From Diva To Marathoner

When Kate first signed on to run with Team McGraw four years ago, I was ... skeptical.  The major focus of her first marathon training plan was to find the running shoes with the proper amount of ...bling.  When Kate arrived for our Team photo before the Chicago Marathon, her hair & makeup were perfect and her shoes were appropriately... bling-y. 

My thought was: "Oh brother... we are going to have to scrape this Diva off the street when she hits the wall".   

But she finished.  And she kept coming back for more.  And she set a huge PR the next year.  She has still not stopped running.   Nor has she turned her back on her proper fashion sense.  Rest assured, she will always arrive with her signature stylish flair.  Even after 26.2 miles the Diva Marathoner looks great. 

One thing I have learned from coaching charity runners: they are tough, motivated and inspired by something so much greater than a PR or a finisher's medal.  Kate began running to support her former college roommate, Jenny, who was battling a brain tumor.   Now, four years later, Kate continues to run in memory of her friend.  Jenny taught Kate, and all of us, the meaning of strength and courage.  And Kate has taught me a few lessons about courage and dedication.  I am inspired by the marathoner and endurance athlete that Kate has become.  From a recent interview (with, appropriately enough, a jewelry company!)... Kate in her own words:

"Jenny was an incredible woman who was a tremendous inspiration to me and she took me on a journey with her that changed me in a profound way. First of all, I learned how STRONG I was. Once you run your first marathon, you realize that there is nothing that can stop you in life. It just empowers you in the best ways possible. More importantly, she truly taught me what it means to "be of service" to others -- no matter what you are dealing with in life, someone out there has it worse than you and going outside of yourself to help others truly is what brings purpose and true fulfillment to your life. It's pretty simple to me, we are put here to help each other out on our journeys in this world. Do what you can, but DO SOMETHING!"  ~ Kate McLenaghan, The Marathon Diva

Run Smart. Train Hard. Race Fast. 
Listen to Coach Kevin each week as he co-hosts Pure Fit Radio. Listen online at www.PureFitRadio.com and subscribe for free at iTunes!