I started running again in my 30’s because I wanted to get back in shape and lose some weight. I am not shaped like a runner, but I really enjoy running. It allows me to take some quiet time and work through stresses and thoughts and enjoy the outdoors and just chill in my own head space. It also allows me to set goals and work hard to achieve them. Generally hard work leads to progress with running, and I love the simplicity of that. But the problem with running for me is I’m not a traditional running body type and so running is extra hard on my body.
So, when I started running again I kept getting hurt. I had found a good physical therapist which is where I first learned that strength training is an important part of running. Through my work with her I managed to complete 2 full marathons and numerous half marathons.
When I first started back to running with physical therapy, my times began to improve, and I was able to achieve some amazing things. I ran my first marathon. I ran numerous half marathons and I ran a ten-mile race with sub 10-minute miles. But as I kept training, my improvements slowed, and I kept getting hurt. My second marathon was not as good as my first, and my times started getting slower. Plus, I kept having to go back to PT, which is expensive and time consuming. And painful. Towards the end of my third distance running season I ran a December trail race and I slipped and fell. For the first time running- for the first time ever really- I felt weak. And I didn’t like it.
My PT had taught me that strength is important to running, so I start looking for a regular strength training program that I could use to supplement my running training. I looked at many programs including BKS.
I did a trial class and loved John’s individualized assessment and focus. I knew in my heart that it would be the best program for me, but at the time his program was structured as an “all in” program with unlimited classes and I was looking for a supplemental program. John offered to adjust his offerings to work as a supplement, but based on pricing vs offerings I convinced myself that the YMCA was a better bargain and I joined the Y.
I did 1-2 body pump classes and a yoga class at the Y every week. But I kept getting injured and I was in a constant state of discomfort. Walking hurt, because my feet were bothering me so much. I was always stiff and sore. I also realized I was gaining weight with all my long-distance running. So, I was getting weaker and slower and gaining weight. Something wasn’t working.
You see, the Y has a ton of offerings and I was pretty good about going. But at the basic membership level, they have classes, not coaches. In a class with 20+ people nobody is asking what hurts, checking on how you are doing, or watching your form. Toward the end of that running season I knew the Y wasn’t getting me where I needed to be, and I reached back out to John.
I joined BKS in October of 2015. I was doing a lot of things that weren’t good for my body. I wasn’t resting or recovering enough I wasn’t working regularly on flexibility and my nervous system was a hot mess. My nutrition was inconsistent at best – I knew what to do but wasn’t doing it consistently. John was patient and open with me. But mostly patient. Because it’s hard to get an athlete, and particularly a runner to listen to what’s good for them, especially if what’s good for them is “recover more and run less”.
I started at BKS with one day a week program but by December 2015 I had bumped up to 2 days a week. Why? Because finally found something I loved as much as running. I loved the workouts and I loved the community. I was working hard and getting stronger. And with these great people who supported me no matter what.
I wish I could say that from then on, I strength trained regularly, stopped running long distances and everything was great. But it took me some time to come around. I went through phases when I was consistent with my training. Times when I beat myself up physically and times when I sat around not doing much of anything. But in the past 6-8 months I’ve started coming more regularly. I expanded which classes I am taking and I am now regularly here 2-3 days a week. And for the first time ever, strength training and yoga are my primary programs and running is my secondary. I feel better than ever. But occasionally, I have a clarifying moment where I see something that’s different from my distance running days.
I work downtown and every day I walk down/up the double flight of steps at 30th street. As I was quick stepping down those steps a few months ago I had a moment of clarity on another way that BKS has changed my life. I used to have to take those steps one at a time because my feet hurt so bad, especially after sitting on a train for 45 minutes. But now I can go down those steps at lights speed, without a second thought. That’s what’s different. Nothing hurts. I still want to lose weight and that is a project in the nutrition space that is ongoing. But I haven’t been to the PT in 2 years, and I don’t have any more chronic pain. That’s how life is different now. I know with confidence that my movement is helping my body, not hurting it.
If you are considering joining, just walk in the door. From the second you walk in it will be about helping you make progress towards your goals and get where you need to be. If you are an athlete who just needs to tweak your performance or someone who has never exercised and doesn’t know where to start, there is a place for you and you will find support. So many gyms feel judgmental or even toxic, and they aren’t there to help you. Too many people in a one size fits all program. That’s what’s different at BKS. There is space for everyone and there are a wide array of sizes, strength, shapes and ages.
John, Sarah, and Chris and all the BKS members celebrate everyone’s individual achievements. Come be a part of it – it’s an amazing place.
By Jen Langenberger / Fort Washington, PA, USA