with the way that you kind of look at sport and experience sport?
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Because as you mentioned, it it is gritty.
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And yes, there it is fun, but you know, there is there's a lot of work in order to enjoy all of that.
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And I'm just wondering, has that has that kind of been a bit of a foundation?
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Because I I know some of the things that you've done in the sport already, and we're gonna get to that.
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But I'm trying to find maybe like, was there some seeds that were planted early on, being outside, not being afraid of hard work, and finding enjoyment in that work?
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Yeah, I think so.
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And I think like my first few years of running, I mentioned doing London Marathon in 2021, which was my first marathon and really the first sort of time that I actually hit consistent mileage and had like really running specific training as opposed to incorporating five or 10K once a week into just staying fit.
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And I think that obviously is an entirely different beast than these mountain ultramarathons that me and my club have been getting up our sleeve.
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I think both are really, really challenging and require a lot of grit.
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And I think sometimes I find a 50K easier than a marathon because there's like variation between effort across the long period of time you're spending working hard.
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But the marathon is savage as well.
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You're just sustaining like the hardest pace that you can for the whole time.
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So I don't know.
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Like I think definitely all of those things that I did when I was younger really shaped, really, really shaped that sort of intention um in my sport.
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But it wasn't until like I started trail running and really completing those or competing in those races that I would actually have drawn that connection.
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Yeah, sure.
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Now you mentioned training for the London Marathon.
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You decided to do this pretty early in your journey with running.
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Tell me a little bit about how that came to be to take on, decide, hey, you know what, we're gonna take on 42.2K, and then maybe a little bit about what that training journey was like since it was so early in kind of your relationship with running.
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I'm very competitive as well as being very supportive.
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And I like that within my club at least, we've found a way to create a dynamic where everybody knows that at the bottom line, we all love each other and care for each other, but we will find that person that's similar ability to us and try to use them to work harder and mentally help ourselves compete.
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Sure.
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And and Shelly and I, we have had like the almost the exact same PBs in every distance for the last five years.
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We're completely different.
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We've got a 12-year age gap between us.
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We train completely differently.
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We have really different diets and drinking habits and everything.
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We just, I mean, I just took her marathon PB by 14 seconds only because she ran alongside me and said, if you don't follow me up for the last 5K, you're not gonna, you're not gonna win.
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So the competition uh was what I was bringing up.
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And it was probably because Shelly said she was doing the marathon.
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So we she said, I'm gonna do it.
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And and in my head it had always been something that I wanted to do.
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But I just knew that it would be possible for me to commit to it if I had somebody to kind of like support, somebody to support me, but also somebody that I could compete with a little bit.
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And we were both just like, you know, well, I ran this far today.
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And then, no, I ran this far.
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Um, and then full circle to my dad, he has like basically trained his entire life as if he is about to race a marathon, like 36k long runs all the time, speed sessions, like 10k races.
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He's never raced a marathon.
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So in 2021, when I was 22 years old, I thought it would be quite entertaining to complete my first marathon before him, who has always kind of hoped to.
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Yeah.
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Um, and five years later, he still hasn't.
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So we gotta we gotta get him on board.
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There we go.
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Well, you know what's funny?
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You used a term there and it just naturally, which is something that's super, super important.
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You said I was competing with Shelly, and a lot of people would say I was competing against.
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And uh Jeff Johnson, who's employee number one at Nike, he he gave this great speech to a bunch of young athletes once, and he said, if you really want to like reach your greatness, the key is on a starting line, not to look to the left and the right and think that you're competing against anybody.
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If you really want to be your best, you're competing with people.
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And maybe you could just talk a little bit about that because it really is a powerful sentiment.
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Because as you're telling this story, you're smiling.
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Yeah.
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But I think it was that mindset of you were competing with Shelly as opposed to against her.
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And it sounds like that's how your club operates as well.
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Yeah, definitely.
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I think, and we've brought that sort of mentality, the both of us, to almost every single race we've done that we're both on the starting line for.
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It's a really unique feeling to have somebody that you love and care about that is on that same starting line.
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And I don't know who I want to do better because I'm like really want to do the best I can, and I really want her to do the best I can, and or she can.
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We're the same person.
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Um, and I think like because we have such different strategies, we're sort of using each other for every minute of that 5k to try to um, you know, both do our best.
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And yeah, I mean, the I I go out really hard and she passes me at the end every time.
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So we we did a 5k time trial right before London Marathon, and she sat on my heels for like four and a half K and then just sprint finished me.
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So we both have our different strategies.
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It is a fascinating quality that humans have, especially in in a relationship like this, because you want them to compete as well as they can because you know, as you mentioned, it's gonna help you.
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And when you have a great relationship with a teammate, you also realize that you have a responsibility too, to show up and and help them get the best out of themselves.
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And a lot of times we'll quit on ourselves before if it's just us.
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You know, if if if no one's relying on me and I'm not having a good day, I'll check out.
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But if I know Shelly's next to me and and she needs me, a lot of times there's a deeper reservoir of grit because you know this person next to you that, as you mentioned, you care about, needs you to reach their best.
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Do you think that's also something that your club has found that you know you're not just showing up for yourselves, you're showing up for each other?
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Yeah, definitely.
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And I think a really good example of that too is we we all tend to try to sneak and pace each other for like a few kilometers within a race.
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And I always am baffled like how easy it is to run my half marathon pace for a shorter section when it's because I'm trying to motivate somebody than like doing a like in a in my marathon training most recently, I had a session that was like a 35k long run within it 3x5k hard, which was like not much slower than like my 10K pace, really.
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And I found it so unbelievably impossible.
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But then we were laughing.
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Shelly ran a half marathon in Paris this year, and me and one of the girls did a long run trying to crew her alongside, and then missed her on our last spot and tried to catch up to her.
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And and after running 18K, we both hit our 1K PBs trying to catch up to her and just so many things like that.
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Or, you know, like running 5K along somebody that needs some motivation in the marathon, and you look down and you're like, oh well, that was literally my half marathon pace.
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I can never do that in training.
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So I think it's really fun, like just when somebody needs you and you're excited to be there for them, you can almost accidentally outperform yourself.
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Yeah, it's it's an amazing thing.
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It's a trick that I usually use at the end of workouts when I see an athlete very tired.
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I go up and I say, Come on, well, I I say I I'm I just say on the sideline.
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So I'm lazy, I say on the sideline, but I'll say find someone who's more fatigued, more tired, struggling more than you, yeah, and help them on this next interval.
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And it's amazing how much better everyone looks when they're helping someone else.
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Yeah.
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It's immediate because they have a responsibility.
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And like I said, it's it's a really actually great example of like humans can be really, really great when when they want to be.
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Um, but I actually want to go back to now the end of London.
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Okay.
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You you've completed this marathon, which by the way, epic achievement.
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It's always an epic achievement.
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And for you that early into your journey to decide to take it on, not really knowing what you're doing, and then finish it, it's done.
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Why wasn't it done?
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Why did you find more starting lines once the marathon had been achieved?
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It wasn't ever about just finishing one marathon for me.
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It was about doing it in the best way that I could.
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And it wasn't easy.
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I was in a very different phase in my life, and I had none of the information and knowledge that I do now.
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So training for me then looked like Googling beginner marathon program and not knowing what fart luck means and just like doing whatever whenever I could.
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Um, and now I mean, I'm a coach.
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I have a coach that works with me, and we collaborate to to do a group coaching program for a core group within uh the wider club.
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And we have like sessions that that we understand what they're doing for us.
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And we have like forced recovery and we have access and resources to any time we have a question about a funny niggle in our ankle.
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Um, and we really just like are prioritizing all the things.
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I'm I'm at Nike HQ leading uh weightlifting for runners, strength and conditioning every other week.
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So awesome.
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Yeah, I think I knew that, you know, it's been five years since then, and I knew that every sort of chapter between then and now, I would learn something new and I would add something to my training that would slowly get me to a better and better place.
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I did London this year again and had my redemption, like finally had a good marathon because I've only done three road marathons, and so one was three.
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I mean, just let me cut you off.
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Just just check yourself at the door.
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Only three.
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Listen, only three.
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No.
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Yeah.
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Three is major.
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It's major to do one.
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I guess I just wondered if maybe because of all the running chat, I was implying that I'm constantly running road marathons all the time, which I'm not.
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I've also, I mean, pardon the trying to try trying to resist doing every race is is challenging, but I also am making an active effort to not sign up to the most so that you then get injured.
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My one marathon experience between then and now was also hell.
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It was the Paris Olympics community race, and I basically vomited for the entire second half of the race.
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Oh, nice.
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That's that's yeah, that sounds like a great experience.
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No, ideal.
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Um, I got a great PB on that race as well somehow.
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I was really waiting for my redemption race, and now it feels like I've closed off this chapter of like five years between my first and second London marathon, and now I'm I'm excited for the next, but a lot has changed in those five years.
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You mentioned it's hard to not sign up for all the races.
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I love hearing why people love to race because I think I think racing is so much fun.
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I think it can be really, really hard and it can be nerve-wracking.
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And I think that's part of why it's so much fun.
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It's like a roller coaster that you're terrified to go on, but you make it through the line and then yeah, you're you're terrified.
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But that's one of the reasons why you waited in line to do this.
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What is it about racing that you love?
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Well, I love running because I've now got this crew.
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There's always somebody saying, want to go on a run tomorrow.
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And that's already hard to not do it.
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And if it's not me already suggesting it, somebody else will.
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And then same with races, like we've got such a hardcore group of women that are constantly, oh, should we do this one?
00:18:31.200 --> 00:18:43.359
I mean, within two days of us finishing this um Andorra ultra marathon that we did mid-June, we had 40 people already signed up for Blue Trail, um, which is in Tenerife in April.
00:18:43.599 --> 00:18:55.599
So there's many things like that where we just kind of domino effect and and then suddenly we've got a massive crew of women that are gonna go out there and crew each other on different distances or race together or race with each other.
00:18:55.759 --> 00:19:09.920
And yeah, I we I love the sort of local races that you can do as well, just you know, motivation for a bit of a speed session, whether it's like a park run in the middle of your longer run or or a 10K trail run in the countryside near near London.
00:19:10.079 --> 00:19:13.200
Yeah, so many people are suggesting too many things.
00:19:13.279 --> 00:19:15.440
And I'm always interested.
00:19:15.759 --> 00:19:16.079
All right.
00:19:16.160 --> 00:19:19.680
Well, now I gotta ask you about your club, your your club 9-9.
00:19:20.000 --> 00:19:22.480
So, because like I said, it's amazing.
00:19:22.559 --> 00:19:26.799
I keep thinking like this is a 20-year story, and it's not a 20-year story.
00:19:27.119 --> 00:19:32.319
What was it that inspired you to say, you know what, I need to share this sport with people?
00:19:32.480 --> 00:19:34.319
What because it's a lot of work.
00:19:34.480 --> 00:19:35.359
It's a lot of work.
00:19:35.599 --> 00:19:35.920
It is.
00:19:36.160 --> 00:19:38.240
It's great, but it's a lot of work.
00:19:38.400 --> 00:19:40.000
What inspired you to do this?
00:19:40.240 --> 00:19:42.079
And tell us a little bit about Club99.
00:19:42.480 --> 00:19:43.839
I'll I'll mix the two.
00:19:44.079 --> 00:20:01.039
So Shelly and I, when we were training for this marathon five years ago, we sort of had this realization of how many hours goes into training for a marathon and how many hours of those are early in the morning and late at night when you're juggling, working a full-time job.
00:20:01.359 --> 00:20:10.960
And I think as women in London, we felt like it just feels so much safer to have a a crew with you, um, especially when you're running in the dark.
00:20:11.119 --> 00:20:18.480
And so, sort of the original idea for Club 99 was to bring a group of women together so we didn't have to run alone.
00:20:18.880 --> 00:20:28.640
And at that point, because we felt like really new to the sport, we were kind of trying to welcome other people that were feeling that way as well.
00:20:28.880 --> 00:20:35.680
So even if you're only just running your first kind of 5K distance, not even race, you were welcome.
00:20:35.759 --> 00:20:41.119
And we would, you know, make sure that the group catered to all abilities.
00:20:41.279 --> 00:20:47.200
And then I think the group sort of evolved with us the way that we did over the years.
00:20:47.279 --> 00:21:03.119
And we still have sessions that cater to those people that are new to the sport, but we also have a whole variety of sessions that cater to if you're training for a hundred K mountain race or if you're training for a road marathon or a triathlon, whatever you're doing.
00:21:03.279 --> 00:21:10.559
We've been this summer, we've been running to the Heath and doing a trail loop and then jumping in the ponds at the end, which is also amazing.
00:21:10.880 --> 00:21:18.480
One of the things that I love about Club 99 is you're not just training people to do the marathon, which is where you kind of started.
00:21:18.640 --> 00:21:22.960
And what happens is a lot of times people are like, this is what I know, this is what we're gonna do.
00:21:23.279 --> 00:21:32.799
You have athletes running everywhere and running in places that don't normally have the representation of women that it should.
00:21:32.960 --> 00:21:35.440
What, what was it, was it early on?
00:21:35.599 --> 00:21:40.319
Did you kind of discover, like, hey, we're in this sport, which means the entire sport is ours to run?
00:21:40.559 --> 00:21:44.720
Because I love the fact that you never know where some of your athletes are going to be running.
00:21:44.880 --> 00:21:50.480
It could be a 5K, you could be, you're on the track, but you are also doing ultra trail runs.
00:21:50.640 --> 00:21:57.440
Like, what what was it that made you I guess go after everything, which I think is what every crew should do?
00:21:57.759 --> 00:22:09.200
Well, when you live in London and you want To run a marathon or a trail race, whether it's an ultra or not, there aren't that many options of where you can train because we live in a flat city.
00:22:09.279 --> 00:22:18.720
So we always have incorporated speed intervals on the track, regardless of what you're training for, just because sometimes a hard effort is a hard effort and that's what you need to kind of, you know, get your body used to.
00:22:18.880 --> 00:22:27.359
Also, shout out to my boyfriend for really encouraging me to get on the trails because as I said, I grew up hiking and canoeing, but I never like ran on the trails.
00:22:27.519 --> 00:22:33.920
Uh, he was really interested in trail running and took me on one of my first sort of more trail running camping weekends.
00:22:34.160 --> 00:22:36.480
And I I just enjoyed it so much.
00:22:36.559 --> 00:22:38.000
I just love being outside.
00:22:38.240 --> 00:22:49.599
And I mean, I'll send you a picture after, but the the first trail run I ever did, I basically submerged myself like chest deep in like muddy bog quicksand by accident.
00:22:49.839 --> 00:22:52.880
Yeah, I was about to say, please add by accident on at the end of that.
00:22:53.039 --> 00:22:53.680
Well, wait a minute.
00:22:53.759 --> 00:22:59.759
We're not, we're not moving on from this story because that's like that's straight up stone cold nightmare stuff.
00:23:00.000 --> 00:23:00.960
What are you talking about?
00:23:01.119 --> 00:23:01.680
Where were you?
00:23:01.839 --> 00:23:02.640
How did this happen?
00:23:02.880 --> 00:23:05.920
And then I think what everyone wants to know is how did you get out?
00:23:06.079 --> 00:23:09.519
Because that's what everyone's fear is getting in this situation and not getting out.
00:23:09.920 --> 00:23:14.319
Well, I've got a funny story and I've also got like a real strategy.
00:23:14.400 --> 00:23:16.319
So hopefully this can also be informative for people.
00:23:16.640 --> 00:23:17.440
A learning moment.
00:23:17.519 --> 00:23:18.000
Let's go.
00:23:18.319 --> 00:23:23.680
We were in the peak district, and it's like beautiful rolling hills in the north of England.
00:23:23.839 --> 00:23:27.039
I believe it was April three years ago.
00:23:27.279 --> 00:23:30.880
And so in that season, the ground is very soft and wet.
00:23:31.119 --> 00:23:34.480
I was with Jamie, my boyfriend, and and one of our other friends.
00:23:34.640 --> 00:23:42.559
And there was just like this large boggy section that they were kind of doing running long jump over so that they didn't submerge themselves.
00:23:42.880 --> 00:23:46.400
And I was looking at it thinking, I don't think I can clear that.
00:23:46.559 --> 00:23:51.519
And if I have the momentum of a long jump and I don't clear it, I'm gonna go like completely ignorant.
00:23:51.839 --> 00:23:52.319
You're going in.
00:23:52.559 --> 00:23:53.440
So I was like, fuck it.
00:23:53.519 --> 00:23:55.599
I don't care if I get muddy, I'll just wade through it.
00:23:55.680 --> 00:23:56.319
No worries.
00:23:56.480 --> 00:24:01.920
And I basically took one step and just it was so soft that I just went straight down.
00:24:02.160 --> 00:24:03.759
And I was in like the center.
00:24:04.160 --> 00:24:08.559
They were, they must have been two meters ahead of me, and the hard ground was two meters behind me.
00:24:08.880 --> 00:24:10.880
So I don't really even remember.
00:24:10.960 --> 00:24:19.200
I've we've got a video of how I got out, but I think it involves like somebody took their pack off and tried to like throw me one side and I was grabbing onto it and pulling out.
00:24:19.519 --> 00:24:36.400
But the strategy, which I learned after, is you have to get your body, do not hinge your hips, your straight plank, and then you actually need to like lean back so your your legs come up to where your chest is, and now you're a plank on the top of the surface.
00:24:36.640 --> 00:24:36.960
Okay.
00:24:37.119 --> 00:24:42.240
Now you're no longer like half stuck and deep, and then you need to like swim off, basically.
00:24:42.720 --> 00:24:43.519
Sounds awful.
00:24:43.839 --> 00:24:48.240
It wasn't like quicksand to the point where I was actually gonna keep sinking further.
00:24:48.319 --> 00:24:56.640
It was just like almost like the way that a toilet plunger feels, like it was really stuck, but it was humorous, and I kind of love a wild story like that.
00:24:56.720 --> 00:25:05.119
And I just kind of knew from that moment that uh I mean, my heart rate was hitting like 195, like trying to walk up a hill and and chase these guys.
00:25:05.279 --> 00:25:10.640
But I knew from that moment that um I would really enjoy like racing on that type of terrain.
00:25:10.720 --> 00:25:18.559
And that's actually where full circle I went back a year later to do my first 50k on that exact route that was my first trail run.
