At the CWRRC Fall Classic on Sunday November 22nd I finished my first half marathon — 13.1 miles — without stopping. I was pretty proud of that.  Just two months prior the thought NEVER would have crossed my mind to even start a half marathon. At age 36 I had never run more than 3 miles without stopping and made excuses as to why I didn’t need to run any farther.  Meanwhile I was getting heavier and more out of shape than ever.

I entered a triathlon over the summer to raise money for a charity and the whole experience made me realize how out of shape I was. I was totally unprepared for the experience, which made me realize I needed serious help.  Through a referral I contacted Kyle and Tim at Euphoria who got me on a training and conditioning schedule designed to build strength, endurance and the confidence needed to do things I never would have considered possible before. The goal was not to run a half marathon but to just be healthier and stronger. Wieght training, stretching, track practice, cycle classes, hill and trail runs were all part of the program and within weeks I was losing weight and building strength and endurance. Then in late October Kyle sent me an email asking if I’d run in the CWRRC Half Marathon. I said yes and was excited for the challenge, even though at that point I still hadn’t run more than 5 miles.

Over the course of the next few weeks my training schedule shifted to longer runs with Kyle running with me. First 7 miles. Then 8. Then 10. Each time I was surprised at the results. The training gave me the ability to physically run the distance and Kyle helped me mentally prepare for such a long run. On race day there were four of us from “Team Euphoria” running the race. The others were more advanced so they ran out ahead a little but Kyle stayed with me to make sure I made it through. At mile 4 I settled into a good focus and rythm. I had a time goal for the first 10k, which I beat, but the goal for the overall race was just to finish. At mile 10 I felt good that I had run farther than I ever had but I was starting to really feel the physical toll. Kyle helped get me through mentally and at the end I was happy it was over but also pretty thrilled I was able to run the distance. Its a great experience to do something you never thought possible just a couple months before.

John Norris, Val Servitis and Matt Cox of Team Euphoria completed the Fall Classic Half Marathon today. The Fall Classic, hosted by Cleveland West Roadrunners, is an annual race that begins at the Bonnie Picnic Area of the Metroparks.

If you’re interested in joining Team Euphoria for multisport and running events and training, contact Kyle Amsdell at kamsdell@aol.com.