Setting Spectacular Goals for the World Marathon Challenge and Knocking Out Running Personal Bests With Amy Clove
Ever wondered what it would be like to train for the World Marathon Challenge?
Have you ever been curious about what it takes to attain a personal best in the marathon in your 40s?
Do you need some inspiration from a real-life running success story?
If so, tune into the full interview with Amy Clove and be sure to consider contributing to her cause, the Operation Underground Railroad. Read the show notes below from highlights from our interview and check out her website, www.amyruns777.com.
While listening to Ryan Hall’s book, Run the Mile You Are In, Amy heard about the World Marathon Challenge.
She recalls checking out the website and being absolutely intrigued by the idea of running 7 marathons on 7 continents on 7 days. Although she was completely captivated, she didn’t initially consider the World Marathon Challenge as something for her.
Amy reached out to the race organizer and found that the World Marathon Challenge is an event for everyone- it’s not just an event for elites. After talking with her family, she took on the challenge and signed up for the endurance event.
Importantly, Amy is running the 7 marathon event in part to raise awareness and charity for the Operation Underground Railroad. This organization has a mission of rescuing children worldwide who are trapped in sex trafficking.
Although Amy ran a bit in high school, she started running 5 miles consistently a few times a week in college. She ran a 1/2 marathon in her early 20s and was drawn to distance running.
At age 28, Amy completed her first marathon. Despite her joy for running, having kids and injuries just led to her ‘giving up’ running. She felt really sad but just thought she couldn’t do it anymore….this was after trying physical therapy, massage, and chiropractic care. In 2018, Amy’s massage therapist recommended she try a personal trainer. That’s when everything changed.
"Food has the power to heal".
Amy worked incredibly hard with the personal trainer- she recalls being nervous and doing intense workouts- some examples:
- Squats
- Lunges
- TRX
- Deadlifts
- Balance and stability exercises
After a 10 year hiatus from running, she slowly started up again on the road.
She describes her emotional crossing of the finish line from her first half-marathon race back- she was just filled with joy from being able to complete that distance.
Amy returned to the marathon distance in 2021 at the Indianapolis Marathon. Over 16 years after completing her first attempt at the 26.2 mile race, she not only finished, but she finished 45 minutes faster than her ‘younger’ self.
Realizing that she was ‘still a runner’, Amy felt the desire to reach for more and to no longer sell herself short.
"Everyone has their thing that makes them feel alive".
Amy recommends consistently doing strength training to keep running possible.
She generally runs 4 days per week, although her weekly mileage gets quite high. She believes rest is super important!
Keeping to the basics, Amy uses:
a Running hat to protect from the sun
Music, podcasts, or audiobooks for parts of her runs
According to Amy, running is a huge parallel to life.
Getting back to running makes her feel like she is back to herself and like she is reaching for her full human potential.
Be sure to follow Amy as she takes on the World Marathon Challenge!
Check out our other podcast episodes and all things related to running with joy after 40. You may love our 52 weeks of inspirational quotes!
