Former miniMarathon Champion's Lifestyle Transformation
A little background on me. I was a competitive racer from 1982 to 2002, and continued to run up until 2017, yes, 30 years!, can you believe it. Seriously, even for me it is hard to imagine that running consumed my life for so many years, not just in my training and racing, but also being intimately involved in my running community, the running industry, and an invested commitment to growing the sport.
That said, I hung up my running shoes a few years ago and have since retired from racing, but I am still very much involved in the running community today, volunteering at River City Races, LTCOR, I help race certify and measure courses, and even work RCR aid stations in the dead of winter, brrrr. Thank goodness for warm socks and hot coffee to help us cheer others on. On a side note, be sure to say "thank you" to the volunteers who are out there supporting you for the love of the sport!
I believe that running and walking are great ways to living a healthy lifestyle, both mentally and physically. As a life long athlete and runner, I discovered that pushing through the pain and limiting beliefs, blocking out distractions, overcoming tough obstacles and injuries, is 80% mental, and just 20% physical. Doesn't matter how far or how fast you go, just get out there and do it. If you train early in the morning, set your gear out the night before, and if need be, go ahead and sleep in your gear so you can jump out of bed, have your cup of joe, and get one foot out the door. No excuses!
Today, I get so much joy watching my wife and daughter train and race together, having fun and sometimes overcome big barriers; and as a family we are engaged in the running community helping to grow the sport. And that is so rewarding. I personally cannot remember the number of races I've done, recall all the highs and lows, and there are many, but the story I love telling most, is about my wife and daughter training and finishing the KDF Mini Marathon together, both in 2018 and 2019! Oh yeah, the PR gong was struck in 2019! Why do you like running River City Races events?What I love most about about River City Races is their frequency throughout the year giving runners and walkers an opportunity to compete and challenge themselves. But also because of races during the winter months that helps you stay sharp, focused, and engaged. The other thing I will say, as a former race director and running club president, is how well organized the RCR events are, not just from an athlete perspective, but also from race direction and organization. Plus, River City Races has cool swag, door prizes, and thoughtful awards!
Favorite distance:Though to say because I have so many fond memories at a variety of distances, from 5K to 50 miles. Truth is, I've raced more 5K's that any other distance. Why? Because I could race 5k's on the weekends to test my fitness level and speed, yet still get my long run in on Sunday, and fully recovery in less than 2 days; plus I could incorporate the speed work as part of my larger training program. Short story about racing a 5K race in Fort Collins Colorado where I used to live, train, and race. I set my personal best altitude level record, but finished a distant 7th place, and was the second American finisher. The top 5 spots went to the Kenyans. This was a humbling experience.
Anything else you'd like to share?:Have you ever felt stuck... or do you know people who have been stuck in some part of their life, maybe it's a health or fitness rut, a career rut. I help solve those OMG my plane is crashing problems. Today, through my journey, experience, and knowledge, I help transform lives and empower people to get out of their own way, to breakthrough their limiting beliefs to live a life with passion and purpose. It is something I've done throughout my running career, both professionally and as an athlete, and now I use it to inspire others and give back.
To read more about Rob Shoaf's Lifstyle Transformation, click here.