By: Amy Begley- Coach, Atlanta Track Club
One of the beautiful things about running is that it is always there for you. Even if you take a break from the sport, it often finds a way back into your life.
That’s exactly what happened to Janel Blancett. She ran cross country and track in high school and college but when she graduated from Georgia State University in 2010, she stopped racing competitively.
Photo Credit: Tim Easterday
Fast forward to 2014, when Janel joined Atlanta Track Club Elite, a group comprised of the Club’s top athletes who train together and represent the Club at local, regional and national races. After taking some time off, 27-year-old Janel is training hard and is getting back into her groove – and we’re happy to have her on our team.
It hasn’t been easy. Janel’s normal training weeks include a long run, two-speed workouts, intermediate runs, and three days of strength training. She typically only has one day of complete rest. But her progress only encourages her to work harder. “Running enriches my life immeasurably,” says Janel. “I’m seeing a noticeable progression in my performance. I’m feeling increasingly more confident and motivated!”
Photo credit: Paul Kim
Along with personal improvements, Janel enjoys the camaraderie that comes along with being back on a team. “Through Atlanta Track Club Elite, I have gained lifelong friendships with my training partners and have become more engaged in community outreach,” says Janel. She is a great ambassador to the community as she promotes health and wellness through various volunteer opportunities.
Janel is a very impressive runner who is rediscovering her talent and passion for running. It is exciting to watch her emerge back on the racing scene, and compete at the highest level. Her story is a good reminder that even if you take some time off from your running routine, it’s never too late to lace up those shoes and get back out there.
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.