00:25:19.039 --> 00:25:23.200
And that by far has been my favorite race I've ever done in my life.
00:25:23.519 --> 00:25:27.279
That race was the first big trail race we took our club to.
00:25:27.440 --> 00:25:33.759
And we made up, I believe it was like 23% of all women on the start line from our club.
00:25:34.000 --> 00:25:34.799
Oh my goodness.
00:25:34.960 --> 00:25:41.359
I mean, that's that's gotta be just such a great feeling to know that you're making that big of an impact.
00:25:42.160 --> 00:25:45.680
And it all started with you, you know, almost drowning in a bog.
00:25:45.839 --> 00:25:46.640
So there we go.
00:25:47.200 --> 00:25:51.200
And then I came home and told that story, and for some reason people were interested in I'm in.
00:25:51.359 --> 00:25:52.000
Yeah, yeah.
00:25:52.160 --> 00:25:56.400
I I think we know the mentality of Club 99, which is, you know, pretty, pretty badass.
00:25:56.640 --> 00:25:58.880
Um, I gotta ask you about another experience.
00:25:59.119 --> 00:25:59.359
Okay.
00:25:59.519 --> 00:26:02.079
So last year you did after dark.
00:26:02.319 --> 00:26:02.640
Yes.
00:26:02.799 --> 00:26:05.759
And where did you do which which city did you do after dark in?
00:26:06.079 --> 00:26:06.799
I did London.
00:26:07.119 --> 00:26:08.240
Okay, so you did London.
00:26:08.319 --> 00:26:09.599
So I got a couple of questions.
00:26:09.680 --> 00:26:12.799
I'm gonna throw them all at you, and then you can answer in whatever order you want.
00:26:13.039 --> 00:26:13.200
Okay.
00:26:13.359 --> 00:26:19.759
So I want I want you to tell me a little bit about you get in, what's your initial feeling?
00:26:20.000 --> 00:26:24.640
Because ADT London was a different type of after dark tourist stop.
00:26:25.039 --> 00:26:37.519
So maybe let us know kind of what After Dark London entailed, and then maybe tell us a little bit about getting in, what the process was for training, and then what ADT London was like on race day.
00:26:38.000 --> 00:26:49.200
I played a little bit more of a coach role last year around ADT than an athlete role, mainly because I unfortunately fractured my anterior horn of my calcanis last year.
00:26:49.519 --> 00:26:49.920
Wow.
00:26:50.079 --> 00:26:52.880
That sounds that sounds very, very impressive.
00:26:53.279 --> 00:26:54.960
It I I didn't even know that existed.
00:26:55.519 --> 00:26:56.480
Honestly, me either.
00:26:57.359 --> 00:27:05.920
It's a very small horn that's on the front of your heel bone that hinges with your ankle right in the center of the joint.
00:27:06.079 --> 00:27:08.400
It was not pleasant, uh, but we got through it.
00:27:08.559 --> 00:27:10.240
So we're all good.
00:27:10.559 --> 00:27:13.440
It was I I didn't really race ADT.
00:27:13.519 --> 00:27:20.160
I sort of more so participated, mainly because I wasn't at a stage in my comeback yet where I could actually do some speed work.
00:27:20.559 --> 00:27:20.720
Okay.
00:27:20.880 --> 00:27:21.920
So that's smart though.
00:27:22.160 --> 00:27:23.920
Yes, but it was it was incredible.
00:27:24.079 --> 00:27:32.480
We had 30 women from Club 99 do it, and we had, I can't remember what the stat was, but it was something like 80% PBs or something across the board.
00:27:32.640 --> 00:27:47.279
By that time, we had been consistently leading our track sessions, which is we've got uh two speed sessions at the same time on a Wednesday morning, and half of the girls go to South London and half the girls go to North London.
00:27:47.519 --> 00:27:56.799
Um, so we had been doing that consistently and and we had been working uh sessions into our skull uh schedule that were 10K specific.
00:27:57.039 --> 00:28:02.640
Um, so it was really amazing to kind of watch that training journey of the girls and then get to be there with them on the day.
00:28:03.119 --> 00:28:11.440
Okay, and and that was different for many of the tour stops, the the distance alone, because ADT London was 10K.
00:28:11.599 --> 00:28:11.759
Yeah.
00:28:12.000 --> 00:28:14.079
But it was also a unique environment.
00:28:14.319 --> 00:28:20.079
And maybe tell us a little bit about what ADT London was and how it was set up and where you actually raced.
00:28:20.559 --> 00:28:21.279
It was mad.
00:28:21.359 --> 00:28:28.319
We we had it was a two and a half K loop that you do four times from the Excel center.
00:28:28.559 --> 00:28:41.839
And it was partly indoors on like a racetrack, and then it had, I think it was one section where it came out and around through like an out outdoor parking lot area and then came back in.
00:28:42.000 --> 00:28:43.039
It was so cool though.
00:28:43.119 --> 00:28:44.319
It was a massive space.
00:28:44.400 --> 00:28:52.079
There was so many really cool little workshops that you could do to customize things, amazing food, loud music.
00:28:52.960 --> 00:28:59.680
Um, but most importantly, uh 50 people from our club were there, 30 racing and 20 more cheering.
00:29:00.000 --> 00:29:06.000
So it was it was a really fun day spending time with familiar faces and and cheering all the girls to their PBs.
00:29:06.240 --> 00:29:20.000
Well, you know, standing there watching some of your athletes race at ADT, I I want you to kind of compare and contrast yourself on the starting line of London 2021 as the athlete.
00:29:20.240 --> 00:29:21.759
Now you fast forward a little bit.
00:29:21.920 --> 00:29:27.279
Now here you are, you know, one, being intelligent about how you're gonna participate at ADT.
00:29:27.440 --> 00:29:29.039
So cheers to you, coach.
00:29:29.200 --> 00:29:36.160
But also tell me a little bit about the mentality shift, like like because you've got so much earned wisdom over the last five years.
00:29:36.400 --> 00:29:47.359
When you're at a starting line, whether you're on it or on the side of it watching some of your athletes, like what's different mentally with you during those moments?
00:29:47.519 --> 00:29:56.640
Like, are are you I'm sure you're just as nervous for your athletes, but what are the different things that maybe you're telling them that you wish you had told yourself five years earlier?
00:29:57.599 --> 00:30:10.559
Well, I was gonna say they know so much more than I did then, even if they are more new to running, just honestly by association with our club, even if it's not me that's like enlightening everybody.
00:30:10.640 --> 00:30:15.759
It's it's everybody is learning something and telling each other, and I just didn't have that.
00:30:16.000 --> 00:30:19.680
I feel just like complete confidence seeing them get on that start line.
00:30:19.759 --> 00:30:25.839
I I'm nervous for them because I am excited and I want them to do well, but no part of me is like woof, worried.
00:30:25.920 --> 00:30:27.519
I'm like, they got this, you know.
00:30:29.119 --> 00:30:29.680
Yeah.
00:30:30.000 --> 00:30:32.240
Well, and I think that's a gift that you also give.
00:30:32.319 --> 00:30:34.480
As you mentioned, you didn't have access to this.
00:30:34.640 --> 00:30:42.240
And not only, you know, you doing the process of becoming a coach, which is intensive, but it's it's a gift to those athletes.
00:30:42.400 --> 00:30:46.880
But I think, you know, there's a lot of things you're saying that you probably aren't taking credit for, which you should.
00:30:47.039 --> 00:30:51.200
It sounds like those athletes of yours feel comfortable sharing their knowledge.
00:30:51.440 --> 00:31:06.640
And you have to be in a safe space to be able to share just how badass you are and to feel comfortable sharing your wisdom, sharing your wins, sharing your losses, because all of that factors into how comfortable the athlete's gonna be on the starting line, which is really super powerful.
00:31:06.799 --> 00:31:11.119
So I'm I'm kind of wondering why did you decide to become a coach?
00:31:11.279 --> 00:31:12.640
Because you don't have to.
00:31:12.799 --> 00:31:22.960
And I think it's an important thing to remember those people that are out there, whether they're volunteers or they're showing up as great teammates, or they do the work to become a coach, you didn't have to do any of this.
00:31:23.200 --> 00:31:28.160
You didn't have to start the club, you didn't have to become a coach, you don't have to keep showing up for other people.
00:31:28.319 --> 00:31:29.200
Why do you do it?
00:31:30.079 --> 00:31:38.160
I think my gut kind of brings me back to this thing where growing up, I I loved to do so many different things and and try different things.
00:31:38.319 --> 00:31:43.200
And it kind of made me somebody that was like kind of okay at a lot of different things.
00:31:43.519 --> 00:32:01.119
And after that marathon, and mainly because of the falling in love with the competition, I I felt like running maybe was one of those things that I was actually interested in investing my enough time into to become good at or to become smart at.
00:32:01.279 --> 00:32:09.519
Becoming a coach, like it, I don't know where my practice will take me or if I'll take on individual clients or if that will become sort of like my primary work.
00:32:10.000 --> 00:32:16.319
For me, it was just like mainly about learning and about adding another layer to that thing that I actually wanted to specialize in.
00:32:16.640 --> 00:32:18.720
All right, so now I'm gonna put you on the spot, coach.
00:32:18.880 --> 00:32:28.319
Okay, because we've got a lot of people listening to this episode that they may be getting ready to do an ultra 50K.
00:32:28.400 --> 00:32:33.759
Maybe they're getting ready to do a fall marathon, or maybe they're getting ready to do a 10K.
00:32:33.920 --> 00:32:38.000
Maybe you've got someone listening that's thinking, I'm gonna start running.
00:32:38.160 --> 00:32:38.480
Okay.
00:32:38.720 --> 00:32:57.759
So I want you to give a direct message to a woman out there that is right now on the starting line, but is hesitating crossing because maybe they think they're not good enough or they're not a real runner, or maybe they've been told in the past that this sport isn't for them.
00:32:58.000 --> 00:33:00.319
You have athletes like this come to you.
00:33:00.720 --> 00:33:06.319
What's your message to that person listening right now that they have what it takes to cross the starting line?
00:33:06.880 --> 00:33:11.119
The most important thing to ask yourself is if you wanted to be there.
00:33:11.359 --> 00:33:14.880
Because if you want to be there, then you absolutely deserve to be there.
00:33:15.119 --> 00:33:21.839
And everybody's reasons for wanting to be involved in running or wanting to be on a start line are completely different from each other.
00:33:22.079 --> 00:33:25.920
But the only person that gets to dictate whether you should be there is yourself.
00:33:26.000 --> 00:33:33.519
And if you want to put in the work to show up there in the healthiest way you can, then that is like the most special thing about the sport.
00:33:33.839 --> 00:33:51.359
And if you're looking for somebody to motivate you or support you along the way, like go to a local crew and find somebody that's kind or somebody that's similar in your ability and hold each other accountable to train in a way that's gonna get you really prepared and healthy.
00:33:51.440 --> 00:33:54.160
And don't forget to sleep and don't forget to eat.
00:33:54.640 --> 00:33:55.200
I love that.
00:33:55.279 --> 00:33:57.839
And I also love the fact that you started with find somebody who's kind.
00:33:58.160 --> 00:34:02.960
Well, I was gonna say find somebody that's similar pace to you, but then I thought it doesn't really matter.
00:34:03.200 --> 00:34:03.759
Yeah, you're right.
00:34:04.079 --> 00:34:30.239
That's what I love about our club too, is like we have people that are completing their first marathon in five hours, and we have people that are literally running a 240 marathon, and we're finding a way to like overlap those people in ways that are not even detrimental to their training, you know, like that 240 marathoner can still handle a 630 pace 5k as a recovery run, and that might be somebody's kind of tempo session or whatever it is.
00:34:30.400 --> 00:34:52.400
So and sometimes you realize that, you know, you don't have to run next to each other to run together, you know, and that's that's another that's just powerful thing about our sport is you know the simple fact that showing up and and being able to meet and come together and then meeting and coming together at the end, what happens between the start and finish line isn't isn't, you know, what makes you a teammate.
00:34:52.559 --> 00:34:54.800
Now, last thing, how do people find you?
00:34:54.960 --> 00:34:55.840
How do they find you?
00:34:56.000 --> 00:34:57.280
How do they find your club?
00:34:57.440 --> 00:34:58.880
When does the club meet?
00:34:59.119 --> 00:35:00.159
All the things.
00:35:00.400 --> 00:35:07.760
So if people are in London now or traveling through London, how do they get together with you and your club?
00:35:08.159 --> 00:35:13.920
So we have an Instagram page, club.9.9 on Instagram.
00:35:14.159 --> 00:35:18.719
And if you DM us, we will send you a link to our WhatsApp chat.
00:35:18.800 --> 00:35:25.280
And then when you join the WhatsApp chat, all of the information is in the description of the chat and you can ask any questions if anything's unclear.
00:35:25.519 --> 00:35:28.960
The sessions that are always there are the Tuesday night.
00:35:29.039 --> 00:35:34.000
We meet at Hoxton, Southwark in London, and we do a 5K loop along the river.
00:35:34.159 --> 00:35:39.280
There's a bag drop there and toilets where you can change and water at the bar so you're all sorted.
00:35:39.519 --> 00:35:43.840
And the other session we do is the track on Wednesday mornings.
00:35:43.920 --> 00:35:46.719
So I lead in Finsbury Park track at 7 a.m.
00:35:46.960 --> 00:35:49.920
and Shelly leads at Southwark track at 7 a.m.
00:35:50.000 --> 00:35:50.800
at the same time.
00:35:50.880 --> 00:35:55.440
And both places have the same facilities, toilets, bag drop, water, anything you could need.
00:35:55.519 --> 00:36:01.440
Um, but we just ask that you join our chat and sign our waivers before you show up to a session.
00:36:01.679 --> 00:36:04.000
Well, thank you so much for being on here.
00:36:04.159 --> 00:36:15.760
Thank you for running, but thank you for, like I said at the beginning, everything you do for the sport, uh, just make sure you're taking care of yourself because you've got a lot on your plate and you had a lot of people that rely on you.
00:36:16.079 --> 00:36:17.199
Hey, they're taking care of me.
00:36:17.360 --> 00:36:20.639
I'm like, I wouldn't be this consistent with my training if I didn't have 7 a.m.
00:36:20.800 --> 00:36:21.679
commitments all the time.
00:36:22.079 --> 00:36:23.199
You know what you tell them?
00:36:23.360 --> 00:36:24.960
You tell them to take care of themselves.
00:36:25.199 --> 00:36:28.159
And you mentioned things like forced recovery and all those things.
00:36:28.239 --> 00:36:34.639
And just as a coach, a lot of times we need to be reminded to also find some time and get that recovery.
00:36:34.800 --> 00:36:39.039
So keep taking care of yourself because I want you to hit that PB at ADT London.
00:36:39.280 --> 00:36:40.719
Woo! Thank you.
00:36:40.960 --> 00:36:43.440
So good to meet you, and thanks so much for having me.
00:36:43.679 --> 00:36:44.400
Absolutely.
00:36:44.639 --> 00:36:45.280
Cheers.
00:36:50.639 --> 00:36:53.440
I hope you enjoyed this week's conversation, friends.
00:36:53.599 --> 00:36:56.719
Now let's go ahead and check Coach B's voicemail.
00:36:57.039 --> 00:36:58.000
Hi, Coach Bennett.
00:36:58.079 --> 00:36:59.039
My name is Coach Ja.
00:36:59.440 --> 00:37:00.480
I'm from Philadelphia.
00:37:00.559 --> 00:37:08.559
And my question for you today is what advice would you give to a new mom who's on her journey of rediscovery and is looking to start her running journey?
00:37:08.880 --> 00:37:10.800
Hey, Coach Ja from Philadelphia.
00:37:10.880 --> 00:37:12.639
This is Coach Bennett from Jersey.
00:37:12.719 --> 00:37:14.480
So we're kind of cousins already.
00:37:14.719 --> 00:37:19.360
So I'm gonna take this question extra seriously since we're basically related.
00:37:19.599 --> 00:37:28.639
Um, I would say first and foremost, what you need to do is be patient with this athlete that is coming back to the sport, right?
00:37:29.119 --> 00:37:32.000
Because you just had an experience, right?
00:37:32.320 --> 00:37:40.320
You had an experience that is not just life-changing, it is body changing in so many different extraordinary ways.
00:37:40.639 --> 00:37:50.480
So the key is to make sure that you are being patient on your return back to the sport, because what you don't want to do is rush it.
00:37:50.800 --> 00:37:54.400
Because there are a few things you can rush, and most of those things are not great.
00:37:54.559 --> 00:38:01.199
You can't rush recovery, you can't rush fitness, you can rush injury, and you can rush sickness.
00:38:01.360 --> 00:38:06.880
And I don't want you to have either of those things to be a part of your experience back to the starting line.
00:38:07.039 --> 00:38:11.119
So, first and foremost, be patient as you come back.
00:38:11.360 --> 00:38:16.159
Also, you have an incredible community of mothers that run.
00:38:16.639 --> 00:38:24.559
There is so much earned wisdom in that community, far more wisdom in that community about this than I will ever, ever, ever have.
00:38:24.880 --> 00:38:28.800
So take advantage of those mothers that share the starting line with you.
00:38:29.039 --> 00:38:34.400
Because if you listen to them, you're gonna find your way back on the starting line with all of them.
00:38:34.719 --> 00:38:35.360
Cheers.
00:38:40.000 --> 00:38:48.480
From the rugged trails of the UK and the empowering crew at Club99 in London, we're switching gears and crossing the globe over to Shanghai.
00:38:48.719 --> 00:38:53.280
Next up is coach, entrepreneur, and powerhouse runner Queenie Azabeth.
00:38:53.360 --> 00:39:03.599
We're diving into how she went from bodybuilding to finding her stride and speed work, why nervous energy is actually your superpower, and what went down when Shanghai took on after dark.
00:39:03.760 --> 00:39:05.039
Let's get to it.
00:39:09.360 --> 00:39:13.920
Okay, welcome everybody to another episode of Coach Bennett's podcast.
00:39:14.000 --> 00:39:16.400
And yes, this is one of the special episodes.
00:39:16.559 --> 00:39:23.039
This is one of the after dark tour series episodes that you're all just waiting for, week in and week out.
00:39:23.119 --> 00:39:25.840
We got another one, and this one's gonna be fantastic.
