Martin Underwood Was Always A Runner And Just Didn’t Know It Yet

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My guest today is a fan of the show that volunteered to join me as I begin to make my way through interviewing all the listeners I can.

We’ve only ever connected over social media and I am excited to hear more about his running story.

I am looking forward to going a few easy miles today with Martin Underwood.

It All Started With 1 Goal

Martin Underwood never had any desire to run until about 2 years ago.

He experienced a turning point when he was at a theme park and was unable to fit on all the rides.

Martin first began by making some diet changes, but then not long after he made the goal of running a 5k in 2019.

His first foray into running took place by following the Couch to 5k program.

Living in the south and taking up running when the weather was beginning to heat up was admittedly not his best idea.

Finding a friend to hold him accountable along with having a plan to follow was enough to keep him moving.

After a few months of consistent running, Martin got to the point where he wasn’t dreading running.

A new routine was forming and new goals would keep coming.

Quick Escalation

After Martin successfully completed his first 5k, he quickly set his eyes on doubling the distance.

At the year anniversary of when he began running, Martin signed up for a local 10k.

Things began to escalate quickly for Martin when a friend suggested that if he could run a 10k then he could run a half marathon.

With a major race about 12 weeks away, Martin signed up and began training for his longest distance yet.

Training for a half marathon turned out to be a bigger commitment than Martin originally realized.

It gave him a true appreciation for what each distance required of him for training.

Martin crossed the finish of his first half in March of 2020, just as the racing world began to shut down.

New Ways To Focus

Much like every other runner, Martin is having to adjust to a new reality with no races in the foreseeable future.

Being a fairly new runner, races helped to keep him motivated and focused.

With no races on the horizon, Martin adjusted and set a time goal for himself.

Martin set a goal of a sub 30 minute 5k which he accomplished this past month.

His next big goal is to run a 10k in under an hour.

Though it remains unknown when formal races will return, Martin has still set some loose goals for himself for the future.

Martin won’t rule out going longer and attempting a marathon and/or a 50k at some point.

He is also intrigued by triathlons and trail running.

His new mindset is ruled by what he can do rather than what he thinks he can’t do.

Never Say Never

Martin never would have thought that he would identify himself as a runner, but the past 2 years have changed that.

In the short time, he has taken part in the sport, he has learned a lot about himself.

Prior to being a runner, Martin would normally avoid tasks and activities that he wasn’t skilled at.

Now he is able to view any task, even with no experience in the area, and have the confidence that he can learn it.

His own personal success has shown him that he can push farther than he ever thought possible.

Martin has unearthed the part of him that was always there.

He won’t back down from challenges that either life or running throw at him.

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Mentioned In This Episode:

• Couch to 5k
• Publix Atlanta Marathon, Half Marathon, & 5K
• Triple Peach Race Series

Stay connected with Martin Underwood by following him on Instagram and/or Twitter.

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As Always, I’d Love to Know What Stood Out to You From this Episode! Let Me Know Your Takeaway in the Comments Below!

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