Lindsey MacNeil has some big goals for her running. She has been around running most of her life, from being at her dad's runs when younger to running while she was training for the RCMP to now. The difference is now running is Lindsey's alone time and she loves this very much. Tonight we chat about how a co-worker got her started on her first 10km race. Lindsey talks about a training company that helped keep her accountable called Love Training More. This really helped Lindsey reach her goals and she took off after that. We also talk about some very major knee pain that Lindsey has in 2020, the diagnoses she received and how she got better by not having surgery. After 3 half marathons, Lindsey decided to run her first full marathon in Cape Breton but after Hurricane Dorian blew through and cancelled the event that didn't stop her, no way. She came to Moncton and ran the Resurgo marathon instead in very very windy conditions. Listen to Lindsey talk about her PEI run in 2019 after her marathon and how she surprised her sister Shannon and then finished 2nd in her 5km race, a fantastic acomplishment. Then in Fredericton this year Lindsey sets a huge goal and achieves it. Listen to the passion and the determination and deep down you know Lindsey can do almost anything. Finally, we chat about the run club Lindsey has started and how she has helped 40 or so people go from couch to 5k, a wonderful story. Lindsey also sent us her race report after her Fredericton run this year, we want to share this with you so it will be at the bottom with all the links.

Lindsey MacNeil's race report, Fredericton 2021
Hi Janet! WOOHOO!!
I am so happy with how it all went. I loved training and I loved the race. That’s all I can ask for! Oh yeah…and that little star beside my name ;)
As requested, here is my recap!

We arrive at the start line area 45 minutes before the start. I am ready! SO nervous, but so ready.

I can’t tell you how awesome but weird it was to line up for a race! It’s been a year and a half!

Horn blows at 7:30 and we’re off!
I struggled to get up to pace because there was a lot of weaving through people due to the narrowness of the street. After a minute or two I’m up to my 5:05 pace. Pace dropped to 4:40 a few times and I caught myself doing that and reeled it back in. I kept hearing you tell me to be so so careful not to go out too fast the first 10K.

I’m at 10 k in the blink of an eye, and I’m thinking gee this marathon is going to fly by so fast- enjoy it all and take it all in!

Right at 10 k I know that it’s time to settle into marathon pace. No problem. I’ve got this!

At 21 k, I am right on pace. 1:46. Perfect!

I make a mental note that I’m in the third portion of my race. That’s exciting! I feel great.

25 k ish I notice my right quad is so tight. My hip flexors also start to get tight so I make a quick stop to stretch. It helps so I keep on going.

Water stops are frequent and I am happy with my decision not to take my hydration vest or water belt. My gels are stashed away in my flat, stretchy Nathan belt. I walk through them like Erin suggested. I stop at each station and alternate water and Gatorade.

The weather is perfect. Literally couldn’t have had more perfect conditions. Wow! Kind of nicer than running in a hurricane 🌀 lol

The boredom didn’t sneak in but the negative thoughts did- I knew they would, and I just let them come to me. This happened to me around 28 k in the first Marathon. Seeing my family gave me the boost I needed!

32-42.2k

Homestretch. Giver!
I can’t tell you how many pep talks I gave myself. There were many. I literally talked out loud to myself a few times, and another runner heard and it gave him a boost too. He was stopped and likely was close to hitting the wall. I used all the mental training tactics in my toolbox and I ran with heart! Looking at my watch at 36 k, I realized I had to hoof it! No excuses, no stopping, no stretching, GO! There would be time for that after the race. I was pushing 4:45 the last few km’s.

I know I’m getting close to the finish line when I can hear cheering and lots of noise. I was in the zone!! I tear up a bit as I see the numbers on the sign.

3:33 and I’m across.

I did it.

I DID IT!!!!


Fast forward a few days and I’m still hobbling around sore, but it’s getting better. A little walk with my dog today helped.

I’ve been doing a lot of reflecting on training, and how proud of myself I am. I had a lot going on this summer, but I made it happen. I’ve grown a lot as a runner and I’ve learned some valuable lessons. I would not have been able to do this without proper coaching, so I thank you for that!!
I love the marathon build, but it will be quite some time before I commit to running another one. On that note, I’ve signed up for the 5 k at Legs for Literacy on Oct. 24. Aside from my fun run at Disney in November, this will be my last hoorah for 2021 racing.
I have no goal time in mind, but I want it to be a fast one :) I’ve got 5 weeks to train after my 2-week hiatus. What do you think? Doable?

I’m enjoying my time off running but I’m sure I’ll be itching to get back to it soon.

✌️

Lindsey

Link for the run training company Lindsey uses: https://lovetrainingmore.com/