00:39:25.920 --> 00:39:28.639
We've got Queenie Azabeth with us today.
00:39:28.880 --> 00:39:30.480
Thank you for being with us, Queenie.
00:39:31.119 --> 00:39:32.960
Thank you so much for having me here.
00:39:33.280 --> 00:39:34.159
No, this is great.
00:39:34.239 --> 00:39:35.920
We're so happy to have you on.
00:39:36.239 --> 00:39:40.800
And I think the best thing to do would be for you to introduce yourself a little bit.
00:39:40.960 --> 00:39:42.079
Tell us about Queenie.
00:39:42.559 --> 00:39:42.880
All right.
00:39:43.039 --> 00:39:43.760
Hi, everyone.
00:39:43.840 --> 00:39:49.920
My name is Queenie Ezebeth, and I am a fitness and ride coach and mentor.
00:39:50.159 --> 00:40:01.360
So um recently I'm more I've transited into indoor cycling a little bit more, but um throughout this whole time, I am always keeping up with my fitness.
00:40:01.440 --> 00:40:04.239
I make sure that I'm always all rounded with my trainings.
00:40:04.400 --> 00:40:08.800
I've been in the fitness industry for about 10 years since I was a little child.
00:40:09.199 --> 00:40:11.519
I've already got into group fitness.
00:40:11.679 --> 00:40:15.360
So anything to help grow the industry, I'm all in for it.
00:40:15.440 --> 00:40:18.719
And currently I am running a lifestyle space in Shanghai.
00:40:18.880 --> 00:40:20.079
It's very, very new.
00:40:20.320 --> 00:40:30.239
It basically is called Hasa House, where we have a strength and conditioning gym, we have a recovery area, we have a restaurant, and also we have a cafe in all in one space.
00:40:30.400 --> 00:40:34.800
And it's located right smack in the middle in Shanghai and Dongvalu.
00:40:34.960 --> 00:40:36.559
And if you have the time, come by.
00:40:36.880 --> 00:40:39.920
Now, is there how how would somebody find out about Hasa House?
00:40:40.000 --> 00:40:41.920
Is there is there a is it on Instagram?
00:40:42.159 --> 00:40:44.880
We're on Instagram, we are on Ret Note as well.
00:40:44.960 --> 00:40:47.440
It's um basically Instagram for in China.
00:40:47.679 --> 00:40:48.000
Yeah.
00:40:48.159 --> 00:40:48.480
Yeah.
00:40:48.559 --> 00:40:49.519
So come by.
00:40:49.599 --> 00:40:53.119
And if you ever come to Shanghai, come visit me.
00:40:53.440 --> 00:40:56.719
You had me at recovery and then a cafe and then a restaurant.
00:40:56.880 --> 00:40:59.039
Everything else just kind of I was like, okay, that's that's all I need.
00:40:59.280 --> 00:41:00.079
This sounds amazing.
00:41:00.239 --> 00:41:00.880
This is great.
00:41:01.199 --> 00:41:03.519
It's it's so new, it's so so new in Shanghai.
00:41:03.599 --> 00:41:09.679
So we're trying to get people to understand the concept because it's pretty big in other places, but just not yet here.
00:41:09.840 --> 00:41:11.440
So this is what we're trying to build here.
00:41:11.840 --> 00:41:21.440
Well, I mean, everybody needs a place like that, you know, that they you know there's there's home, there's work, people need that third space where they can get to and kind of come together as a community.
00:41:21.599 --> 00:41:23.440
So it sounds like that's really awesome.
00:41:23.760 --> 00:41:27.519
Before we get into a couple things, I know you did ADT Shanghai.
00:41:27.840 --> 00:41:28.800
Yes, I did.
00:41:29.039 --> 00:41:36.800
Okay, but before we get to that, and because you just mentioned it, you've you've you basically done so much in fitness.
00:41:36.960 --> 00:41:39.039
I want to go to the starting line in running.
00:41:39.119 --> 00:41:40.880
How did you get into running?
00:41:40.960 --> 00:41:42.400
Where did your running journey start?
00:41:42.639 --> 00:41:45.199
Um, I used to be uh Barry's coach as well.
00:41:45.360 --> 00:41:45.679
Okay.
00:41:46.000 --> 00:41:47.599
I mean, ever since I was young.
00:41:47.760 --> 00:41:52.159
When when I say young, I started bodybuilding when I was 18 years old.
00:41:52.320 --> 00:41:52.639
Okay.
00:41:52.800 --> 00:41:56.800
So I just got into bodybuilding because a friend just asked me to sign up for a competition.
00:41:57.039 --> 00:42:01.280
But my back then, my my coach would always tell me to go and run.
00:42:01.760 --> 00:42:06.159
And in at that point of time, I didn't really kinda understand what he mean by run.
00:42:06.239 --> 00:42:07.519
Like, you want me to go fast?
00:42:07.679 --> 00:42:09.039
You want to be me to go slow?
00:42:09.199 --> 00:42:10.400
I have no clue.
00:42:10.559 --> 00:42:10.880
Yeah.
00:42:11.119 --> 00:42:14.400
I was running ever since I was young and I'm always a very active person.
00:42:14.480 --> 00:42:23.440
But when I got really into a little bit deeper into running per se, is when I got myself coaching at Berry's.
00:42:23.599 --> 00:42:31.440
So a few of my clients uh come to my classes and we were like, we should do a run and we should just open a run club for fun.
00:42:31.920 --> 00:42:38.719
And uh me and my friend opened up um fast and free run club, and now it's really, really popping.
00:42:38.880 --> 00:42:40.800
They are doing amazing.
00:42:41.280 --> 00:42:45.280
My clients are the ones who really taught me how to run properly.
00:42:45.599 --> 00:42:51.679
You've always been athletic, you've always done sports, you've always been into fitness, but when you started to run, you didn't really know what to do.
00:42:51.760 --> 00:42:55.599
And it seems like it would be such an easy thing to figure out, but it's really not.
00:42:56.000 --> 00:42:59.840
So when you go back to that, who who really guided you?
00:43:00.000 --> 00:43:03.840
You said it was actually your clients that kind of served as basically your first coaches?
00:43:04.400 --> 00:43:08.960
Yeah, my client was so into um basically into running.
00:43:09.199 --> 00:43:19.199
And he would teach me like strides and he would teach me like um a few warm-ups that really helped me get the running mechanics in, yeah, which I find it really helpful.
00:43:19.280 --> 00:43:27.440
So when I applied it into my runs when I was doing uh when I was running on the treadmill at Berry's, I just felt right.
00:43:27.760 --> 00:43:36.559
I just felt like his exercises kind of helped me run better, feel better, and also less um kind of fatigue when I was getting tired.
00:43:36.719 --> 00:43:39.920
So I have to give all credit to my friend Azaria.
00:43:40.480 --> 00:43:43.440
He's um he's yeah, he's he's the man.
00:43:45.760 --> 00:43:47.599
Yeah, I would I'll send this to him.
00:43:48.559 --> 00:43:49.599
I'll send this to him.
00:43:50.079 --> 00:43:50.480
Yeah.
00:43:50.800 --> 00:43:58.400
Now, once you started to figure out running, did you feel like it kind of made the other things you were doing easier?
00:43:58.719 --> 00:43:59.199
100%.
00:44:00.400 --> 00:44:07.280
I feel like everyone that are maybe doing any uh basic fitness all-rounder, right?
00:44:07.679 --> 00:44:13.840
Um, I feel like running is a very strong foundation and the strong base to kind of build their engine.
00:44:13.920 --> 00:44:16.239
And I highly recommend everybody to to run.
00:44:16.320 --> 00:44:18.880
And I love that because now I feel like everyone's running.
00:44:19.039 --> 00:44:20.559
So we love that.
00:44:20.880 --> 00:44:21.760
Well, you know what I love?
00:44:21.840 --> 00:44:27.360
I love the fact that you were so open about struggling when you first started running.
00:44:27.519 --> 00:44:44.320
And I think a lot of times that keeps people away from starting is this fear that I'm not gonna be good at it, as opposed to, you know, being at least uh uh kinder to themselves and understanding it's gonna take some time and giving yourself some grace and some and some space to really figure things out.
00:44:44.559 --> 00:44:50.320
When you first started running, when you were struggling, what was bringing you back to the starting line?
00:44:50.400 --> 00:44:55.440
Because a lot of times when people struggle, they they think this isn't for me, as opposed to this is just part of the process.
00:44:55.599 --> 00:44:56.800
What was bringing you back?
00:44:57.039 --> 00:45:00.000
I think I have a very competitive like mindset.
00:45:00.159 --> 00:45:03.199
Like sometimes when I don't get it right, I just want to do it again.
00:45:03.440 --> 00:45:03.760
Sure.
00:45:04.000 --> 00:45:11.280
And also, like to be fair, every time I feel like every time I run during the run, I feel amazing.
00:45:11.360 --> 00:45:16.480
Like during the run, I feel like I have I have time with myself and I have time with my thoughts.
00:45:16.719 --> 00:45:20.480
And after the run, I just feel like you know why they call the runners high.
00:45:20.559 --> 00:45:21.599
And it's it's true.
00:45:21.679 --> 00:45:28.239
Like after every run, I just felt an immediate like lift of energy and lift of like confidence as well.
00:45:28.880 --> 00:45:31.840
And that's why I think I'm always going back to running.
00:45:31.920 --> 00:45:37.760
Like at the end of the day, I can have everything, I cannot do anything, and I'll be like, okay, I'm just gonna go for a run.
00:45:37.840 --> 00:45:39.599
You know, it's because it's that simple.
00:45:39.679 --> 00:45:40.960
You can actually just do it.
00:45:41.280 --> 00:45:49.760
Yeah, and I think you know, you hit on something super powerful is that running can be about so much more than just the physical side of it.
00:45:49.840 --> 00:46:09.199
Like, yes, you're building endurance and maybe you're getting faster, but as you put it, it's also a chance for you to be alone with your thoughts or maybe get through a tough day at the end of it where you feel exhausted and you know, in a weird kind of way, I don't know how it works, that you feel like you've got no energy, but you go for a run and you come back with more than you started with.
00:46:09.440 --> 00:46:21.360
And I'm wondering, now that you've been running for a while, are there certain things that you know you've kind of discovered maybe about yourself through these runs that maybe you didn't know was there?
00:46:21.760 --> 00:46:25.360
I've been tapping a lot into intervals recently.
00:46:25.519 --> 00:46:26.559
I love sprinting.
00:46:26.880 --> 00:46:33.360
It's a great thing to do, especially if you're short on time, you know, where it's like people are like, well, I don't have 30 minutes to go run for 30 minutes.
00:46:33.440 --> 00:46:37.599
It's like, well, you don't need 30 minutes, you need 10, and you can sprint for a little bit and you come back in and you're done.
00:46:37.760 --> 00:46:44.400
But I love the I love the fact that you're, you know, you're incorporating certain parts that a lot of people are nervous about.
00:46:44.559 --> 00:46:48.960
I mean, a lot of people that are new to the sport, it scares them to run fast.
00:46:49.360 --> 00:46:52.559
Is there also like do you do you have fun when you're running fast?
00:46:52.719 --> 00:46:53.199
Does it feel good?
00:46:54.320 --> 00:46:59.119
I personally like I am such a a short, like a short distant kind of person.
00:46:59.280 --> 00:47:03.039
I love like my my my my favorite is about 10k.
00:47:03.280 --> 00:47:04.880
And I just love going fast.
00:47:05.280 --> 00:47:09.760
But I think at the same time, I feel like both is pretty important.
00:47:10.000 --> 00:47:14.239
Like the the the the slower runs and also the fast ones.
00:47:14.400 --> 00:47:14.719
Yes.
00:47:14.880 --> 00:47:24.320
That helped build basically my foundation and the way I run, the way I do maybe a mer a a half or you know, like sometimes I go for a run.
00:47:24.559 --> 00:47:31.360
I feel like both kind of help me to get better in in my training and in my runs.
00:47:31.760 --> 00:47:38.159
Queenie, you're you sound like a coach right there because you should be doing the easier stuff and you should be doing the harder stuff.
00:47:38.239 --> 00:47:39.360
You should be doing all of it.
00:47:39.440 --> 00:47:41.920
So I'm loving that you're talking like a coach right now.
00:47:42.000 --> 00:47:44.239
I should just shut up and just let you talk for the rest of the time.
00:47:45.039 --> 00:47:46.800
Should be a coach Queenie's podcast.
00:47:47.199 --> 00:47:48.159
That's what it should be.
00:47:48.480 --> 00:47:49.199
You don't even need me.
00:47:49.519 --> 00:47:53.440
I need I need some of uh your your little tip and some of your advice.
00:47:53.920 --> 00:47:54.800
You're doing the right thing.
00:47:54.960 --> 00:48:00.239
And the the the best part about doing different types of runs is it also one, it keeps it fresh.
00:48:00.400 --> 00:48:03.280
Because if you're doing the same type of run all the time, it gets really, really boring.
00:48:03.360 --> 00:48:05.360
And if you mix it up, it keeps it fun.
00:48:05.519 --> 00:48:06.800
But they complement each other.
00:48:06.960 --> 00:48:10.079
So when you're running really fast, it makes the easy runs seem easier.
00:48:10.159 --> 00:48:14.639
And when you're building up the endurance for the easy runs, it makes the fast stuff not seem like it's so long.
00:48:14.800 --> 00:48:17.519
So the point is you're doing a good job.
00:48:17.679 --> 00:48:19.280
So let's go to race weekend.
00:48:19.440 --> 00:48:22.880
Okay, so there's always this build-up, there's and there's this anticipation.
00:48:23.280 --> 00:48:24.800
Now, were you nervous?
00:48:24.880 --> 00:48:25.920
And what about your friends?
00:48:26.000 --> 00:48:27.920
Were you were you more excited than nervous?
00:48:28.000 --> 00:48:32.719
What what was what was the feeling on the starting line amongst you and your friends?
00:48:33.039 --> 00:48:36.400
I think at the start, we were the plan was just to have fun.
00:48:36.480 --> 00:48:39.440
Like not, it's not even to like go fast.
00:48:39.840 --> 00:48:50.159
So I was like at the start, we were like, I just want to like enjoy the moment because like I've never run Shanghai City at night, like with a bunch of girls.
00:48:50.400 --> 00:48:50.719
Yeah.
00:48:50.880 --> 00:49:00.960
And it's just so empowering to be able to be surrounded with so many different people, so many people uh different rays, different shapes, different size.
00:49:01.280 --> 00:49:01.840
I love that.
00:49:02.000 --> 00:49:04.800
And at the start, me, I was having a chat with my friend.
00:49:04.880 --> 00:49:05.599
I was like, you know what?
00:49:05.679 --> 00:49:06.880
Let's just enjoy this.
00:49:07.039 --> 00:49:11.280
Let's come in with no pressure and let's just enjoy the run.
00:49:11.440 --> 00:49:13.199
Can I go deeper into the runs?
00:49:13.519 --> 00:49:15.840
I would I would absolutely love to, yes.
00:49:16.639 --> 00:49:24.079
So when when when they kind of kick off, we we kind of started the run and then we were like, okay, we're just gonna enjoy it.
00:49:24.239 --> 00:49:28.320
But the more we were like slowing down, the more crowded it gets.
00:49:28.960 --> 00:49:32.320
So we're like, oh my God, like let's just let's just go.
00:49:32.480 --> 00:49:35.599
So we ended up like sprinting the whole race.
00:49:35.840 --> 00:49:36.880
But it was so fun.
00:49:36.960 --> 00:49:37.199
Yeah.
00:49:37.519 --> 00:49:37.840
You know what?
00:49:38.000 --> 00:49:40.480
The mentality you had on the starting line is so important.
00:49:40.800 --> 00:49:42.320
That idea of let's have fun.
00:49:42.400 --> 00:49:49.440
And a lot of there are people who they make the mistake that they think if they're having fun, they can't run fast.
00:49:49.599 --> 00:49:52.079
Or if they're enjoying themselves, they're not working hard enough.
00:49:52.239 --> 00:49:56.880
And what they don't realize, you're gonna run your fastest, the more fun you're having.
00:49:57.039 --> 00:50:02.159
And you're going to run the fastest you can if you're enjoying this, because it's difficult.
00:50:02.239 --> 00:50:06.400
But if there's a joy there when you're running, you're gonna be relaxed.
00:50:06.639 --> 00:50:11.679
And the hard work doesn't seem so hard if you're having fun.
00:50:11.920 --> 00:50:14.800
And I think it's great that you had your friend with you.
00:50:14.960 --> 00:50:17.039
And was that did that last the whole race?
00:50:17.119 --> 00:50:19.760
Were you just, I mean, you're working hard, but were you enjoying it?
00:50:19.920 --> 00:50:22.800
Were you able to really like look back and say, that was fun?
00:50:23.679 --> 00:50:29.519
Yes, like I think like to be very honest, that was the most fun 10K I've ever done in my life.
00:50:29.760 --> 00:50:30.239
That's great.
00:50:30.639 --> 00:50:37.840
The whole reason why was because at the start we were like, we want to chill, and then we ended up pushing each other.
00:50:38.079 --> 00:50:41.199
Having my friend beside me, and I have to give credit for her as well.
00:50:41.360 --> 00:50:42.639
Her name's Elsie.
00:50:42.800 --> 00:50:50.719
She's she's like half my half my half my size, but she's a she's uh she's super powerful.
00:50:50.960 --> 00:50:56.639
And that's to not just have someone beside me to push through this race, but to encourage me.
00:50:57.679 --> 00:51:01.039
And um yeah, the whole race felt amazing.
00:51:01.119 --> 00:51:07.519
Like I didn't, I didn't even felt, you know, some race when you get like bat stitches and this, like that, like not for this race.
00:51:07.599 --> 00:51:14.400
I feel like I was very soaked into the whole the whole experience and the whole race.
00:51:14.719 --> 00:51:20.000
And we were just like trying to push each push each other and trying to get a good time.
00:51:20.159 --> 00:51:32.880
Like we s we started off like saying we're gonna chill, and then we started, we ended off with like, all right, let's and then she was like, she wants to hit uh her PB, which is like um less than 15 minutes.
00:51:33.119 --> 00:51:33.760
Oh wow, okay.
