RC Member: Ann Harambasic
Lives: Arizona
Works: Civil Engineer, Mother of Two.
“Between work, running, swimming and family duties, I have little time for much else but I am content and thankful.”
How long have you been running?
I have been running consistently since 2008, my running prior to this was very sporadic.
When and what your first race?
My first race in 2008 was the Lost Dutchman 10K
What is your favorite race?
My favorite race is the Lost Dutchman half marathon. It is a very small race with beautiful scenery, at the foot of the Superstition Mountains.
What are your goals? Goal races? Any bucket list running goals?
My running goals are to get faster while being injury free. I am running my second full marathon in March and would love to finish under 4:15. Also I would love to sub 2:00 in the half.
Another long term goal of mine would also to be able to complete a half iron man
What were your biggest struggles before joining RunnersConnect?
Example, Before I decided to join RunnersConnect, I stayed up late reading all of the articles on the RC website trying to figure out why my times were getting slower and slower.
I am 41 but it seemed like after turning 40 everything started to go downhill.
I started running consistently (ie 4-5 days per week) about four years ago so I couldn’t believe that my highest potential had already passed me by. It was then I realized I don’t know what the heck I was doing and I needed some professional guidance.
One of my biggest problems…. My mind is weaker than my body. I need to develop some true grit. I need to come to peace with the pain that is a necessary evil in the training process and racing.
What part of training did I struggle with the most?
After reading all the RC articles, I realized I was doing A LOT wrong. First of all, I was running too fast all the time. Long runs too fast, track workouts too fast, and I never had easy run days. I am lucky that I never got injured but I did get sick a lot.
What did your training look like prior to working with us?
My first marathon training schedule looked like the following: Monday rest, Tuesday spin, Track on Wednesday with the run club, Yoga or nothing on Thursday, Friday maybe run a little or rest, Saturday long runs, Sunday trails. I was making up my own plan as I go,
I think my times weren’t improving because I never incorporated tempo runs and I was running at the wrong paces for my fitness level.
The long runs left me exhausted and wiped out a good part of the day.
Just before I joined RC, I was training for a triathlon I believe the cross training helped me build my aerobic endurance. Since swimming and biking were new to me the training was done slower in order to get in the mileage.
What prompted you to start looking for a better solution?
My main reason for seeking training help was due to the diminishing returns on my training.
I felt frustrated and I also lacked the knowledge to fix my problem. Also my goal of running my second marathon was a bit frightful. The first one hurt pretty bad, physically and mentally.
How has your training changed since you started working with RunnersConnect?
RC has changed my running physically and mentally.
I never believed I could have completed most of the workouts prescribed to me. Once I was able to knock out one, then the next, then the next, I gained so much confidence not only in myself but also the coaches and the training plan.
The volume I expected for a marathon training plan, but the training paces and workouts like the Michigan and fast finish long runs were so daunting on paper. I have to admit I had anxiety prior to some of the workouts but once I completed the workouts my confidence strengthened.
What has been the biggest surprise or most interesting revelation about either the training or your own abilities that you’ve had in the last few months?
One thing I realized about myself and the training prescribed to me is that I think I have attention deficit disorder. I am sort of joking, but I have noticed in many of the workouts I focus so much on the prescribed paces that my mind is distracted and the thought of the fatigue is secondary. I may need a prescribed marathon workout pace schedule for my race.
Did you have any doubts or fears before joining RunnersConnect?
Yes I had fears about joining RC. Since it is an online community, you never know what you will get. I am glad for the 1 month trial period. The other members are very encouraging.
The schedule was scary, and many days it is impossible to plan such long workouts but I notice that members are just like me and have similar issues fitting the workouts in their schedules too. This makes me feel normal, we are doing the best we can each day and the coaches understand that we have work, travel, and families.
What is your favorite part of RunnersConnect now?
I like to see training questions that other members have and also the coaches responses to these questions. Many members struggle just like myself in trying to balance training and life. I like the race recaps. I like the coach chats. I like the marathon webinars. I like all the articles.
What recent results have you been able to attain since joining?
I have yet to run a road race to showcase my training up to date but I am confident I will get my sub 2:00 in my half marathon coming up.
Good luck and go Ann!!
