Denise Sauriol Turned I Can’t Into What Else Can I Do

My guest today ran her first marathon in 1994 and since then her love for our sport has continued to grow.

Denise Sauriol

Fast forward to today and she’s getting ready for her 100th marathon.

I will go a few easy miles with Denise Sauriol as we discuss her running journey, how she got into coaching, and the recent release of her first book.

Empowerment Engine

Denise had been running from a young age but always viewed the marathon as a superhuman feat.

When her sister, whom she often ran with, finished her first full it flipped a switch for Denise.

Her sister’s accomplishment turned what Denise thought was superhuman into human.

The following year in 1994, she ran Chicago as her first marathon.

Denise Sauriol

She went into the race naive about what was required but came out the other end wondering what else she could do.

Finishing a marathon ignited the empowerment engine that was always inside her.

Denise is coming up on the running of her 25th Chicago marathon.

Over the course of her many marathons, she has struggled to find balance and not let her times define her.

This Episode Is Sponsored By: DKMS

Struck With Gratitude

Gradually over the years through hard work and persistence, Denise ran her first of now many Boston Qualifying time.

Her running became more about the destination rather than the journey.

She never felt “fast” enough and used her race results to define herself.

That all changed in August of 2009 when she was struck by a car while running.

Her injuries didn’t require surgery but she did sustain 5 broken vertebrae.

During her recovery, she had time to reflect and felt there was a reason she survived.

It was during her introspection that she decided to give back to running what it had given to her.

Two years after her injury, Denise officially became a coach.

Me, You, and 26.2

Me, You, and 26.2 by Denise Sauriol

Even prior to coaching, other runners were always asking Denise for advice.

Over the years a pattern emerged and it was suggested often that she write a book.

Denise lived her life doing things that both scared and excited her and writing a book was no different.

Some of the advice she’s shared in her book is:

• Always do a proper warm up and cool down.
• Don’t neglect recovery.
• Get massages more frequently.
• Take ice baths.
• Be KINDER to yourself.

Listening to your body is critical.

If your body throws up a yellow flag and the symptoms don’t go away after a week or two, consult an expert.

Mentioned In This Episode:

• Me, You, and 26.2

Stay connected with Denise by checking out her Blog and/or following her on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Denise Sauriol ran her first marathon in 1994 and hasn't stopped since! #runchat Click To Tweet

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