Going for your Goals: Marathon and Racing Wisdom from Coach Nicole

Coach Nicole has been leading clients to victory with Lifelong Endurance for several years; she also is an elite marathon runner, currently preparing for her third Olympic Marathon Time Trials.

The Beginnings of A Great Marathon Runner

Nicole at the 2016 Olympic Marathon Time Trials

Nicole transitioned from a D1 collegiate athlete to an elite marathon runner pretty seamlessly. While those around her would say her success in the sport is due to her unrelenting work-ethic, strength, and dedication; Nicole contributes her transition from college to being one of the top marathon runners to opportunity, “ I never had any doubts about whether I would race competitively after college and I lived in a place with a wealth of opportunity to keep running. Northeast Ohio had everything I would need from great places to run (2 indoor tracks, never-ending miles of soft, towpath trails, rolling hills), to supportive relationships, and good resources whether it was massage or physical therapy.”

She ran her first marathon in her hometown of Cleveland, Ohio negative splitting by 5 minutes. She explains, “That was the first and last time that happened. I passed the lead women at about 22 miles and cruised in for the win. I really believe in making your first marathon an enjoyable race and not taking it too seriously. Get one under your belt, learn the in's and out's of race day and then start competing more as you gain knowledge of how to race a marathon. I hate hearing about people's first marathon being a bad experience and then never trying again. “

Always Learning

While Nicole preformed incredibly at her first marathon, she explains that going from the protected world of college to competing at a professional level was not without struggle, explaining adjusting to fit training and workouts into working full time was a learning curve. She humbly states that this is still something she is practicing. She reveals, “My biggest challenge has always been running after work. If I don't plan a run and pack my clothes to run on the way home, there was always a chance I wouldn't head out the door after coming home. It was the same challenge I experienced 10 years and is still to this day. “

Nicole also admits that like all runners, she is constantly learning in the sport. When asked the biggest lesson she has learned over the past decade of marathon running, she states, “Don't try anything new on race day! Still to this day I am learning that.”

Though Nicole, like all athletes, is open to learning and growing, she has perfected her craft to take her to countless wins and podium finishes. She also finds great joy in the sport, enjoying each race and training cycle as a unique experience.

Love for Running

Nicole at the 2012 Olympic Marathon Time Trials

The answer is quick when Nicole is asked what she loves most about running, stating, “[I love] The feeling you get when it all comes together. There are always going to be more rough runs than really good ones, but those really great days are what keeps me coming back. It might be a perfect weather easy feeling easy run with a friend, or it could be a long run that leaves me begging for an ice cold drink after, but I love that feeling of accomplishment and joy. “

Nicole is also detailed in recounting her favorite races and experiences. Her second win was also her first time qualifying for the Time Trials in her hometown of Cleveland. She relives, “I ran it stride for stride with my teammate.  I trained a lot with him, poured my heart and mind into the training day by day, and felt like it was my day.  That winter in Ohio wasn't ideal (are they ever?) and training for a spring marathon isn't easy, but we worked really hard for that moment, and coming down the final quarter mile with the whole crowd cheering for me, I still get goosebumps.”

Though Nicole has run many races at a high level, she still speaks excitedly about the trials, “I like all of the hype, the excitement the city produces for us, and the mini Olympic feel we get to experience. For 99% of us in the race, this is our Olympics so I enjoy that feel.”

Coaching Vs. Racing

Nicole’s true empathy is shown when asked about her views on coaching compared to racing. According to Nicole, My own training is much easier than coaching. I know when I don't feel good, or a workout or run isn't going well, when to pull the plug, when to push through. Coaching is nerve-wracking as I can't always be there for my athletes, feeling what they are feeling and knowing when they need a break or need to bag a workout and live to run another day. I am more anxious (although I may give off a cool and calm vibe) watching and hearing about their races. I always want the best for them and can be just excited or heartbroken as they are. “

As Nicole’s athlete’s know, her genuine love of the sport, when paired with her knowledge and dedication to her athletes makes her a one-of-a-kind coach. She has brought many runners to amazing personal records while allowing them to have the autonomy to to make the race and the cycle truly their own.

The elite runner also freely gives advice to anyone going for a big goal this season. She promotes, rain like you want it! Let your coach know your goals, trust that your coach will get you there, and do what they say! You can't just go day-to-day doing the bare minimum and expect great things, in any aspect of life. If you want it, go get it! And if it doesn't happen right away, just keep showing up until it does.”

To learn more about working with Nicole, you can read reviews or check out her coaching profile.