Dear Universe, The running community has been my loyal companion since my adolescent and teenage years, from XC to indoor and outdoor track and field. Today, I proudly wear the hat of Head Coach for the BPS XC team. I've even had the privilege of announcing indoors at the world-famous Reggie Lewis Center for the MSTCA and covering the New Balance Nationals scholastic track championships. The support, kind words, and genuine love I've received along this journey are truly priceless. However, let's get real here. Over the years, I've been on a rollercoaster when it comes to getting into shape, often derailed by the unpredictability of life. But here's the plot twist I'm about to share with you: I'm gearing up to conquer my first goal, which is to run over 10 miles, and my second goal is to complete the B.A.A. Half marathon on November 13th, 2023. You see, I'm no different from you, regardless of age or background. I may be close to the sport, but I haven't always taken my health seriously. Completing the B.A.A. half marathon is not just about crossing a finish line; it's a promise to myself for better health. Because the healthier I am, the better I can be as a husband, father, son, cousin, friend, Coach, and blogger. So, mark your calendars because I've got a date with destiny, and I'm determined to show that "Dreams Are Tangible Goals." 🏃♂️💪 Let's lace up and make this journey one for the books! With love and determination, Hatim Jean-Louis 🌟 #BAAHalfMarathon #DreamsAreTangibleGoals #healthierme
Q&A with Nichole Ferguson
Sorry for the delay been over several months since the last time I posted. However it’s the start of the XC season and I have some interviews already done just needed to update the site lol. In short as a coach/runner I am always looking for inspiration and motivation.
Besides my passion in coaching I have another job as a Benefit Specialists for the (BTUHWF) Boston Teachers Union Health & Welfare Fund. My job is to process the all teachers, and paraprofessionals dental and vision benefits. The eye care center is located adjacent to my office, as a runner it’s only natural you connect with other runners because you share the same interests. My colleague Nichole Ferguson works in the eye care center. Nichole has been putting in some serious work in regards to her mileage and she just recently completed the Boston Marathon, her story and journey is one that I would like to share hopefully it inspires you like it did me.
DATG: Hey Buddy thank you for your participation, lets start with your age and where you are from ?
NF: My name is Nichole Ferguson, I’m 31 and from Dracut Ma
DATG: You mentioned to me in the past you had sickness or diagnosed with ? Can you please remind me what that was and how that motivated you to start running ?
NF: I was diagnosed with MS in 2004 when I temporarily lost my vision. The statistics can be disheartening to look at- unfortunately a lot of people with this disease may eventually end up with mobility issues. I ran as fast and as far as I can to prove I will not be one of those statistics.
DATG: Did you play a sport in Highschool if so what ?
NF: In high school I played soccer. I can’t say it was the beginning of my running career though- I actually played goalie and spent most of my time in the net!
DATG: When did you start running ?
NF: I didn’t start running until XXXX. A friend challenged me to run a half marathon- I instantly became addicted!
DATG: What’s your favorite trainer shoes and race shoes ?
NF: The ONLY shoes I will wear are the Saucony Guide series. I suffer from plantars fasciitis, so these are the perfect for me.
DATG: How has running changed your life ?
NF: Running has changed my life because it has made me significantly healthier. I tend to treat my body a little better. I sleep more since rest is important for recovery and eat better, because food is the fuel for my workout
DATG: How many races have you ran so far ? What’s your favorite distance to race at ?
NF: I’ve run 10 marathons so far, and probably a dozen half’s and 10ks. I’m definitely a distance runner, and prefer the mental and physical challenges- shorter races (5ks) are just not for me!
DATG: What was your goals for Boston Marathon 2018 ? After smashing these goal describe that feeling when your own boylston street and crowd is cheering ?
NF: I had to adjust my goals for Boston in light of the weather and was aiming for anything under 4 hours. I don’t think anyone will ever be able to find words that accurately describe the rush a runner gets when turning on to Boylston and seeing the finish line. Months of hard work and sweat go into that very moment. Knowing that Thousands of complete strangers stood out in the cold rain that day to support and The emotions are overwhelming, especially with complete strangers standing in the cold pouring rain to cheer you on!
DATG: What’s next race on your calendar ?
NF: I decided to take a month off...I will start training again the end of June for the Baystate marathon in Lowell in the end of October. It’s one of the flattest courses around and where I’ve gotten my PR twice. Fingers crossed for good weather!!
I am going to be looking forward to Nichole crushing more miles and inspiring us all ! My colleague is the true definition the living example of Dreams Are Tangible Goals.
Webisode 7 | Oofos x Freedom ISO
My body is talking today was successful because i ran today based on feel, i tend to look at my watch and try to hit a pace, but today i wanted to wait awhile roughly a mile into my run and glanced down to my pace. The past several runs have been indicating that I am bouncing back after cutting back on mileage. Below is the past weeks run since the last webisode 6th
August 7th Temp 200's On & Off with Kamilia Abdi (4 miles )
August 8th Recovery Run with Arcel, Kamila & Sarah (4 Miles)
August 9th 30 Min Temp at the Belle Isle Marsh
I am truly Happy I can't deny the last 13 weeks have been adventure, I have learned alot about myself, not trying to be redundant. Learned that my first two years of coaching were successful, but I learned more about the science and the importance of doing the little things, the maintenance of the body, such as Foam rolling, yoga, dynamic drills, and getting the proper hours of sleep.
In the meanwhile I have been blessed with some gifts from the running community, my guy Steve "Infa" from Marathon sports sent me a complimentary pair of Oofos Recovery Sandal. No gimmick felt like I slide heaven on my feet, especially after a post run. I highly recommend that if you get yourself a pair of Oofos. I have been wearing the Oofos for the past two weeks, and my feet feel so much better. The model I have is the Oofos Unisex 2016 Boston Marathon Edition
Check out the website oofos.com to see more of their selection. For beginners, intermediate and advance runners this is something you want to have, this essential to the runners recovery. The Foam technology is amazing the support and comfort that I get wearing them for post runs, have been beneficial in my growth. I am definitely purchasing a pair for my spouse and I in the near future.
Saturday's maybe the review day, seems like this post has been dedicated to product. Regardless thou these donations these gifts have all been beneficial. Taping into the laws of attraction it was amazing that I was talking reviewing the different models of sneakers that I was thinking about adding to my collection during the Next Pair of Trainers Post.
The Freedom Iso Endless Summer by Saucony were smooth I broke these puppies in this morning. I was reluctant that light neutral sneaker would do me any justice. Many of the sneakers that I have been wearing the last three years have been stability, cushion based support sneakers. The Freedom Iso's provided me a smooth transition and are definitely maybe the sneakers I race in October 1st. I liked the feel and I was impressed with the flexibility and lightweight. I don't want to credit the shoes solely but I was impressed, I didn't hurt post run at all.
Determination, Dedication, Self-Discipline & Recovery Run
This afternoon I was little hesitant on doing the Recovery Run, because my lower back was tight and stiff, from the previous run. Each day goes by I am getting stronger by the day and learning not to force the issue, meaning not run hard, I am in the base building stage of training and the goal is to be injury free. Never the less I went out, after doing a proper warm up consisting of dynamic drills, off I went, Unfortunately I did start my watch for the warm and cool down so I did and additional mile and half. After completing the run, I finish preparing dinner, Bake Salmon, with Butter-squash Noddles & Sauted Brussels Sprouts.
I am determined to complete my first Half Marathon and first real race in 20 years on October 1st, 2017 at the Smutty Nose Half Marathon at Hampton Beach, I am dedicated toward getting in shape, this requires self-discipline which is essential trait to have to the many hats that I were daily.