Listen to your body

Guest blog by Brian Farmer – Half Marathon Competitive Walking Division

My name is Brian Farmer, and I will be competitively walking in the ThedaCare Half Marathon at this year’s Community First Fox Cities Marathon Presented by Miron Construction.

I have been a roadrunner my entire life. However, after I developed sciatic nerve pain and was told that I had three herniated discs, I had to reimagine what my participation in the sport of running would look like.

Thankfully, as I was reading The Post-Crescent one day, I stumbled across an advertisement for the Community First Fox Cities Marathon and learned about their competitive walking division. I immediately knew that this was my opportunity to get back into the sport I loved.

Today, I race in two walking events every year and train almost year-round. While training, I prioritize listening to my body over everything else. I allow flexibility in my training regimen to allow me to adjust as needed, depending on what my body is telling me that day.

It is important to remember that everyone’s body is different and that your body can perform differently each day, and that is normal.

• Be patient and persistent with your body.
• Know when to take breaks.
• Test your limits but don’t drive yourself to injury.
• Know when to rein yourself in.
• Focus on the journey and not the destination.
• Visualize success and go make it happen!

Let your body do the talking as you do the walking, and don’t be afraid to reimagine how you participate in the sport you love. I hope this advice can help all of you the way it has helped me prepare for race day. I look forward to seeing you all at the start line this September!

Spots are filling up fast so don’t wait to register for the ThedaCare Half Marathon. Click here to register!