Do You Possess the Willpower to Follow Through?
The months continue to pass by, and what you planned to achieve might have gotten away. What happened to your fitness goals?
It happens too frequently, the interruptions and sacrificing your aspirations to fit in others. But you can still achieve your goals if you want them bad enough. You can analyze what it will take. Do you possess the willpower to follow through?
You can increase your chances of success when you have others to assist and recognize your talents. In order to be successful, you must have the desire to want to improve.
In this column we will visit with Emily Harrison Torrence.
Emily is a three-time high school state champion in cross country and track. She went on to be a three-time All American at the University of Virginia in cross country and track. After college graduation (2008), she joined Adidas-McMillan Elite in Flagstaff, Arizona, and ran her marathon personal record of 2:32:55 at the 2011 Twin Cities Marathon. She’s since competed in two U.S. Olympic Team Marathon Trials.
In 2012, Emily entered her first ultramarathon and placed second in the prestigious JFK 50 Mile (6:17), and she’s now won the race twice (2013 – 6:34:52 and 2017 – 6:27:42). She holds the course record at Moab’s Red Hot 55K (4:24). Emily participated as a USA Team member at the 2014 and 2018 100K World Teams. She placed 7th female (26th overall) at the 2013 Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run. She holds the second fastest North American road 50K time of 3:15 and followed that up with a 50k World Championship win in Qatar in 2014.
How did you get started with running?
“I started running track in middle school. From there I ran in college and competed post-collegiately. During this time, my mom was doing ultras, but I didn’t get started myself until 2012 when I ran JFK 50 as my first ultra.”
What sort of running adjustments have you had to make?
“There was a transition of not only surface, but also terrain. Training on the surface you plan to race on is ideal. When running on trails, you have the added element of watching your footing. It’s also a different style of running and uses different muscles compared to roads.”
Are there any races that were a great effort for you?
“I feel I’ve had a few races that represented a great effort from me: when I finished 6th in NCAA Division I Cross Country Championships; finishing 3rd at Twin Cities Marathon in my PR of 2:32; and my first JFK 50 finishing 2nd to Ellie Greenwood with both of us running under the course record.”
How has running influenced you?
“Ever since I started running, most of my major life decisions have either been driven by or a result of the sport such as my college choice, moving to Arizona, etc. It has opened opportunities for me that otherwise I might not have had.”
How do you keep a balance in your life to maintain your performance?
“When I was living the life of a professional athlete, it was easy to not maintain balance. It became quickly apparent that having a healthy life balance was very important. Now that I’m balancing family, work, and training, I feel much more rounded, although it does take thoughtful planning to not lose this balance.”
What is your running philosophy?
“I tend to be conservative in my approach to training and racing. I believe in running as a lifelong, sustainable part of my life. I also recognize every athlete is different, and we all do what we do for our own reasons. Find your inner motivator and stay true to yourself.”
Have you had any setbacks which made you evaluate if you wanted to stay in the sport?
“I’ve had my share of setbacks, but none them have made me question staying in the sport. Those setbacks were still a mental challenge though and test how badly you want to be out running and doing.”
Is there an event that you’re the least proud of?
“I’ve got a few of these too! In short, races where I walk away knowing I gave up on myself and didn’t give it my all are the races I’m least proud of.”
How do you handle the results that do not match the effort you put into the race?
“I let myself be upset for a little while, but then I reflect on the race and the training leading up to the race to see if I can identify what went wrong. I look at it as another learning experience to build from and then move on to my next goals. It’s not good to dwell too long on the negative.”
Do you believe that running is emotional?
“Yes! Running is very emotional. Running holds a different connection for everyone, and everyone has their own unique story of what brought them to running which is quite special.”
Did you have a coach to assist with your training?
“I have always enjoyed having a coach to help design my training. I do best having structure and a laid-out plan. It holds me accountable, plus it takes away any second-guessing. Currently, my husband, Ian Torrence, writes my training and has built all my training since 2012.”
What is the value of having a coach?
“Everyone has a coach for different reasons and value different aspects of what a coach has to offer. Some runners like having accountability and someone to answer to each week. Other runners are looking to maximize their running potential and find a customized plan tailored to them, which helps them reach their potential. Contrary to this, new runners or runners transitioning to ultras, don’t always know where to begin with training and are looking to learn more about the sport. A coach is there to teach and introduce them to running in a safe manner. Having a coach can even come down to having someone to talk about running with and someone to have camaraderie with.”
Why did you decide to start coaching?
“Ian offered me an assistant coaching position several years ago, and he mentored me in coaching ultras, as well as sub-ultra distances. I’ve always looked up to the coaches I’ve worked with throughout my career, so to have the opportunity to share my experiences with others has been well worth it.”
How do you decide if you are a good match with a runner?
“Usually, we share a similar philosophy in training, and we communicate well with each other. The coach-athlete relationship should be a partnership. I’ve become good friends with the athletes I’ve worked with a long time, so it takes our coach-athlete relationship to another level.”
How is the coaching handled where there is distance between you and the athlete?
“We communicate via email mainly, but depending on the athlete we may also schedule phone or Skype calls. Training is shared via Google Spreadsheet with both the athlete and the coach being able to make comments and notes, so it’s interactive.”
How do you know if the athlete is improving?
“The most basic improvements you start to see are faster training paces and improved race results. However, the most important improvements to me are listening to how an athlete is feeling physically and emotionally. Often you hear the athlete becoming more confident with themselves and feeling stronger all around. This is always exciting to hear and means they are on the right track.”
