‘Running is What I Do, Not Who I Am’

An inspirational quote which helps Sarah Cummings to stay focused: “What the mind can conceive, and the heart can believe, the body will achieve.” Sarah made a transition from the ice to the roads. Sarah embodies the term resilience through the challenges and adjustments which she has made in her life.

Take a few minutes to read the story of Sarah.

I feel more at peace when…:

I am most at peace when I am outside getting my heart beating! 

What you want the reader to know about Sarah?

I am honored to share my story with you and my words to live by—it is only crazy until you do it! 

What is the motivation which keeps you within the sport?

I am motivated to keep pushing my limits! Running helps me find (and be) the best version of myself. More recently, the process has been a source of joy. I have developed so many friendships through the sport and gotten to see the world! 

Looking back over your career, to date, what have you given up being where you are? 

I do not feel like I have given up anything. I do not think that is a sustainable way to approach the sport. I have made decisions and I have had to be disciplined with my time.

Since you started with figure skating, were there skills that you acquired that were transferred to the sport of running?

Definitely! Ice skating has many aerobic and anaerobic components like running. Solo performances in ice skating were more nerve-wracking than getting on a start line. Ice skating helped me put things in perspective in that regard. I found so much joy in lining up with friends and teammates rather than being out on the ice solo. Ice skating is one of the more mental sports out there! 

With your various physical surgeries, how difficult was it to come back each time when the average person would have let the sport go?

Very! In fact, with my hamstring surgery in late 2016, I went through many phases of “giving up” and resetting goals and expectations for post-surgery running. I was prepared to be out of shape, but I was not prepared to still be in so much pain and have other injuries, issues, and imbalances pop up. My surgery leg did not feel like my own. The constant pain in the years leading up to and immediately after the surgery wore me away. I felt pressure to put a “comeback” race on the calendar. I went through phases of thinking I never wanted to race again if I was not going to run faster than I did before (note: I still have not!), but the social aspect pulled me back in. I was lucky to have such a great, supportive community in New York City (NYC). Focusing on returning to running for the social benefits helped me stay present in recovery. I finally turned the corner about 18 months post-op after finding the most amazing physical therapist (I had tried four before landing on her). 

What is the benefit to having a coach?

The main benefit for me of having a coach is having someone to both trust and help hold me back. I do not always trust my training if I am the source. Having others help and advise gives me confidence. I tend to overdo it, so a coach is also key to me peaking appropriately. 

Do you find this sport to be emotional?

Yes and no. I love how objective it is—this was so refreshing to me when coming from ice skating so in that sense, no. The outcome is in your control. Yes, it’s emotional in how the sport can bring people together and the space beyond “more than running.” Hard work translating to progress (even small) is emotional to me. 

How do you handle results which do not meet your expectations?

I try to learn what I can from the performance and then get back to work. If a poor running performance (workout/race) impacts the rest of my day or the people around me, then I am taking things too seriously. Running is something I do, not who I am.  

What words can you share with a person who is starting an exercise program?

Take the first step. It is not going to be easy, but it will be worth it. The hardest part is getting into a routine. 

How important is winning? 

Not important. I am only competing against myself. I am lucky to have another source of income so I can focus on performance rather than place. 

What changes have you seen in the sport over the years relative to female athletes?

Positive ones! It has been great to see the discourse change around performance progression, from high school, through to college, and beyond. Although it was not long ago, my high school years were characterized by an emphasis on maintaining linear progression at all costs.

What are the top three performances on your list?

Boston Marathon 2014—A year after the bombing, I ran the race of my life (dropped 5 mins) and soaked up all the spirit along the way.

CIM 2018: Post-surgery, qualified for my second Olympic Trials surrounded by friends and family.

JFK 50 Mile! 

What is more important effort or time?

I think it depends on the situation/setting. For workouts I would say effort—many variables can mentally and physically derail you if you have too much of a focus on time. In races, time. 

How important is diet? 

Very! I think it is more important to focus on when and how much you consume rather than what. 

What expectations have you set for yourself? 

High ones! I am constantly finding they are higher (sub-consciously) than I realize. It has been a process for me to learn how to be happy with small things and celebrate every day of healthy running. I think, for a while, I feared I would be settling if I were happy (or appeared to be happy) with good but not great performances. I remind myself that running is something I do, not who I am.

Have there been any times when you doubted your abilities? 

I think I have typically been self-aware when it comes to fitness level and have always tried to do the best I can be relative to where I am. I do not spend a ton of timing think about whether I “should” be on a starting line or not or whether I am not sure what good comes of it. I have tried to look ahead. 

How was the transition from high school, college, and then professional?

These transitions have come at natural breaking points for me. I had not been the best in high school and knew I would not be in college. This helped me to focus on pushing myself to my best and not focusing on others/place. I saw friends who had been the biggest fishes in small ponds struggle with the transition from high school to college. I was excited to be middle of the pack and run with others better than me. College to post/pro came at a time when I was growing a bit weary with college track due to spotlight and pressure… I lost some of the joy of running and rediscovered it on the roads. NYC provided me with the most amazing community, and although it might seem surprising, a great way to transition.

What is the best distance which you feel you can achieve your best?

I previously thought this was a marathon but now think it might be in the 50-mile range! I am excited to continue to try new distances.

Did the current environment of COVID-19 come into play in deciding to run?

Very much so. I went back and forth countless times. It was a very tough decision. If my sister were not in D.C., I would not have made the trip. I stayed with her leading up to the race and after. Before the race entered the conversation, she made plans to fly west to join family for Thanksgiving (and remain for the winter). Her flight was scheduled for the day after the race. I was able to jump on her itinerary—it felt like it was meant to be. I did not share my plans to race with more than a handful of people. A few who I did share with had run the race before, including former winner, Kate Pallardy. They encouraged me to seize the opportunity. I have had so many periods of injury over the last few years. Health cannot be taken for granted. The stars felt aligned for this… I am so grateful for the support and guidance she provided me leading up to the race in addition to former Princeton teammate and ultra-runner extraordinaire, Clare Gallagher. Lastly, my sister who is also an incredibly talented distance runner, was the best crew a girl could ever ask for. Everything was seamless from start to finish. My sister made this happen—before/during and of course celebrations after!

(In November 2019 Sarah participated in the JFK 50 Mile run in Boonsboro, Maryland, and a portion of the Appalachian Trail.)