Motivational Masters Marathon Training and Life Tips from Running Coach Sarah Ranson
As a wife, mom, post-collegiate athlete, dog-lover, masters marathon training expert, and running coach, Sarah Ranson has incredible wisdom to offer in her podcast interview.
Sarah started running back in middle school after ‘doing all the sports’ and eventually competed Cross Country and Track at the University of Missouri. She had a phenomenal experience as part of a growing, flourishing program. As she continued her education, she became a graduate assistant coach at Florida State and ultimately a coach for various programs in Indianapolis, Baltimore, and finally, Spokane.
On the podcast, Sarah shares her experiences with the Spokane Swifts Club Team, a group of over 100 women training together multiple times per week.
She discusses the importance of finding your groove and meeting people with similar passions and interests.
"Sports teach you grit; when things don't go your way, it's never the end of the world".
As a masters marathon runner, Sarah recently completed the Chicago Marathon.
Due to heat and humidity, the race didn’t go exactly as she planned. Sarah shares how she dealt with the results and set her sights on new goals. She has plans to run the Huntington Beach Marathon in early February 2022.
As runners age, Sarah highlights the importance of maintaining a strong core.
She laughs as she describes what works for her (and may for you too)- a simple 10 minutes Abs of Steel video. It’s even free on YouTube now! She also enjoys hot pilates 1-2 times per week and swims regularly for recovery.
Like most runners, Sarah loves to eat! Because of her marathon training and regular exercise, she can generally eat what she wants and considers food as fuel.
Coaching comes naturally to Sarah and she finds being a running coach personally satisfying.
She truly believes everyone can become a good runner!
Sarah’s approach is to help her clients understand that failure is part of life. By confronting fear (including tough workouts), she believes we can grow.
Sarah’s positive running coaching style shines through and she describes herself as an optimist and cheerleader. Be sure to listen to the full episode to hear Sarah’s words of wisdom for those looking to start working out.
"Human beings were meant to run".
Sarah loves her Garmin watch and the Strava app, but she also cautions runners to learn how to find their natural pace without a watch.
Truly, Sarah wants to still be running at age 80 (but she doesn’t want to be stooped over)! She currently has a goal of breaking the sub-3 hour mark in the marathon in her 50s. She recommends regularly changing shoes (she switches at around 350 miles or less) and incorporating cross-training when necessary.
Sarah reveals how running is just a huge part of who she is. When she doesn’t get a run in, she’s less centered, energetic, and just less engaged in her daily life.
Be sure to check out Sarah’s coaching services and her ‘one day at a time’ approach- she can help you improve your running!
In addition, listen to the other interviews with our Running After Age 40 guests.
