By: Amy Begley- Coach, Atlanta Track Club
Running can be tough for beginners. No one likes being last, and it can be hard to stick with your fitness routine if you don’t start seeing results quickly.
Pennie Eddy was recently in those shoes. The 60-year-old lost her husband a few years ago and was so focused on his health and diet that she hadn’t been taking care of herself. After Pennie’s husband passed away, she knew she had to turn her attention to her own fitness. She started eating right and participating in one-mile races in 2014, but quickly grew frustrated when she found herself finishing last each time.
At a friend’s suggestion, Pennie signed up for one of Atlanta Track Club’s In-Training programs this year, which is where I met her. The program focused on training for a 5K. Pennie showed up ready to learn and eager to improve. Even when she was last in the group, she kept going and her hard work paid off at the Atlanta Women’s 5K in March.
“I had two goals: I wanted to make it under 60 minutes and I didn’t want to be last,” said Pennie. She accomplished both goals at the Atlanta Women’s 5K. In fact, she finished in 54:01, ahead of 183 other women.
After thinking she would never be able to complete a 5K, Pennie is training for the largest 10K in the world – the AJC Peachtree Road Race. She’s also encouraging others to start healthy habits. The college professor started walking on campus and now leads a group. “You get to know people; it’s healthier than sitting at your desk. I tell other people, ‘let’s go!’”
Pennie’s story is proof that it if you just stick with running or any other fitness routine, it will get easier and you will improve. Having a great attitude like hers can also go a long way towards your success!
Amy Begley is the head coach of Atlanta Track Club, the second largest running organization in the United States. She competed in the 2008 Olympic Games in the 10,000M and placed sixth in the 2009 IAAF World Championships in the same distance with a personal best 31:13, making her the eighth-fastest American woman in history. Her 5,000M personal best is 14:56. Begley finished her professional career with six national titles.