My Unexpected Road to Boston

My Unexpected Road to Boston

Unbeknownst to me, my road to the Boston Marathon began in 2016, when I was slightly overweight and looking for ways to get rid of those last stubborn pounds that I gained while pregnant with my second son. This is when I was offered a free trial to a triathlon fitness course. I thoroughly enjoyed it! I didn’t know how to swim, and I had just been introduced to spin classes a few months earlier. Triathlon provided the holistic and challenging training that I was looking for. Of course, I did not want to race—just train and be fit—so I thought.

 

The triathlon trainer told me that if I kept working at it, I could finish an Ironman 70.3 in 2017. Wholeheartedly believing this, I signed up for the Atlantic City Ironman 70.3. I was so excited until I realized: I just got over my fear of swimming in the pool, how can I swim in the Atlantic City Bay? Lots of work had to be done and I did. I trained in the pool and at a local lake three to four times a week, and practiced road cycling outdoors when I could. My time was limited, but I was able to compete in a handful of what I deem intimidating swim and triathlon races leading up to the 70.3, to accomplish the goal of crossing the finish line.

 

Because I had tweaked my eating habits and cut back on sugars with the help of a coach, my body fat was optimal, and I discovered that I could run . . . fast . . . for a long time. Previously, I had always been an on-and-off recreational runner, never having run over five miles. This hidden talent was exposed through triathlon and I decided to capitalize on it. I began running in more road races, placing in several, even winning a snowshoe 5K. I missed Boston qualification (BQ) by just a few minutes during my first marathon in 2017 and secured a BQ with my second marathon in 2018, where I placed fourth in my age group. Since then, I have finished the North Face Endurance Challenge New York 50 miler and the New York City Marathon. With an Ironman 140.6 slated for 2021, my long-term goal is to complete the Abbott World Marathon Majors.

 

So, here I am—unexpectedly on the road to the Boston Marathon in April 2020. I’d like to share my journey with you all the way to the finish in Copley Square. More importantly, I want to encourage you to embark on your own fitness adventure. You can use this free pass to train at Cherry Hill Health & Racquet Club! Take advantage of the free group classes or enjoy the updated fitness equipment.

 

See you on the treadmill!

~LaRonda Koffi

 

 

tidbits | My husband of nearly 17 years and I have two young boys and work in public relations. My husband and boys support and encourage me every day.

 

No Comments

Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.

Bounce back to better health and wellness

GET IN TOUCH!

Physical Therapy
Name
Name