00:51:33.920 --> 00:51:35.679
And then we're like, okay, let's go.
00:51:36.079 --> 00:51:43.679
And then we ended like dashing the whole race, but um, yeah, I I do did really enjoy that that 10K run.
00:51:43.920 --> 00:51:45.360
It was it was so much fun.
00:51:45.679 --> 00:52:01.920
As someone who who obviously helps people with their fitness journeys like you do, and then your experience for After Dark, and I think one of the one of the most beautiful aspects of After Dark is the community spirit that that is it's palpable, it's there, you can feel it.
00:52:02.159 --> 00:52:05.199
How important is it having a community like that?
00:52:05.360 --> 00:52:11.119
Just and and it's not just in After Dark, because you've been helping people with their fitness journeys for a long time.
00:52:11.280 --> 00:52:15.119
You have your own fitness journey, you've been a part of After Dark.
00:52:15.360 --> 00:52:21.440
Can you maybe talk about how essential it is to have a community around you if you really want to try to be your best?
00:52:21.679 --> 00:52:36.079
I do a lot of group fitness and group classes, and I always tell the whole room is that sometimes when you do it alone, you can only hit like kind of like a capacity, like a maximum capacity.
00:52:36.239 --> 00:52:39.199
But when you do it as a team, you can like the sky is the limit.
00:52:39.280 --> 00:52:44.239
And I always say that um to my to my my people.
00:52:44.559 --> 00:52:54.880
And and I strongly agree on like the community part because I feel like without the community, there's a part, there's a whole missing, and there's a joy of that missing as well.
00:52:55.039 --> 00:53:00.079
It's like having to know like someone is there for you, like it it it feels something.
00:53:00.239 --> 00:53:10.400
It takes you to some a very special place when you know like your whole team is there like cheering you on, or even just running beside a a really good friend that's trying to push you on like that.
00:53:10.559 --> 00:53:14.960
Without her, I don't think I can push as far as I thought I would.
00:53:15.280 --> 00:53:18.320
Because you only know your max, right?
00:53:18.480 --> 00:53:28.000
And and having someone there to push you, you you it kind of shows you a part when you've uh a a place where you've never seen yourself in.
00:53:28.159 --> 00:53:32.239
So yeah, community is I'm I'm such a community person.
00:53:32.400 --> 00:53:33.440
I don't know if you can tell.
00:53:33.679 --> 00:53:34.880
Yeah, no, it's and it's great.
00:53:34.960 --> 00:53:36.880
And you're gonna it's so true.
00:53:36.960 --> 00:54:01.599
And I think one of the things that's amazing about races like ADT, you'll hear this from some of the runners that it's not even a friend, it's just someone that they were running next to and a bond forms, and they'll run together for the rest of the race, and it's it's they're describing exactly what you were saying you experienced with your friend, but it just happened to be the runner next to them during the race.
00:54:01.679 --> 00:54:18.079
And I'm I'm wondering if if you had a message, let's say, to a woman out there right now that maybe doesn't have a community and is nervous about signing up for a race, what would your advice be to them to find a community?
00:54:18.239 --> 00:54:23.679
How how would they go about finding those people, finding those other women to run with?
00:54:23.760 --> 00:54:24.960
What would be your advice to them?
00:54:25.360 --> 00:54:33.760
I feel like I can be, I feel like I have um sometimes I feel like I'm afraid to kind of join certain communities.
00:54:33.840 --> 00:54:39.679
I just feel like will will I not be will I not fit in or things like that.
00:54:39.840 --> 00:54:48.079
But I feel like after you being there, I feel that the whole the whole story starts to change, right?
00:54:48.239 --> 00:55:01.199
Um you you won't be as scared as you used to be, or you you start opening up to more people and and you see more people that are doing that alliance with you and conversation starts to run.
00:55:01.280 --> 00:55:03.840
I and I feel like that's where friendship starts to build.
00:55:04.079 --> 00:55:11.360
And yeah, like if if someone is afraid to kind of join like things like this, they should just do it.
00:55:11.440 --> 00:55:19.199
They should just show up and everything let let the everything start from there, like let the story speaks from there after.
00:55:19.519 --> 00:55:20.159
No, I love that.
00:55:20.239 --> 00:55:40.400
And I think it's it's to your point, I think it's really important for people to hear that if if maybe they're nervous about joining a community because they say, I I I don't see anyone like me there, well, maybe you're the first one like you that's gonna be there, and that's going to invite other people like you to say, Hey, I see her, I connect with her, I'm gonna show up.
00:55:40.559 --> 00:55:48.719
You could be the invitation for so many people, which I think is what's so beautiful about the sport, is there really is room on the starting line for everyone.
00:55:49.039 --> 00:55:50.960
You just have to show up.
00:55:51.280 --> 00:55:54.559
And a lot of times that's what inspires other people to show up.
00:55:54.800 --> 00:55:56.480
So I I love that.
00:55:56.639 --> 00:56:01.599
And and yes, I can definitely tell that you are into community big time.
00:56:01.840 --> 00:56:04.400
So it it it makes sense, absolutely.
00:56:04.639 --> 00:56:26.719
Now, if we're gonna talk to the audience again, um, I would love to know what your message would be to someone who's getting on a starting line and they're nervous because I think we that that conversation you had with your friend about let's go have some fun, let's park you again in the middle of a starting line surrounded by new runners.
00:56:27.199 --> 00:56:28.719
And you can tell they're nervous.
00:56:29.039 --> 00:56:32.079
You can tell maybe they're even a little scared of what's coming.
00:56:32.159 --> 00:56:48.400
You know, the 10K's about to start, or the half marathon's about to start, and you take a deep breath, what are you gonna tell all of the athletes around you before that gun goes off and before the race starts to maybe give them the confidence they need to do what they want to do?
00:56:49.039 --> 00:56:56.079
I will tell them that if they're if they are nervous, that means they care a lot about doing better.
00:56:56.320 --> 00:56:56.480
Absolutely.
00:56:56.800 --> 00:56:58.960
Which is which is that's the first thing, right?
00:56:59.119 --> 00:57:03.039
Is like like me going up on stage, like me going up to teach.
00:57:03.199 --> 00:57:05.920
If I'm not nervous, I I don't care that much.
00:57:06.159 --> 00:57:06.480
Yeah.
00:57:06.719 --> 00:57:12.159
So I think that's one thing that they're already kind of in, like they are they care a lot about themselves.
00:57:12.400 --> 00:57:30.239
Um for I think after that I will just tell them that you they are already here, like they just have to have fun and just be themselves the whole time when they're running, have no expectations, and just do their very best.
00:57:30.639 --> 00:57:37.360
One one one kilometer at the time, one step at the time, and enjoy at the end.
00:57:37.679 --> 00:57:38.239
That's great.
00:57:38.320 --> 00:57:40.800
And I love the fact that you said just be yourself, you know?
00:57:40.960 --> 00:57:52.800
Like you don't you don't have to be anything more than who you are, and that's enough, which is a great message to hear, especially from someone who's done it before, which is why next time you are on a starting line, you need to say that.
00:57:53.039 --> 00:58:04.480
I feel like being nervous is like part of it, and it's all all we have to do is just to know how to how how to hold how to hold that and try to control it.
00:58:04.719 --> 00:58:05.679
Yeah, you're right.
00:58:05.840 --> 00:58:11.360
And then once you're done with the the nervous, once the gun's off, everything starts to shift.
00:58:11.519 --> 00:58:15.119
It's just the it's just before the gun.
00:58:15.440 --> 00:58:15.760
It is.
00:58:15.920 --> 00:58:16.960
And listen, I agree with you.
00:58:17.039 --> 00:58:19.199
I think the butterflies, I think they're a part of it.
00:58:19.280 --> 00:58:22.159
A lot of times people say, I'm so nervous, and then act like something's wrong.
00:58:22.320 --> 00:58:24.079
When I'm like, oh, everything's right.
00:58:24.159 --> 00:58:25.199
You should be a little nervous.
00:58:25.280 --> 00:58:28.239
And you and the butterflies are are some of the most fun.
00:58:28.320 --> 00:58:29.599
And to your point, I agree.
00:58:29.679 --> 00:58:33.679
I think it's a it's a testament to the fact that this matters to you.
00:58:33.920 --> 00:58:37.440
And you want to try your best and you and you want to give your all.
00:58:37.599 --> 00:58:40.639
And that's that's a beautiful feeling.
00:58:40.800 --> 00:58:42.320
So yeah, just embrace it.
00:58:42.559 --> 00:58:46.000
Don't let it rob you of energy, let it give you energy.
00:58:46.320 --> 00:58:47.599
What's next for you?
00:58:47.840 --> 00:58:49.119
What next for me?
00:58:49.280 --> 00:58:57.679
I think like currently I've been kind of go, I've been trying to do more longer runs than I ever expected.
00:58:57.920 --> 00:58:58.559
That's awesome.
00:58:58.800 --> 00:59:04.719
Um, like I like during training, I usually never go past like 12k.
00:59:05.119 --> 00:59:05.440
Okay.
00:59:05.840 --> 00:59:12.480
But last week I did um a very um really unique thing with my friends when I did about like 16k.
00:59:12.800 --> 00:59:16.400
And I get my friends to meet halfway point to continue the journey with me.
00:59:16.559 --> 00:59:16.960
That's awesome.
00:59:17.119 --> 00:59:25.519
But I've done like 25k and um last I think last year for my birthday, but it's a bad idea because I haven't really tried like trained for that.
00:59:25.679 --> 00:59:26.800
And I was like, you know what?
00:59:26.880 --> 00:59:28.400
Let's just do 25k.
00:59:28.719 --> 00:59:29.840
You need the training.
00:59:30.239 --> 00:59:32.559
So you I'm guessing you're returning 25.
00:59:32.800 --> 00:59:33.199
Yes.
00:59:33.440 --> 00:59:35.440
Yeah, so yeah, so 25 for 25.
00:59:35.519 --> 00:59:43.039
I guess 15 for 25 doesn't have the same ring to it, but yeah, you're you're gonna probably want to train to do 26 for 26.
00:59:43.119 --> 00:59:45.039
I'll just say I am trying to do that.
00:59:45.119 --> 00:59:52.239
I I I have I need the confidence, I need, I need the I need to prepare myself, but I'm I'm thinking of doing it.
00:59:52.480 --> 00:59:53.119
All right, awesome.
00:59:53.199 --> 00:59:58.079
Yeah, I would give yourself uh maybe about 10, 12 weeks ahead of time to just start prepping for that.
00:59:58.639 --> 00:59:59.280
You know, all right.
00:59:59.360 --> 01:00:06.400
Now, for people that are listening, how do they follow Queenie, see what you're up to, and and and check it out online?
01:00:06.960 --> 01:00:08.800
Please check me out on Instagram.
01:00:08.880 --> 01:00:10.320
I'm more towards on Instagram.
01:00:10.400 --> 01:00:11.840
It's called Queenie Azabath.
01:00:12.000 --> 01:00:13.039
Yeah, follow me.
01:00:13.119 --> 01:00:16.960
And yeah, I post a lot of spin stuff and fitness stuff.
01:00:17.199 --> 01:00:18.639
Yeah, it'll be all in the show notes.
01:00:18.719 --> 01:00:20.559
We'll put cool stuff in there so everyone can follow you.
01:00:20.639 --> 01:00:21.920
But thank you so much for sharing it.
01:00:22.320 --> 01:00:22.960
Thank you so much.
01:00:23.920 --> 01:00:24.800
I appreciate your time.
01:00:25.039 --> 01:00:26.079
No, this was awesome.
01:00:26.239 --> 01:00:29.760
We really appreciate you having uh, we really appreciate having you on here.
01:00:29.920 --> 01:00:38.639
And again, thank you for being a part of the sport and and just thank you for all you do for all of these athletes in so many different ways.
01:00:38.800 --> 01:00:39.599
We really appreciate it.
01:00:39.840 --> 01:00:40.159
Thank you.
01:00:40.559 --> 01:00:41.199
Thank you so much.
01:00:41.360 --> 01:00:42.639
I appreciate you.
01:00:46.480 --> 01:00:49.840
Different cities, different paces, one shared run.
01:00:50.000 --> 01:00:50.960
Thanks for being here.
01:00:51.119 --> 01:00:53.039
We'll see you after dark.
00:00:00.320 --> 00:00:04.639
The most important thing to ask yourself is if you wanted to be there.
00:00:04.879 --> 00:00:08.240
Because if you want to be there, then you absolutely deserve to be there.
00:00:08.400 --> 00:00:12.000
The only person that gets to dictate whether you should be there is yourself.
00:00:16.000 --> 00:00:27.600
Welcome to Coach Bennett's podcast, the Nike After Dark Tour series, where every run is a purpose, where kindness is hardcore, where this is about running and it's also not about running.
00:00:27.839 --> 00:00:34.399
This is where running meets storytelling, and where we make more room for women at the starting line and behind the mic.
00:00:34.560 --> 00:00:42.320
We're celebrating the women who run, who lead, and who lift others up along the way, because every run should feel like it's yours.
00:00:42.640 --> 00:01:00.399
This week's episode is a little different because today you're going to hear from two women, two runners, two journeys, one from Shanghai, one from London, one who already ran her after dark tour race, and one who's about four weeks out from the London 10K.
00:01:00.640 --> 00:01:05.519
And what I love about their stories is that neither one followed a straight path to running.
00:01:05.920 --> 00:01:08.239
Queenie started as a bodybuilder.
00:01:08.400 --> 00:01:21.760
In her own words, running didn't make a whole lot of sense at first until it did, until it became her third space, a place to think, a place to breathe, a place to discover what was possible when someone ran beside her.
00:01:22.159 --> 00:01:28.159
And then there's Rahana who once found herself shoulders deep in a muddy bog during a trail run.
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Most people would have looked at that experience and decided trail running wasn't for them.
00:01:33.519 --> 00:01:39.040
Instead, she came back the next year and ran a 50K on that very same course.
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Because sometimes the thing that scares us becomes the thing that teaches us the most.
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And while their stories are different, they both arrive at the same place.
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The realization that running is about more than running.
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It's about confidence.
00:01:54.640 --> 00:01:55.680
It's about resilience.
00:01:55.840 --> 00:02:00.079
It's about finding people who help you become a little more yourself.
00:02:00.480 --> 00:02:08.560
Because whether it's a friend helping you run your fastest 10K or a run club helping you believe you belong, the lesson feels the same.
00:02:09.039 --> 00:02:11.280
We are capable of more than we think.
00:02:11.759 --> 00:02:14.719
And sometimes we don't discover that on our own.
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Sometimes we discover it because someone else believed it first.
00:02:19.439 --> 00:02:21.039
That's what this episode is about.
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Not just the kilometers, but the people who help us find them.
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The stories that inspired someone to run their first farthest or fastest.
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And I'm betting your story will inspire someone too.
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So head to bit.ly slash after dark pod.
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That's B-I-T.LY backslash A F T E R D A R K P-O-D.
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And leave me a message.
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This week's voice message comes from Coach Ja in Philly.
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Be sure to stick around to hear it.
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All right.
00:02:55.840 --> 00:02:57.680
Let's hear a few lessons from the pack.
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I'm Coach Bennett.
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All right.
00:02:59.360 --> 00:03:00.479
Let's start.
00:03:04.560 --> 00:03:07.919
Okay, we're here for a very special episode today.
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I'm with Rahana Jade.
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And listen, I gotta tell you, one, thank you for being here.
00:03:14.800 --> 00:03:16.240
It is such an honor to have you.
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And two, thank you for everything you do for the sport because you do so much.
00:03:21.840 --> 00:03:23.039
Thank you so much for having me.
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I'm so excited to be here today.
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All right.
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So everyone has the starting line.
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I want to hear about yours.
00:03:28.719 --> 00:03:33.840
I want to hear about how you kind of found running, or maybe running found you, whichever it is.
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You found each other.
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When was this?
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How did it happen?
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I grew up in Canada, very sporty and outdoors or outdoorsy upbringing.
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My my dad was a runner, so I was aware of the sport from a young age.
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I didn't participate as much as I could have, but um I did do the occasional park run 5K with him.
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And I got very into cycling and spin classes in particular.
00:04:00.479 --> 00:04:02.400
So practiced that for a few years.
00:04:02.560 --> 00:04:07.840
And then when I moved over to this side of the pond, I was in Paris first and then London.
00:04:08.080 --> 00:04:12.639
I was looking for another sport and way to stay active.
00:04:12.879 --> 00:04:15.280
So I started running a bit more consistently then.
00:04:15.599 --> 00:04:15.840
Okay.
00:04:16.000 --> 00:04:23.759
Now we had spoken a little bit before we started recording, and you had told me that you also you mentioned being very outdoorsy.
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You mentioned that you would canoe.
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And I know I I just gotta bring it up again because it's such a random thing to say.
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Like, yeah, I would canoe.
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Tell me, I'm sorry.
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You just tell me a little bit.
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What are you talking about?
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What do you mean you canoed?
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So there's something called Georgian Bay in Ontario, and it's a beautiful bay of freshwater with rocky shallow islands all the way up northern Ontario.
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And so I would spend my summers doing multi-day canoeing trips where we would paddle maybe 90 nautical miles a day and portage over rocky islands and then camp and sleep on the side of the rocks overnight and carry on the next day.
00:05:03.040 --> 00:05:17.360
So yeah, I actually didn't start trail running until I had already done road marathons over here on in the European side, but it felt less daunting to me at the beginning because I had so much experience hiking and canoeing as a kid with my family.
00:05:17.680 --> 00:05:20.480
Yeah, now I I gotta ask, was it was that fun?
00:05:20.560 --> 00:05:28.639
Because the way you described it, you're canoeing 90 nautical miles, you as you put it, sleeping on rocks, portaging.
00:05:28.720 --> 00:05:30.160
Like, was this fun?
00:05:30.560 --> 00:05:34.240
I think I would actually have more fun doing it now than I did at the time.
00:05:34.399 --> 00:05:45.040
There was elements of fun to it, like the the sort of camping cottage style over here where you're with your friends and you're just jumping in the lake and you have a barbecue and a fire.
00:05:45.120 --> 00:05:48.959
It's really, really beautiful way to spend your summer, but it's also quite gritty.
00:05:49.199 --> 00:05:57.920
I remember just like the paddle just rubbing water and chafing my hands and just complaining to my family and arms and back sore.
