Each of us has goals that we set for personal growth and challenge to keep life exciting. For me the drive for fitness seems to support the quality of life that brings the smile to daily living. Having started into marathon running in my very late 40’s, it was easy to decide that being in the Olympics or on any National teams were not obvious targets. So incorporated into the plan I had the Boston Marathon and a full Ironman competition when I decided to try the personal trainer program with Branko Zilli.

At the start of training I had targeted the Toronto Marathon of May 2011 and the Half- Ironman competition in Calgary of the following July. The goal was to reduce marathon time by at least 15 minutes (not an easy task) and have a marked improvement on the 6 hour and 10 minute time achieved in my first half-ironman of 2010.

I am delighted with the progress to date. After the first 4 weeks of training, personal body composition shifted significantly. I went from 18% body fat to 14%, and increased the muscle by 2%. The second month saw a further change to 11% body fat and an additional 2% muscle. The significant change was seen in the marathon. A full half-hour was taken off my previous personal best for this marathon. The end result was an exciting 3 hour and 23 minute finish with a placing of 136 out of more than 1300 competitors. This was an easy (can you even put that word in the same sentence with marathon?) qualifier for Boston and the acquisition of my first goal.

Branko and I continue to train for the Half-Ironman and I look forward to the additional changes in ability and fitness. The workouts are seldom easy, but the training is certainly beyond what I could have accomplished without the knowledge and challenges that Branko has been able to weave into the programme. Although my lip seems to curl slightly when I see him for a training session, there is certainly a pride in accomplishment once the breathing and pulse return to normal and the eyes are once again able to focus.

The rewards of training extend far beyond the marathon and Ironman markers. It is without hesitation that I delight in the road we have taken and look forward to the horizons that lie ahead!