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.   

Boston College Reservoir | Fire & Ice

Tempted to running little faster, quickly reminded to take my time, I am locked in and dreaming closing in on the most miles ran in 20 years. I can't think not about my health, my diet the goal is to be injury free before October 1st. This is the second week since Coach Average BROE has had the campers for the Boston XC Camp meet at the  Boston College Reservoir. The Chestnut Hill reservoir another name for the 1.55 loop located right next to Cassidy Playground in Coolidge Corner, where Boston, Brookline and Newton town lines meet. 

First warmup and mile into the run I finally started getting some decent pace and felt like I was following the workout as planned. At this stage of my progression I am discovering and trusting the art of pacing, learning how to cruise at steady pace, while focusing on my diaphragm as well as my glutes. 

Not only was today was a good workout for everyone in attendance the "Illumanti" got paid. The Illumanti is the name of group of boys on the Boston Pubic Schools City Wide XC Cross Country Team who are very good friends.  First pay check of the summer, i knew there was going to be some binging going down because this kids have "disposable" income. I suggest we celebrate like Adults and young adults and take the festivities to Fire & Ice Interactive Grill & Bar.

Fire & Ice was a good time, full of laughs and good foods. Victor Baez Jr, a junior at Charlestown High School member of the team says " A twenty Dollar well spent". I couldn't agree, more. My wife (Petruvna) met me at the restaurant and missed the first wave of destruction as the boys created the greatest Bacon & Cheeseburger. This experience is a memorable one, team bonding with my guys outside of running and training is special. Looking forward to more outings such as this one, for Petruvna and I Fire & Ice always provides us with that nostalgic feeling. I am confident that my squad will keep the tradition going. 

Next Pair of Running Kicks Training & Personal | @NBRunning @saucony

You wear your shoes too long.

Most running shoes have a lifespan of between 300 and 500 miles, but many runners either don’t keep track of mileage. That, or they throw caution to the wind and wear out their pair.

Wearing out shoes can lead to injury. According to Ken Larscheid, owner of Running Lab in Pinckney, Michigan, a tell-tale sign for replacing your pair is when you get unusual aches and pains in certain areas. “A lot of people who come in and feel pain or soreness don’t even question the age of their shoes,” says Larscheid. “What we suggest at the store is overlapping them a little bit.”

Introducing a new pair before your current pair wears out will help you ease into new shoes as you ease out of your old ones. Other indicators to start changing out include worn, smooth grooves at the bottom of your shoes and uneven foam on one side of the shoe, meaning the sole is no longer level. via Runners World

Never thought I would be a sneaker head but by default it's important to switch the trainers your using and rotate the pairs of sneakers while training. Experts have different schools of thoughts but most people say sneakers start to wear down after 200-400 Miles. I decided that it's time that I need to look into some new footwear. 

I am not trying to get blinded by popularity of a brand or even Political affiliations, just need the best trainers for me. Currently New Balance has gotten my eye and what's there not to like about the Fresh Foam Zante V3 Boston . I already purchased the Fresh Foam Vongo's and they have been working excellent. I know it's not just the sneaker because it's the tedious task of Yoga, Foam Rolling, and Stretching that allows me to make this far.  The homie Coach Dennis Sheppard of Marshfield XC & TF had been sporting these puppies and gave nothing but good reviews. These are defintely next up for me

I have been stopping at the New Balance Outlet in Brighton, Massachusetts and noticed the Fresh Foam 1080V7 NYC Half.  Conducting my shoe research I found these below and couldn't help not to place these on my wish list. 

These are tough, plus Brooklyn is my favorite area in NYC, check out Fresh Foam 1080V7 Brooklyn Half

These will be for personal use thou I can't deny these are simply dope..  Sharing is caring the name of this particular sneaker is Fresh Foam Zante V3 Ball Park and can be purchased here 

Honorable Mention: Saucony Men's 2017 Freedom ISO Boston Edition. Gain my attention just checking out Marathon Sports under Collection these bad boy's below spoke to me, maybe because it's the "Boston Edition". Once again Sharing is caring, these can be purchased at Marathon Sports: Click Here: Saucony Men's 2017 Freedom ISO Boston Edition