00:05:58.480 --> 00:06:00.639
It sounds totally hardcore.
00:06:00.800 --> 00:06:14.959
And I'm wondering, you know, from from that experience as a kid, is there some of that you've kind of brought into kind of your life with with the way that you kind of look at sport and experience sport?
00:06:15.040 --> 00:06:16.879
Because as you mentioned, it it is gritty.
00:06:17.040 --> 00:06:24.399
And yes, there it is fun, but you know, there is there's a lot of work in order to enjoy all of that.
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And I'm just wondering, has that has that kind of been a bit of a foundation?
00:06:27.839 --> 00:06:32.560
Because I I know some of the things that you've done in the sport already, and we're gonna get to that.
00:06:32.720 --> 00:06:42.480
But I'm trying to find maybe like, was there some seeds that were planted early on, being outside, not being afraid of hard work, and finding enjoyment in that work?
00:06:42.879 --> 00:06:43.759
Yeah, I think so.
00:06:43.839 --> 00:07:03.920
And I think like my first few years of running, I mentioned doing London Marathon in 2021, which was my first marathon and really the first sort of time that I actually hit consistent mileage and had like really running specific training as opposed to incorporating five or 10K once a week into just staying fit.
00:07:04.160 --> 00:07:14.079
And I think that obviously is an entirely different beast than these mountain ultramarathons that me and my club have been getting up our sleeve.
00:07:14.319 --> 00:07:18.399
I think both are really, really challenging and require a lot of grit.
00:07:18.480 --> 00:07:28.079
And I think sometimes I find a 50K easier than a marathon because there's like variation between effort across the long period of time you're spending working hard.
00:07:28.240 --> 00:07:29.680
But the marathon is savage as well.
00:07:29.839 --> 00:07:33.920
You're just sustaining like the hardest pace that you can for the whole time.
00:07:34.240 --> 00:07:35.600
So I don't know.
00:07:35.759 --> 00:07:45.519
Like I think definitely all of those things that I did when I was younger really shaped, really, really shaped that sort of intention um in my sport.
00:07:46.160 --> 00:07:55.759
But it wasn't until like I started trail running and really completing those or competing in those races that I would actually have drawn that connection.
00:07:56.000 --> 00:07:56.720
Yeah, sure.
00:07:56.879 --> 00:07:59.439
Now you mentioned training for the London Marathon.
00:07:59.600 --> 00:08:04.000
You decided to do this pretty early in your journey with running.
00:08:04.160 --> 00:08:17.040
Tell me a little bit about how that came to be to take on, decide, hey, you know what, we're gonna take on 42.2K, and then maybe a little bit about what that training journey was like since it was so early in kind of your relationship with running.
00:08:17.360 --> 00:08:20.639
I'm very competitive as well as being very supportive.
00:08:20.720 --> 00:08:39.759
And I like that within my club at least, we've found a way to create a dynamic where everybody knows that at the bottom line, we all love each other and care for each other, but we will find that person that's similar ability to us and try to use them to work harder and mentally help ourselves compete.
00:08:39.919 --> 00:08:40.159
Sure.
00:08:40.399 --> 00:08:48.639
And and Shelly and I, we have had like the almost the exact same PBs in every distance for the last five years.
00:08:48.879 --> 00:08:50.240
We're completely different.
00:08:50.480 --> 00:08:53.120
We've got a 12-year age gap between us.
00:08:53.279 --> 00:08:55.519
We train completely differently.
00:08:55.759 --> 00:08:59.360
We have really different diets and drinking habits and everything.
00:08:59.600 --> 00:09:10.480
We just, I mean, I just took her marathon PB by 14 seconds only because she ran alongside me and said, if you don't follow me up for the last 5K, you're not gonna, you're not gonna win.
00:09:10.720 --> 00:09:13.679
So the competition uh was what I was bringing up.
00:09:13.759 --> 00:09:16.879
And it was probably because Shelly said she was doing the marathon.
00:09:17.200 --> 00:09:18.879
So we she said, I'm gonna do it.
00:09:18.960 --> 00:09:22.080
And and in my head it had always been something that I wanted to do.
00:09:22.159 --> 00:09:32.960
But I just knew that it would be possible for me to commit to it if I had somebody to kind of like support, somebody to support me, but also somebody that I could compete with a little bit.
00:09:33.039 --> 00:09:37.120
And we were both just like, you know, well, I ran this far today.
00:09:37.679 --> 00:09:39.600
And then, no, I ran this far.
00:09:39.759 --> 00:09:52.320
Um, and then full circle to my dad, he has like basically trained his entire life as if he is about to race a marathon, like 36k long runs all the time, speed sessions, like 10k races.
00:09:52.399 --> 00:09:53.840
He's never raced a marathon.
00:09:54.080 --> 00:10:03.600
So in 2021, when I was 22 years old, I thought it would be quite entertaining to complete my first marathon before him, who has always kind of hoped to.
00:10:03.840 --> 00:10:04.080
Yeah.
00:10:04.240 --> 00:10:06.080
Um, and five years later, he still hasn't.
00:10:06.240 --> 00:10:09.440
So we gotta we gotta get him on board.
00:10:10.960 --> 00:10:11.440
There we go.
00:10:11.679 --> 00:10:12.559
Well, you know what's funny?
00:10:12.639 --> 00:10:17.039
You used a term there and it just naturally, which is something that's super, super important.
00:10:17.200 --> 00:10:23.600
You said I was competing with Shelly, and a lot of people would say I was competing against.
00:10:24.000 --> 00:10:38.639
And uh Jeff Johnson, who's employee number one at Nike, he he gave this great speech to a bunch of young athletes once, and he said, if you really want to like reach your greatness, the key is on a starting line, not to look to the left and the right and think that you're competing against anybody.
00:10:38.799 --> 00:10:41.519
If you really want to be your best, you're competing with people.
00:10:41.759 --> 00:10:47.120
And maybe you could just talk a little bit about that because it really is a powerful sentiment.
00:10:47.360 --> 00:10:50.320
Because as you're telling this story, you're smiling.
00:10:50.480 --> 00:10:50.559
Yeah.
00:10:55.360 --> 00:11:00.639
But I think it was that mindset of you were competing with Shelly as opposed to against her.
00:11:00.799 --> 00:11:04.559
And it sounds like that's how your club operates as well.
00:11:04.879 --> 00:11:05.759
Yeah, definitely.
00:11:05.919 --> 00:11:13.360
I think, and we've brought that sort of mentality, the both of us, to almost every single race we've done that we're both on the starting line for.
00:11:13.919 --> 00:11:20.080
It's a really unique feeling to have somebody that you love and care about that is on that same starting line.
00:11:20.320 --> 00:11:29.440
And I don't know who I want to do better because I'm like really want to do the best I can, and I really want her to do the best I can, and or she can.
00:11:29.679 --> 00:11:30.879
We're the same person.
00:11:31.120 --> 00:11:42.879
Um, and I think like because we have such different strategies, we're sort of using each other for every minute of that 5k to try to um, you know, both do our best.
00:11:43.039 --> 00:11:47.919
And yeah, I mean, the I I go out really hard and she passes me at the end every time.
00:11:48.159 --> 00:11:55.440
So we we did a 5k time trial right before London Marathon, and she sat on my heels for like four and a half K and then just sprint finished me.
00:11:55.600 --> 00:11:57.840
So we both have our different strategies.
00:11:58.240 --> 00:12:10.240
It is a fascinating quality that humans have, especially in in a relationship like this, because you want them to compete as well as they can because you know, as you mentioned, it's gonna help you.
00:12:10.720 --> 00:12:21.120
And when you have a great relationship with a teammate, you also realize that you have a responsibility too, to show up and and help them get the best out of themselves.
00:12:21.360 --> 00:12:25.679
And a lot of times we'll quit on ourselves before if it's just us.
00:12:25.759 --> 00:12:30.879
You know, if if if no one's relying on me and I'm not having a good day, I'll check out.
00:12:31.120 --> 00:12:45.200
But if I know Shelly's next to me and and she needs me, a lot of times there's a deeper reservoir of grit because you know this person next to you that, as you mentioned, you care about, needs you to reach their best.
00:12:45.279 --> 00:12:50.879
Do you think that's also something that your club has found that you know you're not just showing up for yourselves, you're showing up for each other?
00:12:51.200 --> 00:12:52.080
Yeah, definitely.
00:12:52.240 --> 00:13:02.240
And I think a really good example of that too is we we all tend to try to sneak and pace each other for like a few kilometers within a race.
00:13:02.720 --> 00:13:27.200
And I always am baffled like how easy it is to run my half marathon pace for a shorter section when it's because I'm trying to motivate somebody than like doing a like in a in my marathon training most recently, I had a session that was like a 35k long run within it 3x5k hard, which was like not much slower than like my 10K pace, really.
00:13:27.440 --> 00:13:30.320
And I found it so unbelievably impossible.
00:13:30.559 --> 00:13:32.080
But then we were laughing.
00:13:32.240 --> 00:13:43.840
Shelly ran a half marathon in Paris this year, and me and one of the girls did a long run trying to crew her alongside, and then missed her on our last spot and tried to catch up to her.
00:13:43.919 --> 00:13:51.679
And and after running 18K, we both hit our 1K PBs trying to catch up to her and just so many things like that.
00:13:51.840 --> 00:13:59.279
Or, you know, like running 5K along somebody that needs some motivation in the marathon, and you look down and you're like, oh well, that was literally my half marathon pace.
00:13:59.519 --> 00:14:00.799
I can never do that in training.
00:14:01.039 --> 00:14:09.679
So I think it's really fun, like just when somebody needs you and you're excited to be there for them, you can almost accidentally outperform yourself.
00:14:10.000 --> 00:14:11.279
Yeah, it's it's an amazing thing.
00:14:11.360 --> 00:14:16.159
It's a trick that I usually use at the end of workouts when I see an athlete very tired.
00:14:16.320 --> 00:14:21.919
I go up and I say, Come on, well, I I say I I'm I just say on the sideline.
00:14:22.159 --> 00:14:30.240
So I'm lazy, I say on the sideline, but I'll say find someone who's more fatigued, more tired, struggling more than you, yeah, and help them on this next interval.
00:14:30.399 --> 00:14:34.960
And it's amazing how much better everyone looks when they're helping someone else.
00:14:35.120 --> 00:14:35.440
Yeah.
00:14:35.600 --> 00:14:38.000
It's immediate because they have a responsibility.
00:14:38.080 --> 00:14:47.039
And like I said, it's it's a really actually great example of like humans can be really, really great when when they want to be.
00:14:47.200 --> 00:14:50.559
Um, but I actually want to go back to now the end of London.
00:14:50.799 --> 00:14:51.039
Okay.
00:14:51.200 --> 00:14:54.240
You you've completed this marathon, which by the way, epic achievement.
00:14:54.320 --> 00:14:55.600
It's always an epic achievement.
00:14:55.679 --> 00:15:04.000
And for you that early into your journey to decide to take it on, not really knowing what you're doing, and then finish it, it's done.
00:15:04.240 --> 00:15:06.000
Why wasn't it done?
00:15:06.159 --> 00:15:10.480
Why did you find more starting lines once the marathon had been achieved?
00:15:10.799 --> 00:15:14.159
It wasn't ever about just finishing one marathon for me.
00:15:14.399 --> 00:15:18.080
It was about doing it in the best way that I could.
00:15:18.320 --> 00:15:19.759
And it wasn't easy.
00:15:19.919 --> 00:15:26.480
I was in a very different phase in my life, and I had none of the information and knowledge that I do now.
00:15:26.639 --> 00:15:36.720
So training for me then looked like Googling beginner marathon program and not knowing what fart luck means and just like doing whatever whenever I could.
00:15:37.200 --> 00:15:39.919
Um, and now I mean, I'm a coach.
00:15:40.080 --> 00:15:48.080
I have a coach that works with me, and we collaborate to to do a group coaching program for a core group within uh the wider club.
00:15:48.399 --> 00:15:54.559
And we have like sessions that that we understand what they're doing for us.
00:15:54.720 --> 00:16:02.399
And we have like forced recovery and we have access and resources to any time we have a question about a funny niggle in our ankle.
00:16:02.480 --> 00:16:05.519
Um, and we really just like are prioritizing all the things.
00:16:05.679 --> 00:16:10.960
I'm I'm at Nike HQ leading uh weightlifting for runners, strength and conditioning every other week.
00:16:11.120 --> 00:16:12.159
So awesome.
00:16:12.399 --> 00:16:26.799
Yeah, I think I knew that, you know, it's been five years since then, and I knew that every sort of chapter between then and now, I would learn something new and I would add something to my training that would slowly get me to a better and better place.
00:16:27.039 --> 00:16:36.320
I did London this year again and had my redemption, like finally had a good marathon because I've only done three road marathons, and so one was three.
00:16:36.399 --> 00:16:38.000
I mean, just let me cut you off.
00:16:38.240 --> 00:16:40.960
Just just check yourself at the door.
00:16:41.120 --> 00:16:41.679
Only three.
00:16:41.759 --> 00:16:42.879
Listen, only three.
00:16:42.960 --> 00:16:43.039
No.
00:16:43.279 --> 00:16:43.440
Yeah.
00:16:43.679 --> 00:16:44.960
Three is major.
00:16:45.039 --> 00:16:46.159
It's major to do one.
00:16:46.799 --> 00:16:54.879
I guess I just wondered if maybe because of all the running chat, I was implying that I'm constantly running road marathons all the time, which I'm not.
00:16:55.120 --> 00:17:08.240
I've also, I mean, pardon the trying to try trying to resist doing every race is is challenging, but I also am making an active effort to not sign up to the most so that you then get injured.
00:17:08.480 --> 00:17:12.799
My one marathon experience between then and now was also hell.
00:17:12.880 --> 00:17:20.079
It was the Paris Olympics community race, and I basically vomited for the entire second half of the race.
00:17:20.400 --> 00:17:20.799
Oh, nice.
00:17:20.880 --> 00:17:23.039
That's that's yeah, that sounds like a great experience.
00:17:23.519 --> 00:17:24.240
No, ideal.
00:17:24.319 --> 00:17:27.680
Um, I got a great PB on that race as well somehow.
00:17:28.160 --> 00:17:40.559
I was really waiting for my redemption race, and now it feels like I've closed off this chapter of like five years between my first and second London marathon, and now I'm I'm excited for the next, but a lot has changed in those five years.
00:17:40.960 --> 00:17:44.559
You mentioned it's hard to not sign up for all the races.
00:17:44.799 --> 00:17:50.960
I love hearing why people love to race because I think I think racing is so much fun.
00:17:51.039 --> 00:17:55.440
I think it can be really, really hard and it can be nerve-wracking.
00:17:55.519 --> 00:17:57.440
And I think that's part of why it's so much fun.
00:17:57.599 --> 00:18:04.079
It's like a roller coaster that you're terrified to go on, but you make it through the line and then yeah, you're you're terrified.
00:18:04.319 --> 00:18:07.839
But that's one of the reasons why you waited in line to do this.
00:18:08.000 --> 00:18:09.920
What is it about racing that you love?
00:18:10.240 --> 00:18:13.119
Well, I love running because I've now got this crew.
00:18:13.279 --> 00:18:15.920
There's always somebody saying, want to go on a run tomorrow.
00:18:16.079 --> 00:18:18.240
And that's already hard to not do it.
00:18:22.160 --> 00:18:24.880
And if it's not me already suggesting it, somebody else will.
00:18:25.119 --> 00:18:31.039
And then same with races, like we've got such a hardcore group of women that are constantly, oh, should we do this one?
00:18:31.200 --> 00:18:43.359
I mean, within two days of us finishing this um Andorra ultra marathon that we did mid-June, we had 40 people already signed up for Blue Trail, um, which is in Tenerife in April.
00:18:43.599 --> 00:18:55.599
So there's many things like that where we just kind of domino effect and and then suddenly we've got a massive crew of women that are gonna go out there and crew each other on different distances or race together or race with each other.
00:18:55.759 --> 00:19:09.920
And yeah, I we I love the sort of local races that you can do as well, just you know, motivation for a bit of a speed session, whether it's like a park run in the middle of your longer run or or a 10K trail run in the countryside near near London.
00:19:10.079 --> 00:19:13.200
Yeah, so many people are suggesting too many things.
00:19:13.279 --> 00:19:15.440
And I'm always interested.
00:19:15.759 --> 00:19:16.079
All right.
00:19:16.160 --> 00:19:19.680
Well, now I gotta ask you about your club, your your club 9-9.
00:19:20.000 --> 00:19:22.480
So, because like I said, it's amazing.
00:19:22.559 --> 00:19:26.799
I keep thinking like this is a 20-year story, and it's not a 20-year story.
00:19:27.119 --> 00:19:32.319
What was it that inspired you to say, you know what, I need to share this sport with people?
00:19:32.480 --> 00:19:34.319
What because it's a lot of work.
00:19:34.480 --> 00:19:35.359
It's a lot of work.
00:19:35.599 --> 00:19:35.920
It is.
00:19:36.160 --> 00:19:38.240
It's great, but it's a lot of work.
00:19:38.400 --> 00:19:40.000
What inspired you to do this?
00:19:40.240 --> 00:19:42.079
And tell us a little bit about Club99.
00:19:42.480 --> 00:19:43.839
I'll I'll mix the two.
00:19:44.079 --> 00:20:01.039
So Shelly and I, when we were training for this marathon five years ago, we sort of had this realization of how many hours goes into training for a marathon and how many hours of those are early in the morning and late at night when you're juggling, working a full-time job.
00:20:01.359 --> 00:20:10.960
And I think as women in London, we felt like it just feels so much safer to have a a crew with you, um, especially when you're running in the dark.
00:20:11.119 --> 00:20:18.480
And so, sort of the original idea for Club 99 was to bring a group of women together so we didn't have to run alone.
00:20:18.880 --> 00:20:28.640
And at that point, because we felt like really new to the sport, we were kind of trying to welcome other people that were feeling that way as well.
00:20:28.880 --> 00:20:35.680
So even if you're only just running your first kind of 5K distance, not even race, you were welcome.
00:20:35.759 --> 00:20:41.119
And we would, you know, make sure that the group catered to all abilities.
00:20:41.279 --> 00:20:47.200
And then I think the group sort of evolved with us the way that we did over the years.
