I spent the weekend holed up in an old firehouse with about 40 of my new best buds, geeking out on everything to do about running.
18 hours of intensive training followed by first aid and CPR certifications to get this:
Truth be told, I started helping out people with their running years ago. Dishing advice grew into modifying plans, turned into creating plans, volunteering as a coach and so on. While I started blogging to document my running journey, the main reason I continue to do it is because I love watching people chase and realize their dreams as athletes. Since I am no longer on a quest for personal running PRs, what better time to ‘make it official’ and devote more time to helping others?
I can’t lie though, it felt weird being away from the family over a weekend. The kids need flip flops for spring break, there’s grocery shopping, meal prep, laundry, and part 2 of the dogs’ vaccinations to do. More weird than when I sneak away on a girls’ running junket I think because I didn’t have the excitement of racing and being with friends. In the end, the Caveman very graciously pinch hit for me (oh to be a fly on the wall when they shopped for flip flops) and everything worked out just fine.
Holy gluteal anguish Batman, it was tough to sit that long. I’m pretty sure my Fitbit thinks I’m dead. We combed through a wellspring of valuable information, presented by an uber-knowledgeable elite runner and coach with some guest speakers to boot. It was also a great opportunity for networking and for reconnecting with old friends. Sam of Operation Jack fame came all the way from Philly to take part in the course. I’d first met Sam at The Boston Marathon, 2010. While I was very lucky to find a course so local, many came from around the country to attend. In the end, a very informative and enjoyable weekend I would highly recommend if you are interested in the coaching side of our sport.
Have you attended a RRCA certification course? Do you feel guilty being away from your family on weekends? Are you wearing green today?
kilax says
LOL, the way you wrote this makes me think of the irony of a bunch of runners sitting all weekend. But! Work is work and that takes planning. Congrats on the cert! A few people ask me for training plans and I have been humoring getting my cert, but, I doubt anyone would ever want to pay (me) 🙂
Jill says
Woot! Louise is going to be a coach!! 🙂
I got that cert in 2008 and though I did learn some things, I wouldn’t say it was worth my time (or money).
I feel like I haven’t spoken to you in YEARS! 🙁
Elle says
Congratulations. Sounds like an awesome time to me!
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home says
One of my other running friends, Karen, was there too! Did you meet her by chance?
Congrats on this huge accomplishment!
misszippy1 says
So, so, so there with you on the sitting long stints. I simply can’t do it without repercussions any more. Old is fun, no? But congrats on getting the class in. Good luck with the test!
Kimberly @ Healthy Strides says
What fun! Though it feels like the RRCA should embrace the running-meeting or play videos as you all do laps around an indoor track.
I would not feel guilty about leaving the family. In fact, all I want for my birthday next month is to hole up in a hotel by myself. I’m sort of doing it by going to an away race to meet a friend. But, from what people tell me, I’m not into the mom thing so there’s that.
I am wearing green, though it is underplayed and muted. Trying not to look like a leprechaun!
Rachelle Q says
Congrats Marcia! I took that course too and it was so hard to sit for that long. It made me feel like I had ADD I was squirming so much! Made me feel bad for my kids;) I don’t usually feel bad about being away from the kids. It’s good for dad to take care of things once in a while:)
Michelle @ Running with Attitude says
Congrats Marcia! It is ironic that they have you all sitting all that time.
Char says
I still feel incredibly guilty about being away from the family on weekends – even though they’re all grown up and never feel guilty about being away from me.
Kim says
I’m rarely away from my family so I don’t feel guilty when I’m gone. Plus, Chris and the boys have a great time!!!
So awesome that you are getting your certification – too bad that the training to become a running coach has to involve so much sitting!
Laura @ Mommy Run Fast says
I’m glad you got to go! But I remember thinking the same thing at mine- my body does not like to sit!! We’re runners after all, couldn’t we have an active training? 🙂
Abby @ BackAtSquareZero says
It would be fun to hear the info, but I do not sit very well either.
Jody - Fit at 56 says
Yes to that ;last comment – too much sitting! 😉 CONGRATS!!!!!!!!!!!!
Erica @ erica finds says
Ironic! Did you meet my friend Kelli? Was this training worth it? I was thinking of doing it, too! I would have to train for the sitting – ha ha ha!
Tina@GottaRunNow says
I’ve never attended that course, but I come across a lot of bloggers who have. Funny about your Fitbit!
Lisa @ RunWiki says
Yes, been there done that-and, yes, felt very guilty. To make matters worse my kids were very small when I took my course. My in-laws had to come and help… serious guilt–but worth every second 🙂 Nice work Marcia!
Kovas - Midwest Multisport Life says
I always sit in the back so I can get up from time to time. I’ve been trying to get Laima to one of these courses, but no luck so far.
Carly @ Fine Fit Day says
Congrats!! I’ve been wanting to take this cert for a while, but they haven’t had it near me since I started looking a year ago. (You’d think they might make an appt. at this little backwater called NYC! 😉 )
Maggie - Mag Mile Runner says
No running breaks? Weird! 🙂 I’ve been eyeing the RRCA schedule and thinking someday it would be cool to get certified.
lindsay says
Congrats! That’s exciting news. I know you make an excellent leader and coach!
Juanita says
Τhankѕ for finallу writing about >RRCA Certification | The Healthƴ
Slice <Loved it!