I couldn't run more than 30 seconds. Now I'm training for a half-marathon

I’ve had a long, complicated relationship with running that began with the Presidential Fitness Test in the 90s. Back then I was always at the back of the pack; a few years ago I was nearly 200 pounds heavier and couldn’t run for more than a few seconds. Now I’m a member of a run club, can run 3–4 miles without stopping, have completed two Hyrox races, and I’m training for the Philadelphia Half Marathon in November.

A friend mentioned the race and I said yes before I could talk myself out of it. After failing to find a refund I hired a coach. I was introduced to Tiffany Templeton, founder of Unity Performance Club in DC, through the Running Industry Diversity Coalition’s Movement For All Program, a free effort to pair non-traditional athletes with trainers.

Templeton built a plan that fits my schedule, fitness level, injury history, and what I dislike doing. The weekly plan balances strength and run work.

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