00:20:47.279 --> 00:21:03.119
And we still have sessions that cater to those people that are new to the sport, but we also have a whole variety of sessions that cater to if you're training for a hundred K mountain race or if you're training for a road marathon or a triathlon, whatever you're doing.
00:21:03.279 --> 00:21:10.559
We've been this summer, we've been running to the Heath and doing a trail loop and then jumping in the ponds at the end, which is also amazing.
00:21:10.880 --> 00:21:18.480
One of the things that I love about Club 99 is you're not just training people to do the marathon, which is where you kind of started.
00:21:18.640 --> 00:21:22.960
And what happens is a lot of times people are like, this is what I know, this is what we're gonna do.
00:21:23.279 --> 00:21:32.799
You have athletes running everywhere and running in places that don't normally have the representation of women that it should.
00:21:32.960 --> 00:21:35.440
What, what was it, was it early on?
00:21:35.599 --> 00:21:40.319
Did you kind of discover, like, hey, we're in this sport, which means the entire sport is ours to run?
00:21:40.559 --> 00:21:44.720
Because I love the fact that you never know where some of your athletes are going to be running.
00:21:44.880 --> 00:21:50.480
It could be a 5K, you could be, you're on the track, but you are also doing ultra trail runs.
00:21:50.640 --> 00:21:57.440
Like, what what was it that made you I guess go after everything, which I think is what every crew should do?
00:21:57.759 --> 00:22:09.200
Well, when you live in London and you want To run a marathon or a trail race, whether it's an ultra or not, there aren't that many options of where you can train because we live in a flat city.
00:22:09.279 --> 00:22:18.720
So we always have incorporated speed intervals on the track, regardless of what you're training for, just because sometimes a hard effort is a hard effort and that's what you need to kind of, you know, get your body used to.
00:22:18.880 --> 00:22:27.359
Also, shout out to my boyfriend for really encouraging me to get on the trails because as I said, I grew up hiking and canoeing, but I never like ran on the trails.
00:22:27.519 --> 00:22:33.920
Uh, he was really interested in trail running and took me on one of my first sort of more trail running camping weekends.
00:22:34.160 --> 00:22:36.480
And I I just enjoyed it so much.
00:22:36.559 --> 00:22:38.000
I just love being outside.
00:22:38.240 --> 00:22:49.599
And I mean, I'll send you a picture after, but the the first trail run I ever did, I basically submerged myself like chest deep in like muddy bog quicksand by accident.
00:22:49.839 --> 00:22:52.880
Yeah, I was about to say, please add by accident on at the end of that.
00:22:53.039 --> 00:22:53.680
Well, wait a minute.
00:22:53.759 --> 00:22:59.759
We're not, we're not moving on from this story because that's like that's straight up stone cold nightmare stuff.
00:23:00.000 --> 00:23:00.960
What are you talking about?
00:23:01.119 --> 00:23:01.680
Where were you?
00:23:01.839 --> 00:23:02.640
How did this happen?
00:23:02.880 --> 00:23:05.920
And then I think what everyone wants to know is how did you get out?
00:23:06.079 --> 00:23:09.519
Because that's what everyone's fear is getting in this situation and not getting out.
00:23:09.920 --> 00:23:14.319
Well, I've got a funny story and I've also got like a real strategy.
00:23:14.400 --> 00:23:16.319
So hopefully this can also be informative for people.
00:23:16.640 --> 00:23:17.440
A learning moment.
00:23:17.519 --> 00:23:18.000
Let's go.
00:23:18.319 --> 00:23:23.680
We were in the peak district, and it's like beautiful rolling hills in the north of England.
00:23:23.839 --> 00:23:27.039
I believe it was April three years ago.
00:23:27.279 --> 00:23:30.880
And so in that season, the ground is very soft and wet.
00:23:31.119 --> 00:23:34.480
I was with Jamie, my boyfriend, and and one of our other friends.
00:23:34.640 --> 00:23:42.559
And there was just like this large boggy section that they were kind of doing running long jump over so that they didn't submerge themselves.
00:23:42.880 --> 00:23:46.400
And I was looking at it thinking, I don't think I can clear that.
00:23:46.559 --> 00:23:51.519
And if I have the momentum of a long jump and I don't clear it, I'm gonna go like completely ignorant.
00:23:51.839 --> 00:23:52.319
You're going in.
00:23:52.559 --> 00:23:53.440
So I was like, fuck it.
00:23:53.519 --> 00:23:55.599
I don't care if I get muddy, I'll just wade through it.
00:23:55.680 --> 00:23:56.319
No worries.
00:23:56.480 --> 00:24:01.920
And I basically took one step and just it was so soft that I just went straight down.
00:24:02.160 --> 00:24:03.759
And I was in like the center.
00:24:04.160 --> 00:24:08.559
They were, they must have been two meters ahead of me, and the hard ground was two meters behind me.
00:24:08.880 --> 00:24:10.880
So I don't really even remember.
00:24:10.960 --> 00:24:19.200
I've we've got a video of how I got out, but I think it involves like somebody took their pack off and tried to like throw me one side and I was grabbing onto it and pulling out.
00:24:19.519 --> 00:24:36.400
But the strategy, which I learned after, is you have to get your body, do not hinge your hips, your straight plank, and then you actually need to like lean back so your your legs come up to where your chest is, and now you're a plank on the top of the surface.
00:24:36.640 --> 00:24:36.960
Okay.
00:24:37.119 --> 00:24:42.240
Now you're no longer like half stuck and deep, and then you need to like swim off, basically.
00:24:42.720 --> 00:24:43.519
Sounds awful.
00:24:43.839 --> 00:24:48.240
It wasn't like quicksand to the point where I was actually gonna keep sinking further.
00:24:48.319 --> 00:24:56.640
It was just like almost like the way that a toilet plunger feels, like it was really stuck, but it was humorous, and I kind of love a wild story like that.
00:24:56.720 --> 00:25:05.119
And I just kind of knew from that moment that uh I mean, my heart rate was hitting like 195, like trying to walk up a hill and and chase these guys.
00:25:05.279 --> 00:25:10.640
But I knew from that moment that um I would really enjoy like racing on that type of terrain.
00:25:10.720 --> 00:25:18.559
And that's actually where full circle I went back a year later to do my first 50k on that exact route that was my first trail run.
00:25:19.039 --> 00:25:23.200
And that by far has been my favorite race I've ever done in my life.
00:25:23.519 --> 00:25:27.279
That race was the first big trail race we took our club to.
00:25:27.440 --> 00:25:33.759
And we made up, I believe it was like 23% of all women on the start line from our club.
00:25:34.000 --> 00:25:34.799
Oh my goodness.
00:25:34.960 --> 00:25:41.359
I mean, that's that's gotta be just such a great feeling to know that you're making that big of an impact.
00:25:42.160 --> 00:25:45.680
And it all started with you, you know, almost drowning in a bog.
00:25:45.839 --> 00:25:46.640
So there we go.
00:25:47.200 --> 00:25:51.200
And then I came home and told that story, and for some reason people were interested in I'm in.
00:25:51.359 --> 00:25:52.000
Yeah, yeah.
00:25:52.160 --> 00:25:56.400
I I think we know the mentality of Club 99, which is, you know, pretty, pretty badass.
00:25:56.640 --> 00:25:58.880
Um, I gotta ask you about another experience.
00:25:59.119 --> 00:25:59.359
Okay.
00:25:59.519 --> 00:26:02.079
So last year you did after dark.
00:26:02.319 --> 00:26:02.640
Yes.
00:26:02.799 --> 00:26:05.759
And where did you do which which city did you do after dark in?
00:26:06.079 --> 00:26:06.799
I did London.
00:26:07.119 --> 00:26:08.240
Okay, so you did London.
00:26:08.319 --> 00:26:09.599
So I got a couple of questions.
00:26:09.680 --> 00:26:12.799
I'm gonna throw them all at you, and then you can answer in whatever order you want.
00:26:13.039 --> 00:26:13.200
Okay.
00:26:13.359 --> 00:26:19.759
So I want I want you to tell me a little bit about you get in, what's your initial feeling?
00:26:20.000 --> 00:26:24.640
Because ADT London was a different type of after dark tourist stop.
00:26:25.039 --> 00:26:37.519
So maybe let us know kind of what After Dark London entailed, and then maybe tell us a little bit about getting in, what the process was for training, and then what ADT London was like on race day.
00:26:38.000 --> 00:26:49.200
I played a little bit more of a coach role last year around ADT than an athlete role, mainly because I unfortunately fractured my anterior horn of my calcanis last year.
00:26:49.519 --> 00:26:49.920
Wow.
00:26:50.079 --> 00:26:52.880
That sounds that sounds very, very impressive.
00:26:53.279 --> 00:26:54.960
It I I didn't even know that existed.
00:26:55.519 --> 00:26:56.480
Honestly, me either.
00:26:57.359 --> 00:27:05.920
It's a very small horn that's on the front of your heel bone that hinges with your ankle right in the center of the joint.
00:27:06.079 --> 00:27:08.400
It was not pleasant, uh, but we got through it.
00:27:08.559 --> 00:27:10.240
So we're all good.
00:27:10.559 --> 00:27:13.440
It was I I didn't really race ADT.
00:27:13.519 --> 00:27:20.160
I sort of more so participated, mainly because I wasn't at a stage in my comeback yet where I could actually do some speed work.
00:27:20.559 --> 00:27:20.720
Okay.
00:27:20.880 --> 00:27:21.920
So that's smart though.
00:27:22.160 --> 00:27:23.920
Yes, but it was it was incredible.
00:27:24.079 --> 00:27:32.480
We had 30 women from Club 99 do it, and we had, I can't remember what the stat was, but it was something like 80% PBs or something across the board.
00:27:32.640 --> 00:27:47.279
By that time, we had been consistently leading our track sessions, which is we've got uh two speed sessions at the same time on a Wednesday morning, and half of the girls go to South London and half the girls go to North London.
00:27:47.519 --> 00:27:56.799
Um, so we had been doing that consistently and and we had been working uh sessions into our skull uh schedule that were 10K specific.
00:27:57.039 --> 00:28:02.640
Um, so it was really amazing to kind of watch that training journey of the girls and then get to be there with them on the day.
00:28:03.119 --> 00:28:11.440
Okay, and and that was different for many of the tour stops, the the distance alone, because ADT London was 10K.
00:28:11.599 --> 00:28:11.759
Yeah.
00:28:12.000 --> 00:28:14.079
But it was also a unique environment.
00:28:14.319 --> 00:28:20.079
And maybe tell us a little bit about what ADT London was and how it was set up and where you actually raced.
00:28:20.559 --> 00:28:21.279
It was mad.
00:28:21.359 --> 00:28:28.319
We we had it was a two and a half K loop that you do four times from the Excel center.
00:28:28.559 --> 00:28:41.839
And it was partly indoors on like a racetrack, and then it had, I think it was one section where it came out and around through like an out outdoor parking lot area and then came back in.
00:28:42.000 --> 00:28:43.039
It was so cool though.
00:28:43.119 --> 00:28:44.319
It was a massive space.
00:28:44.400 --> 00:28:52.079
There was so many really cool little workshops that you could do to customize things, amazing food, loud music.
00:28:52.960 --> 00:28:59.680
Um, but most importantly, uh 50 people from our club were there, 30 racing and 20 more cheering.
00:29:00.000 --> 00:29:06.000
So it was it was a really fun day spending time with familiar faces and and cheering all the girls to their PBs.
00:29:06.240 --> 00:29:20.000
Well, you know, standing there watching some of your athletes race at ADT, I I want you to kind of compare and contrast yourself on the starting line of London 2021 as the athlete.
00:29:20.240 --> 00:29:21.759
Now you fast forward a little bit.
00:29:21.920 --> 00:29:27.279
Now here you are, you know, one, being intelligent about how you're gonna participate at ADT.
00:29:27.440 --> 00:29:29.039
So cheers to you, coach.
00:29:29.200 --> 00:29:36.160
But also tell me a little bit about the mentality shift, like like because you've got so much earned wisdom over the last five years.
00:29:36.400 --> 00:29:47.359
When you're at a starting line, whether you're on it or on the side of it watching some of your athletes, like what's different mentally with you during those moments?
00:29:47.519 --> 00:29:56.640
Like, are are you I'm sure you're just as nervous for your athletes, but what are the different things that maybe you're telling them that you wish you had told yourself five years earlier?
00:29:57.599 --> 00:30:10.559
Well, I was gonna say they know so much more than I did then, even if they are more new to running, just honestly by association with our club, even if it's not me that's like enlightening everybody.
00:30:10.640 --> 00:30:15.759
It's it's everybody is learning something and telling each other, and I just didn't have that.
00:30:16.000 --> 00:30:19.680
I feel just like complete confidence seeing them get on that start line.
00:30:19.759 --> 00:30:25.839
I I'm nervous for them because I am excited and I want them to do well, but no part of me is like woof, worried.
00:30:25.920 --> 00:30:27.519
I'm like, they got this, you know.
00:30:29.119 --> 00:30:29.680
Yeah.
00:30:30.000 --> 00:30:32.240
Well, and I think that's a gift that you also give.
00:30:32.319 --> 00:30:34.480
As you mentioned, you didn't have access to this.
00:30:34.640 --> 00:30:42.240
And not only, you know, you doing the process of becoming a coach, which is intensive, but it's it's a gift to those athletes.
00:30:42.400 --> 00:30:46.880
But I think, you know, there's a lot of things you're saying that you probably aren't taking credit for, which you should.
00:30:47.039 --> 00:30:51.200
It sounds like those athletes of yours feel comfortable sharing their knowledge.
00:30:51.440 --> 00:31:06.640
And you have to be in a safe space to be able to share just how badass you are and to feel comfortable sharing your wisdom, sharing your wins, sharing your losses, because all of that factors into how comfortable the athlete's gonna be on the starting line, which is really super powerful.
00:31:06.799 --> 00:31:11.119
So I'm I'm kind of wondering why did you decide to become a coach?
00:31:11.279 --> 00:31:12.640
Because you don't have to.
00:31:12.799 --> 00:31:22.960
And I think it's an important thing to remember those people that are out there, whether they're volunteers or they're showing up as great teammates, or they do the work to become a coach, you didn't have to do any of this.
00:31:23.200 --> 00:31:28.160
You didn't have to start the club, you didn't have to become a coach, you don't have to keep showing up for other people.
00:31:28.319 --> 00:31:29.200
Why do you do it?
00:31:30.079 --> 00:31:38.160
I think my gut kind of brings me back to this thing where growing up, I I loved to do so many different things and and try different things.
00:31:38.319 --> 00:31:43.200
And it kind of made me somebody that was like kind of okay at a lot of different things.
00:31:43.519 --> 00:32:01.119
And after that marathon, and mainly because of the falling in love with the competition, I I felt like running maybe was one of those things that I was actually interested in investing my enough time into to become good at or to become smart at.
00:32:01.279 --> 00:32:09.519
Becoming a coach, like it, I don't know where my practice will take me or if I'll take on individual clients or if that will become sort of like my primary work.
00:32:10.000 --> 00:32:16.319
For me, it was just like mainly about learning and about adding another layer to that thing that I actually wanted to specialize in.
00:32:16.640 --> 00:32:18.720
All right, so now I'm gonna put you on the spot, coach.
00:32:18.880 --> 00:32:28.319
Okay, because we've got a lot of people listening to this episode that they may be getting ready to do an ultra 50K.
00:32:28.400 --> 00:32:33.759
Maybe they're getting ready to do a fall marathon, or maybe they're getting ready to do a 10K.
00:32:33.920 --> 00:32:38.000
Maybe you've got someone listening that's thinking, I'm gonna start running.
00:32:38.160 --> 00:32:38.480
Okay.
00:32:38.720 --> 00:32:57.759
So I want you to give a direct message to a woman out there that is right now on the starting line, but is hesitating crossing because maybe they think they're not good enough or they're not a real runner, or maybe they've been told in the past that this sport isn't for them.
00:32:58.000 --> 00:33:00.319
You have athletes like this come to you.
00:33:00.720 --> 00:33:06.319
What's your message to that person listening right now that they have what it takes to cross the starting line?
00:33:06.880 --> 00:33:11.119
The most important thing to ask yourself is if you wanted to be there.
00:33:11.359 --> 00:33:14.880
Because if you want to be there, then you absolutely deserve to be there.
00:33:15.119 --> 00:33:21.839
And everybody's reasons for wanting to be involved in running or wanting to be on a start line are completely different from each other.
00:33:22.079 --> 00:33:25.920
But the only person that gets to dictate whether you should be there is yourself.
00:33:26.000 --> 00:33:33.519
And if you want to put in the work to show up there in the healthiest way you can, then that is like the most special thing about the sport.
00:33:33.839 --> 00:33:51.359
And if you're looking for somebody to motivate you or support you along the way, like go to a local crew and find somebody that's kind or somebody that's similar in your ability and hold each other accountable to train in a way that's gonna get you really prepared and healthy.
00:33:51.440 --> 00:33:54.160
And don't forget to sleep and don't forget to eat.
00:33:54.640 --> 00:33:55.200
I love that.
00:33:55.279 --> 00:33:57.839
And I also love the fact that you started with find somebody who's kind.
00:33:58.160 --> 00:34:02.960
Well, I was gonna say find somebody that's similar pace to you, but then I thought it doesn't really matter.
00:34:03.200 --> 00:34:03.759
Yeah, you're right.
00:34:04.079 --> 00:34:30.239
That's what I love about our club too, is like we have people that are completing their first marathon in five hours, and we have people that are literally running a 240 marathon, and we're finding a way to like overlap those people in ways that are not even detrimental to their training, you know, like that 240 marathoner can still handle a 630 pace 5k as a recovery run, and that might be somebody's kind of tempo session or whatever it is.
00:34:30.400 --> 00:34:52.400
So and sometimes you realize that, you know, you don't have to run next to each other to run together, you know, and that's that's another that's just powerful thing about our sport is you know the simple fact that showing up and and being able to meet and come together and then meeting and coming together at the end, what happens between the start and finish line isn't isn't, you know, what makes you a teammate.
00:34:52.559 --> 00:34:54.800
Now, last thing, how do people find you?
00:34:54.960 --> 00:34:55.840
How do they find you?
00:34:56.000 --> 00:34:57.280
How do they find your club?
00:34:57.440 --> 00:34:58.880
When does the club meet?
00:34:59.119 --> 00:35:00.159
All the things.
00:35:00.400 --> 00:35:07.760
So if people are in London now or traveling through London, how do they get together with you and your club?
00:35:08.159 --> 00:35:13.920
So we have an Instagram page, club.9.9 on Instagram.
00:35:14.159 --> 00:35:18.719
And if you DM us, we will send you a link to our WhatsApp chat.
00:35:18.800 --> 00:35:25.280
And then when you join the WhatsApp chat, all of the information is in the description of the chat and you can ask any questions if anything's unclear.
00:35:25.519 --> 00:35:28.960
The sessions that are always there are the Tuesday night.
00:35:29.039 --> 00:35:34.000
We meet at Hoxton, Southwark in London, and we do a 5K loop along the river.
00:35:34.159 --> 00:35:39.280
There's a bag drop there and toilets where you can change and water at the bar so you're all sorted.
00:35:39.519 --> 00:35:43.840
And the other session we do is the track on Wednesday mornings.
00:35:43.920 --> 00:35:46.719
So I lead in Finsbury Park track at 7 a.m.
00:35:46.960 --> 00:35:49.920
and Shelly leads at Southwark track at 7 a.m.
00:35:50.000 --> 00:35:50.800
at the same time.
00:35:50.880 --> 00:35:55.440
And both places have the same facilities, toilets, bag drop, water, anything you could need.
00:35:55.519 --> 00:36:01.440
Um, but we just ask that you join our chat and sign our waivers before you show up to a session.
00:36:01.679 --> 00:36:04.000
Well, thank you so much for being on here.
00:36:04.159 --> 00:36:15.760
Thank you for running, but thank you for, like I said at the beginning, everything you do for the sport, uh, just make sure you're taking care of yourself because you've got a lot on your plate and you had a lot of people that rely on you.
00:36:16.079 --> 00:36:17.199
Hey, they're taking care of me.
00:36:17.360 --> 00:36:20.639
I'm like, I wouldn't be this consistent with my training if I didn't have 7 a.m.
00:36:20.800 --> 00:36:21.679
commitments all the time.
00:36:22.079 --> 00:36:23.199
You know what you tell them?
00:36:23.360 --> 00:36:24.960
You tell them to take care of themselves.
00:36:25.199 --> 00:36:28.159
And you mentioned things like forced recovery and all those things.
00:36:28.239 --> 00:36:34.639
And just as a coach, a lot of times we need to be reminded to also find some time and get that recovery.
00:36:34.800 --> 00:36:39.039
So keep taking care of yourself because I want you to hit that PB at ADT London.
00:36:39.280 --> 00:36:40.719
Woo! Thank you.
00:36:40.960 --> 00:36:43.440
So good to meet you, and thanks so much for having me.
00:36:43.679 --> 00:36:44.400
Absolutely.
00:36:44.639 --> 00:36:45.280
Cheers.
00:36:50.639 --> 00:36:53.440
I hope you enjoyed this week's conversation, friends.
00:36:53.599 --> 00:36:56.719
Now let's go ahead and check Coach B's voicemail.
00:36:57.039 --> 00:36:58.000
Hi, Coach Bennett.
00:36:58.079 --> 00:36:59.039
My name is Coach Ja.
00:36:59.440 --> 00:37:00.480
I'm from Philadelphia.
00:37:00.559 --> 00:37:08.559
And my question for you today is what advice would you give to a new mom who's on her journey of rediscovery and is looking to start her running journey?
00:37:08.880 --> 00:37:10.800
Hey, Coach Ja from Philadelphia.
00:37:10.880 --> 00:37:12.639
This is Coach Bennett from Jersey.
00:37:12.719 --> 00:37:14.480
So we're kind of cousins already.
00:37:14.719 --> 00:37:19.360
So I'm gonna take this question extra seriously since we're basically related.
00:37:19.599 --> 00:37:28.639
Um, I would say first and foremost, what you need to do is be patient with this athlete that is coming back to the sport, right?
00:37:29.119 --> 00:37:32.000
Because you just had an experience, right?
00:37:32.320 --> 00:37:40.320
You had an experience that is not just life-changing, it is body changing in so many different extraordinary ways.
00:37:40.639 --> 00:37:50.480
So the key is to make sure that you are being patient on your return back to the sport, because what you don't want to do is rush it.
00:37:50.800 --> 00:37:54.400
Because there are a few things you can rush, and most of those things are not great.
00:37:54.559 --> 00:38:01.199
You can't rush recovery, you can't rush fitness, you can rush injury, and you can rush sickness.
00:38:01.360 --> 00:38:06.880
And I don't want you to have either of those things to be a part of your experience back to the starting line.
00:38:07.039 --> 00:38:11.119
So, first and foremost, be patient as you come back.
00:38:11.360 --> 00:38:16.159
Also, you have an incredible community of mothers that run.
00:38:16.639 --> 00:38:24.559
There is so much earned wisdom in that community, far more wisdom in that community about this than I will ever, ever, ever have.
00:38:24.880 --> 00:38:28.800
So take advantage of those mothers that share the starting line with you.
00:38:29.039 --> 00:38:34.400
Because if you listen to them, you're gonna find your way back on the starting line with all of them.
00:38:34.719 --> 00:38:35.360
Cheers.
00:38:40.000 --> 00:38:48.480
From the rugged trails of the UK and the empowering crew at Club99 in London, we're switching gears and crossing the globe over to Shanghai.
00:38:48.719 --> 00:38:53.280
Next up is coach, entrepreneur, and powerhouse runner Queenie Azabeth.
00:38:53.360 --> 00:39:03.599
We're diving into how she went from bodybuilding to finding her stride and speed work, why nervous energy is actually your superpower, and what went down when Shanghai took on after dark.
00:39:03.760 --> 00:39:05.039
Let's get to it.
00:39:09.360 --> 00:39:13.920
Okay, welcome everybody to another episode of Coach Bennett's podcast.
00:39:14.000 --> 00:39:16.400
And yes, this is one of the special episodes.
00:39:16.559 --> 00:39:23.039
This is one of the after dark tour series episodes that you're all just waiting for, week in and week out.
00:39:23.119 --> 00:39:25.840
We got another one, and this one's gonna be fantastic.
00:39:25.920 --> 00:39:28.639
We've got Queenie Azabeth with us today.
00:39:28.880 --> 00:39:30.480
Thank you for being with us, Queenie.
00:39:31.119 --> 00:39:32.960
Thank you so much for having me here.
00:39:33.280 --> 00:39:34.159
No, this is great.
00:39:34.239 --> 00:39:35.920
We're so happy to have you on.
00:39:36.239 --> 00:39:40.800
And I think the best thing to do would be for you to introduce yourself a little bit.
00:39:40.960 --> 00:39:42.079
Tell us about Queenie.
00:39:42.559 --> 00:39:42.880
All right.
00:39:43.039 --> 00:39:43.760
Hi, everyone.
00:39:43.840 --> 00:39:49.920
My name is Queenie Ezebeth, and I am a fitness and ride coach and mentor.
00:39:50.159 --> 00:40:01.360
So um recently I'm more I've transited into indoor cycling a little bit more, but um throughout this whole time, I am always keeping up with my fitness.
00:40:01.440 --> 00:40:04.239
I make sure that I'm always all rounded with my trainings.
00:40:04.400 --> 00:40:08.800
I've been in the fitness industry for about 10 years since I was a little child.
00:40:09.199 --> 00:40:11.519
I've already got into group fitness.
00:40:11.679 --> 00:40:15.360
So anything to help grow the industry, I'm all in for it.
00:40:15.440 --> 00:40:18.719
And currently I am running a lifestyle space in Shanghai.
00:40:18.880 --> 00:40:20.079
It's very, very new.
00:40:20.320 --> 00:40:30.239
It basically is called Hasa House, where we have a strength and conditioning gym, we have a recovery area, we have a restaurant, and also we have a cafe in all in one space.
00:40:30.400 --> 00:40:34.800
And it's located right smack in the middle in Shanghai and Dongvalu.
00:40:34.960 --> 00:40:36.559
And if you have the time, come by.
00:40:36.880 --> 00:40:39.920
Now, is there how how would somebody find out about Hasa House?
00:40:40.000 --> 00:40:41.920
Is there is there a is it on Instagram?
00:40:42.159 --> 00:40:44.880
We're on Instagram, we are on Ret Note as well.
00:40:44.960 --> 00:40:47.440
It's um basically Instagram for in China.
00:40:47.679 --> 00:40:48.000
Yeah.
00:40:48.159 --> 00:40:48.480
Yeah.
00:40:48.559 --> 00:40:49.519
So come by.
00:40:49.599 --> 00:40:53.119
And if you ever come to Shanghai, come visit me.
00:40:53.440 --> 00:40:56.719
You had me at recovery and then a cafe and then a restaurant.
00:40:56.880 --> 00:40:59.039
Everything else just kind of I was like, okay, that's that's all I need.
00:40:59.280 --> 00:41:00.079
This sounds amazing.
00:41:00.239 --> 00:41:00.880
This is great.
00:41:01.199 --> 00:41:03.519
It's it's so new, it's so so new in Shanghai.
00:41:03.599 --> 00:41:09.679
So we're trying to get people to understand the concept because it's pretty big in other places, but just not yet here.
00:41:09.840 --> 00:41:11.440
So this is what we're trying to build here.
00:41:11.840 --> 00:41:21.440
Well, I mean, everybody needs a place like that, you know, that they you know there's there's home, there's work, people need that third space where they can get to and kind of come together as a community.
00:41:21.599 --> 00:41:23.440
So it sounds like that's really awesome.
00:41:23.760 --> 00:41:27.519
Before we get into a couple things, I know you did ADT Shanghai.
00:41:27.840 --> 00:41:28.800
Yes, I did.
00:41:29.039 --> 00:41:36.800
Okay, but before we get to that, and because you just mentioned it, you've you've you basically done so much in fitness.
00:41:36.960 --> 00:41:39.039
I want to go to the starting line in running.
00:41:39.119 --> 00:41:40.880
How did you get into running?
00:41:40.960 --> 00:41:42.400
Where did your running journey start?
00:41:42.639 --> 00:41:45.199
Um, I used to be uh Barry's coach as well.
00:41:45.360 --> 00:41:45.679
Okay.
00:41:46.000 --> 00:41:47.599
I mean, ever since I was young.
00:41:47.760 --> 00:41:52.159
When when I say young, I started bodybuilding when I was 18 years old.
00:41:52.320 --> 00:41:52.639
Okay.
00:41:52.800 --> 00:41:56.800
So I just got into bodybuilding because a friend just asked me to sign up for a competition.
00:41:57.039 --> 00:42:01.280
But my back then, my my coach would always tell me to go and run.
00:42:01.760 --> 00:42:06.159
And in at that point of time, I didn't really kinda understand what he mean by run.
00:42:06.239 --> 00:42:07.519
Like, you want me to go fast?
00:42:07.679 --> 00:42:09.039
You want to be me to go slow?
00:42:09.199 --> 00:42:10.400
I have no clue.
00:42:10.559 --> 00:42:10.880
Yeah.
00:42:11.119 --> 00:42:14.400
I was running ever since I was young and I'm always a very active person.
00:42:14.480 --> 00:42:23.440
But when I got really into a little bit deeper into running per se, is when I got myself coaching at Berry's.
00:42:23.599 --> 00:42:31.440
So a few of my clients uh come to my classes and we were like, we should do a run and we should just open a run club for fun.
00:42:31.920 --> 00:42:38.719
And uh me and my friend opened up um fast and free run club, and now it's really, really popping.
00:42:38.880 --> 00:42:40.800
They are doing amazing.
00:42:41.280 --> 00:42:45.280
My clients are the ones who really taught me how to run properly.
00:42:45.599 --> 00:42:51.679
You've always been athletic, you've always done sports, you've always been into fitness, but when you started to run, you didn't really know what to do.
00:42:51.760 --> 00:42:55.599
And it seems like it would be such an easy thing to figure out, but it's really not.
00:42:56.000 --> 00:42:59.840
So when you go back to that, who who really guided you?
00:43:00.000 --> 00:43:03.840
You said it was actually your clients that kind of served as basically your first coaches?
00:43:04.400 --> 00:43:08.960
Yeah, my client was so into um basically into running.
00:43:09.199 --> 00:43:19.199
And he would teach me like strides and he would teach me like um a few warm-ups that really helped me get the running mechanics in, yeah, which I find it really helpful.
00:43:19.280 --> 00:43:27.440
So when I applied it into my runs when I was doing uh when I was running on the treadmill at Berry's, I just felt right.
00:43:27.760 --> 00:43:36.559
I just felt like his exercises kind of helped me run better, feel better, and also less um kind of fatigue when I was getting tired.
00:43:36.719 --> 00:43:39.920
So I have to give all credit to my friend Azaria.
00:43:40.480 --> 00:43:43.440
He's um he's yeah, he's he's the man.
00:43:45.760 --> 00:43:47.599
Yeah, I would I'll send this to him.
00:43:48.559 --> 00:43:49.599
I'll send this to him.
00:43:50.079 --> 00:43:50.480
Yeah.
00:43:50.800 --> 00:43:58.400
Now, once you started to figure out running, did you feel like it kind of made the other things you were doing easier?
00:43:58.719 --> 00:43:59.199
100%.
00:44:00.400 --> 00:44:07.280
I feel like everyone that are maybe doing any uh basic fitness all-rounder, right?
00:44:07.679 --> 00:44:13.840
Um, I feel like running is a very strong foundation and the strong base to kind of build their engine.
00:44:13.920 --> 00:44:16.239
And I highly recommend everybody to to run.
00:44:16.320 --> 00:44:18.880
And I love that because now I feel like everyone's running.
00:44:19.039 --> 00:44:20.559
So we love that.
00:44:20.880 --> 00:44:21.760
Well, you know what I love?
00:44:21.840 --> 00:44:27.360
I love the fact that you were so open about struggling when you first started running.
00:44:27.519 --> 00:44:44.320
And I think a lot of times that keeps people away from starting is this fear that I'm not gonna be good at it, as opposed to, you know, being at least uh uh kinder to themselves and understanding it's gonna take some time and giving yourself some grace and some and some space to really figure things out.
00:44:44.559 --> 00:44:50.320
When you first started running, when you were struggling, what was bringing you back to the starting line?
00:44:50.400 --> 00:44:55.440
Because a lot of times when people struggle, they they think this isn't for me, as opposed to this is just part of the process.
00:44:55.599 --> 00:44:56.800
What was bringing you back?
00:44:57.039 --> 00:45:00.000
I think I have a very competitive like mindset.
00:45:00.159 --> 00:45:03.199
Like sometimes when I don't get it right, I just want to do it again.
00:45:03.440 --> 00:45:03.760
Sure.
00:45:04.000 --> 00:45:11.280
And also, like to be fair, every time I feel like every time I run during the run, I feel amazing.
00:45:11.360 --> 00:45:16.480
Like during the run, I feel like I have I have time with myself and I have time with my thoughts.
00:45:16.719 --> 00:45:20.480
And after the run, I just feel like you know why they call the runners high.
00:45:20.559 --> 00:45:21.599
And it's it's true.
00:45:21.679 --> 00:45:28.239
Like after every run, I just felt an immediate like lift of energy and lift of like confidence as well.
00:45:28.880 --> 00:45:31.840
And that's why I think I'm always going back to running.
00:45:31.920 --> 00:45:37.760
Like at the end of the day, I can have everything, I cannot do anything, and I'll be like, okay, I'm just gonna go for a run.
00:45:37.840 --> 00:45:39.599
You know, it's because it's that simple.
00:45:39.679 --> 00:45:40.960
You can actually just do it.
00:45:41.280 --> 00:45:49.760
Yeah, and I think you know, you hit on something super powerful is that running can be about so much more than just the physical side of it.
00:45:49.840 --> 00:46:09.199
Like, yes, you're building endurance and maybe you're getting faster, but as you put it, it's also a chance for you to be alone with your thoughts or maybe get through a tough day at the end of it where you feel exhausted and you know, in a weird kind of way, I don't know how it works, that you feel like you've got no energy, but you go for a run and you come back with more than you started with.
00:46:09.440 --> 00:46:21.360
And I'm wondering, now that you've been running for a while, are there certain things that you know you've kind of discovered maybe about yourself through these runs that maybe you didn't know was there?
00:46:21.760 --> 00:46:25.360
I've been tapping a lot into intervals recently.
00:46:25.519 --> 00:46:26.559
I love sprinting.
00:46:26.880 --> 00:46:33.360
It's a great thing to do, especially if you're short on time, you know, where it's like people are like, well, I don't have 30 minutes to go run for 30 minutes.
00:46:33.440 --> 00:46:37.599
It's like, well, you don't need 30 minutes, you need 10, and you can sprint for a little bit and you come back in and you're done.
00:46:37.760 --> 00:46:44.400
But I love the I love the fact that you're, you know, you're incorporating certain parts that a lot of people are nervous about.
00:46:44.559 --> 00:46:48.960
I mean, a lot of people that are new to the sport, it scares them to run fast.
00:46:49.360 --> 00:46:52.559
Is there also like do you do you have fun when you're running fast?
00:46:52.719 --> 00:46:53.199
Does it feel good?
00:46:54.320 --> 00:46:59.119
I personally like I am such a a short, like a short distant kind of person.
00:46:59.280 --> 00:47:03.039
I love like my my my my favorite is about 10k.
00:47:03.280 --> 00:47:04.880
And I just love going fast.
00:47:05.280 --> 00:47:09.760
But I think at the same time, I feel like both is pretty important.
00:47:10.000 --> 00:47:14.239
Like the the the the slower runs and also the fast ones.
00:47:14.400 --> 00:47:14.719
Yes.
00:47:14.880 --> 00:47:24.320
That helped build basically my foundation and the way I run, the way I do maybe a mer a a half or you know, like sometimes I go for a run.
00:47:24.559 --> 00:47:31.360
I feel like both kind of help me to get better in in my training and in my runs.
00:47:31.760 --> 00:47:38.159
Queenie, you're you sound like a coach right there because you should be doing the easier stuff and you should be doing the harder stuff.
00:47:38.239 --> 00:47:39.360
You should be doing all of it.
00:47:39.440 --> 00:47:41.920
So I'm loving that you're talking like a coach right now.
00:47:42.000 --> 00:47:44.239
I should just shut up and just let you talk for the rest of the time.
00:47:45.039 --> 00:47:46.800
Should be a coach Queenie's podcast.
00:47:47.199 --> 00:47:48.159
That's what it should be.
00:47:48.480 --> 00:47:49.199
You don't even need me.
00:47:49.519 --> 00:47:53.440
I need I need some of uh your your little tip and some of your advice.
00:47:53.920 --> 00:47:54.800
You're doing the right thing.
00:47:54.960 --> 00:48:00.239
And the the the best part about doing different types of runs is it also one, it keeps it fresh.
00:48:00.400 --> 00:48:03.280
Because if you're doing the same type of run all the time, it gets really, really boring.
00:48:03.360 --> 00:48:05.360
And if you mix it up, it keeps it fun.
00:48:05.519 --> 00:48:06.800
But they complement each other.
00:48:06.960 --> 00:48:10.079
So when you're running really fast, it makes the easy runs seem easier.
00:48:10.159 --> 00:48:14.639
And when you're building up the endurance for the easy runs, it makes the fast stuff not seem like it's so long.
00:48:14.800 --> 00:48:17.519
So the point is you're doing a good job.
00:48:17.679 --> 00:48:19.280
So let's go to race weekend.
00:48:19.440 --> 00:48:22.880
Okay, so there's always this build-up, there's and there's this anticipation.
00:48:23.280 --> 00:48:24.800
Now, were you nervous?
00:48:24.880 --> 00:48:25.920
And what about your friends?
00:48:26.000 --> 00:48:27.920
Were you were you more excited than nervous?
00:48:28.000 --> 00:48:32.719
What what was what was the feeling on the starting line amongst you and your friends?
00:48:33.039 --> 00:48:36.400
I think at the start, we were the plan was just to have fun.
00:48:36.480 --> 00:48:39.440
Like not, it's not even to like go fast.
00:48:39.840 --> 00:48:50.159
So I was like at the start, we were like, I just want to like enjoy the moment because like I've never run Shanghai City at night, like with a bunch of girls.
00:48:50.400 --> 00:48:50.719
Yeah.
00:48:50.880 --> 00:49:00.960
And it's just so empowering to be able to be surrounded with so many different people, so many people uh different rays, different shapes, different size.
00:49:01.280 --> 00:49:01.840
I love that.
00:49:02.000 --> 00:49:04.800
And at the start, me, I was having a chat with my friend.
00:49:04.880 --> 00:49:05.599
I was like, you know what?
00:49:05.679 --> 00:49:06.880
Let's just enjoy this.
00:49:07.039 --> 00:49:11.280
Let's come in with no pressure and let's just enjoy the run.
00:49:11.440 --> 00:49:13.199
Can I go deeper into the runs?
00:49:13.519 --> 00:49:15.840
I would I would absolutely love to, yes.
00:49:16.639 --> 00:49:24.079
So when when when they kind of kick off, we we kind of started the run and then we were like, okay, we're just gonna enjoy it.
00:49:24.239 --> 00:49:28.320
But the more we were like slowing down, the more crowded it gets.
00:49:28.960 --> 00:49:32.320
So we're like, oh my God, like let's just let's just go.
00:49:32.480 --> 00:49:35.599
So we ended up like sprinting the whole race.
00:49:35.840 --> 00:49:36.880
But it was so fun.
00:49:36.960 --> 00:49:37.199
Yeah.
00:49:37.519 --> 00:49:37.840
You know what?
00:49:38.000 --> 00:49:40.480
The mentality you had on the starting line is so important.
00:49:40.800 --> 00:49:42.320
That idea of let's have fun.
00:49:42.400 --> 00:49:49.440
And a lot of there are people who they make the mistake that they think if they're having fun, they can't run fast.
00:49:49.599 --> 00:49:52.079
Or if they're enjoying themselves, they're not working hard enough.
00:49:52.239 --> 00:49:56.880
And what they don't realize, you're gonna run your fastest, the more fun you're having.
00:49:57.039 --> 00:50:02.159
And you're going to run the fastest you can if you're enjoying this, because it's difficult.
00:50:02.239 --> 00:50:06.400
But if there's a joy there when you're running, you're gonna be relaxed.
00:50:06.639 --> 00:50:11.679
And the hard work doesn't seem so hard if you're having fun.
00:50:11.920 --> 00:50:14.800
And I think it's great that you had your friend with you.
00:50:14.960 --> 00:50:17.039
And was that did that last the whole race?
00:50:17.119 --> 00:50:19.760
Were you just, I mean, you're working hard, but were you enjoying it?
00:50:19.920 --> 00:50:22.800
Were you able to really like look back and say, that was fun?
00:50:23.679 --> 00:50:29.519
Yes, like I think like to be very honest, that was the most fun 10K I've ever done in my life.
00:50:29.760 --> 00:50:30.239
That's great.
00:50:30.639 --> 00:50:37.840
The whole reason why was because at the start we were like, we want to chill, and then we ended up pushing each other.
00:50:38.079 --> 00:50:41.199
Having my friend beside me, and I have to give credit for her as well.
00:50:41.360 --> 00:50:42.639
Her name's Elsie.
00:50:42.800 --> 00:50:50.719
She's she's like half my half my half my size, but she's a she's uh she's super powerful.
00:50:50.960 --> 00:50:56.639
And that's to not just have someone beside me to push through this race, but to encourage me.
00:50:57.679 --> 00:51:01.039
And um yeah, the whole race felt amazing.
00:51:01.119 --> 00:51:07.519
Like I didn't, I didn't even felt, you know, some race when you get like bat stitches and this, like that, like not for this race.
00:51:07.599 --> 00:51:14.400
I feel like I was very soaked into the whole the whole experience and the whole race.
00:51:14.719 --> 00:51:20.000
And we were just like trying to push each push each other and trying to get a good time.
00:51:20.159 --> 00:51:32.880
Like we s we started off like saying we're gonna chill, and then we started, we ended off with like, all right, let's and then she was like, she wants to hit uh her PB, which is like um less than 15 minutes.
00:51:33.119 --> 00:51:33.760
Oh wow, okay.
00:51:33.920 --> 00:51:35.679
And then we're like, okay, let's go.
00:51:36.079 --> 00:51:43.679
And then we ended like dashing the whole race, but um, yeah, I I do did really enjoy that that 10K run.
00:51:43.920 --> 00:51:45.360
It was it was so much fun.
00:51:45.679 --> 00:52:01.920
As someone who who obviously helps people with their fitness journeys like you do, and then your experience for After Dark, and I think one of the one of the most beautiful aspects of After Dark is the community spirit that that is it's palpable, it's there, you can feel it.
00:52:02.159 --> 00:52:05.199
How important is it having a community like that?
00:52:05.360 --> 00:52:11.119
Just and and it's not just in After Dark, because you've been helping people with their fitness journeys for a long time.
00:52:11.280 --> 00:52:15.119
You have your own fitness journey, you've been a part of After Dark.
00:52:15.360 --> 00:52:21.440
Can you maybe talk about how essential it is to have a community around you if you really want to try to be your best?
00:52:21.679 --> 00:52:36.079
I do a lot of group fitness and group classes, and I always tell the whole room is that sometimes when you do it alone, you can only hit like kind of like a capacity, like a maximum capacity.
00:52:36.239 --> 00:52:39.199
But when you do it as a team, you can like the sky is the limit.
00:52:39.280 --> 00:52:44.239
And I always say that um to my to my my people.
00:52:44.559 --> 00:52:54.880
And and I strongly agree on like the community part because I feel like without the community, there's a part, there's a whole missing, and there's a joy of that missing as well.
00:52:55.039 --> 00:53:00.079
It's like having to know like someone is there for you, like it it it feels something.
00:53:00.239 --> 00:53:10.400
It takes you to some a very special place when you know like your whole team is there like cheering you on, or even just running beside a a really good friend that's trying to push you on like that.
00:53:10.559 --> 00:53:14.960
Without her, I don't think I can push as far as I thought I would.
00:53:15.280 --> 00:53:18.320
Because you only know your max, right?
00:53:18.480 --> 00:53:28.000
And and having someone there to push you, you you it kind of shows you a part when you've uh a a place where you've never seen yourself in.
00:53:28.159 --> 00:53:32.239
So yeah, community is I'm I'm such a community person.
00:53:32.400 --> 00:53:33.440
I don't know if you can tell.
00:53:33.679 --> 00:53:34.880
Yeah, no, it's and it's great.
00:53:34.960 --> 00:53:36.880
And you're gonna it's so true.
00:53:36.960 --> 00:54:01.599
And I think one of the things that's amazing about races like ADT, you'll hear this from some of the runners that it's not even a friend, it's just someone that they were running next to and a bond forms, and they'll run together for the rest of the race, and it's it's they're describing exactly what you were saying you experienced with your friend, but it just happened to be the runner next to them during the race.
00:54:01.679 --> 00:54:18.079
And I'm I'm wondering if if you had a message, let's say, to a woman out there right now that maybe doesn't have a community and is nervous about signing up for a race, what would your advice be to them to find a community?
00:54:18.239 --> 00:54:23.679
How how would they go about finding those people, finding those other women to run with?
00:54:23.760 --> 00:54:24.960
What would be your advice to them?
00:54:25.360 --> 00:54:33.760
I feel like I can be, I feel like I have um sometimes I feel like I'm afraid to kind of join certain communities.
00:54:33.840 --> 00:54:39.679
I just feel like will will I not be will I not fit in or things like that.
00:54:39.840 --> 00:54:48.079
But I feel like after you being there, I feel that the whole the whole story starts to change, right?
00:54:48.239 --> 00:55:01.199
Um you you won't be as scared as you used to be, or you you start opening up to more people and and you see more people that are doing that alliance with you and conversation starts to run.
00:55:01.280 --> 00:55:03.840
I and I feel like that's where friendship starts to build.
00:55:04.079 --> 00:55:11.360
And yeah, like if if someone is afraid to kind of join like things like this, they should just do it.
00:55:11.440 --> 00:55:19.199
They should just show up and everything let let the everything start from there, like let the story speaks from there after.
00:55:19.519 --> 00:55:20.159
No, I love that.
00:55:20.239 --> 00:55:40.400
And I think it's it's to your point, I think it's really important for people to hear that if if maybe they're nervous about joining a community because they say, I I I don't see anyone like me there, well, maybe you're the first one like you that's gonna be there, and that's going to invite other people like you to say, Hey, I see her, I connect with her, I'm gonna show up.
00:55:40.559 --> 00:55:48.719
You could be the invitation for so many people, which I think is what's so beautiful about the sport, is there really is room on the starting line for everyone.
00:55:49.039 --> 00:55:50.960
You just have to show up.
00:55:51.280 --> 00:55:54.559
And a lot of times that's what inspires other people to show up.
00:55:54.800 --> 00:55:56.480
So I I love that.
00:55:56.639 --> 00:56:01.599
And and yes, I can definitely tell that you are into community big time.
00:56:01.840 --> 00:56:04.400
So it it it makes sense, absolutely.
00:56:04.639 --> 00:56:26.719
Now, if we're gonna talk to the audience again, um, I would love to know what your message would be to someone who's getting on a starting line and they're nervous because I think we that that conversation you had with your friend about let's go have some fun, let's park you again in the middle of a starting line surrounded by new runners.
00:56:27.199 --> 00:56:28.719
And you can tell they're nervous.
00:56:29.039 --> 00:56:32.079
You can tell maybe they're even a little scared of what's coming.
00:56:32.159 --> 00:56:48.400
You know, the 10K's about to start, or the half marathon's about to start, and you take a deep breath, what are you gonna tell all of the athletes around you before that gun goes off and before the race starts to maybe give them the confidence they need to do what they want to do?
00:56:49.039 --> 00:56:56.079
I will tell them that if they're if they are nervous, that means they care a lot about doing better.
00:56:56.320 --> 00:56:56.480
Absolutely.
00:56:56.800 --> 00:56:58.960
Which is which is that's the first thing, right?
00:56:59.119 --> 00:57:03.039
Is like like me going up on stage, like me going up to teach.
00:57:03.199 --> 00:57:05.920
If I'm not nervous, I I don't care that much.
00:57:06.159 --> 00:57:06.480
Yeah.
00:57:06.719 --> 00:57:12.159
So I think that's one thing that they're already kind of in, like they are they care a lot about themselves.
00:57:12.400 --> 00:57:30.239
Um for I think after that I will just tell them that you they are already here, like they just have to have fun and just be themselves the whole time when they're running, have no expectations, and just do their very best.
00:57:30.639 --> 00:57:37.360
One one one kilometer at the time, one step at the time, and enjoy at the end.
00:57:37.679 --> 00:57:38.239
That's great.
00:57:38.320 --> 00:57:40.800
And I love the fact that you said just be yourself, you know?
00:57:40.960 --> 00:57:52.800
Like you don't you don't have to be anything more than who you are, and that's enough, which is a great message to hear, especially from someone who's done it before, which is why next time you are on a starting line, you need to say that.
00:57:53.039 --> 00:58:04.480
I feel like being nervous is like part of it, and it's all all we have to do is just to know how to how how to hold how to hold that and try to control it.
00:58:04.719 --> 00:58:05.679
Yeah, you're right.
00:58:05.840 --> 00:58:11.360
And then once you're done with the the nervous, once the gun's off, everything starts to shift.
00:58:11.519 --> 00:58:15.119
It's just the it's just before the gun.
00:58:15.440 --> 00:58:15.760
It is.
00:58:15.920 --> 00:58:16.960
And listen, I agree with you.
00:58:17.039 --> 00:58:19.199
I think the butterflies, I think they're a part of it.
00:58:19.280 --> 00:58:22.159
A lot of times people say, I'm so nervous, and then act like something's wrong.
00:58:22.320 --> 00:58:24.079
When I'm like, oh, everything's right.
00:58:24.159 --> 00:58:25.199
You should be a little nervous.
00:58:25.280 --> 00:58:28.239
And you and the butterflies are are some of the most fun.
00:58:28.320 --> 00:58:29.599
And to your point, I agree.
00:58:29.679 --> 00:58:33.679
I think it's a it's a testament to the fact that this matters to you.
00:58:33.920 --> 00:58:37.440
And you want to try your best and you and you want to give your all.
00:58:37.599 --> 00:58:40.639
And that's that's a beautiful feeling.
00:58:40.800 --> 00:58:42.320
So yeah, just embrace it.
00:58:42.559 --> 00:58:46.000
Don't let it rob you of energy, let it give you energy.
00:58:46.320 --> 00:58:47.599
What's next for you?
00:58:47.840 --> 00:58:49.119
What next for me?
00:58:49.280 --> 00:58:57.679
I think like currently I've been kind of go, I've been trying to do more longer runs than I ever expected.
00:58:57.920 --> 00:58:58.559
That's awesome.
00:58:58.800 --> 00:59:04.719
Um, like I like during training, I usually never go past like 12k.
00:59:05.119 --> 00:59:05.440
Okay.
00:59:05.840 --> 00:59:12.480
But last week I did um a very um really unique thing with my friends when I did about like 16k.
00:59:12.800 --> 00:59:16.400
And I get my friends to meet halfway point to continue the journey with me.
00:59:16.559 --> 00:59:16.960
That's awesome.
00:59:17.119 --> 00:59:25.519
But I've done like 25k and um last I think last year for my birthday, but it's a bad idea because I haven't really tried like trained for that.
00:59:25.679 --> 00:59:26.800
And I was like, you know what?
00:59:26.880 --> 00:59:28.400
Let's just do 25k.
00:59:28.719 --> 00:59:29.840
You need the training.
00:59:30.239 --> 00:59:32.559
So you I'm guessing you're returning 25.
00:59:32.800 --> 00:59:33.199
Yes.
00:59:33.440 --> 00:59:35.440
Yeah, so yeah, so 25 for 25.
00:59:35.519 --> 00:59:43.039
I guess 15 for 25 doesn't have the same ring to it, but yeah, you're you're gonna probably want to train to do 26 for 26.
00:59:43.119 --> 00:59:45.039
I'll just say I am trying to do that.
00:59:45.119 --> 00:59:52.239
I I I have I need the confidence, I need, I need the I need to prepare myself, but I'm I'm thinking of doing it.
00:59:52.480 --> 00:59:53.119
All right, awesome.
00:59:53.199 --> 00:59:58.079
Yeah, I would give yourself uh maybe about 10, 12 weeks ahead of time to just start prepping for that.
00:59:58.639 --> 00:59:59.280
You know, all right.
00:59:59.360 --> 01:00:06.400
Now, for people that are listening, how do they follow Queenie, see what you're up to, and and and check it out online?
01:00:06.960 --> 01:00:08.800
Please check me out on Instagram.
01:00:08.880 --> 01:00:10.320
I'm more towards on Instagram.
01:00:10.400 --> 01:00:11.840
It's called Queenie Azabath.
01:00:12.000 --> 01:00:13.039
Yeah, follow me.
01:00:13.119 --> 01:00:16.960
And yeah, I post a lot of spin stuff and fitness stuff.
01:00:17.199 --> 01:00:18.639
Yeah, it'll be all in the show notes.
01:00:18.719 --> 01:00:20.559
We'll put cool stuff in there so everyone can follow you.
01:00:20.639 --> 01:00:21.920
But thank you so much for sharing it.
01:00:22.320 --> 01:00:22.960
Thank you so much.
01:00:23.920 --> 01:00:24.800
I appreciate your time.
01:00:25.039 --> 01:00:26.079
No, this was awesome.
01:00:26.239 --> 01:00:29.760
We really appreciate you having uh, we really appreciate having you on here.
01:00:29.920 --> 01:00:38.639
And again, thank you for being a part of the sport and and just thank you for all you do for all of these athletes in so many different ways.
01:00:38.800 --> 01:00:39.599
We really appreciate it.
01:00:39.840 --> 01:00:40.159
Thank you.
01:00:40.559 --> 01:00:41.199
Thank you so much.
01:00:41.360 --> 01:00:42.639
I appreciate you.
01:00:46.480 --> 01:00:49.840
Different cities, different paces, one shared run.
01:00:50.000 --> 01:00:50.960
Thanks for being here.
01:00:51.119 --> 01:00:53.039
We'll see you after dark.
