Chasing Improvement

Measurability is a concept in life that both attracts and deters people from varying endeavours, careers, or simple hobbies. Measuring ourselves can certainly be confronting, and the results aren’t always what we want to see or hear. Many people avoid measuring themselves at all costs, and probably live a comfortable life doing so. However, there are some brave individuals who seek measurability in life despite the likelihood that the outcome may hurt more often than it thrills. I have the pleasure of calling many of these people training partners at RunAsOne, where we meet 2-3 times a week with the knowledge that the work done in the early hours of these mornings will improve the odds of a positive result when measurement day arrives. It’s a special group of all different capabilities and experience. There are also varying levels of commitment for a range of reasons including time and energy availability, or simply just purpose. However, every single person shares the goal of improving. I caught up with some of the big improvers from 2022 to ask them about their year, and what their goals look like now. 

 

Tash Jarret is one big improver in 2022. Having always been a runner, Tash’s improvements in 2022 are perhaps more remarkable considering the natural early progression of a complete novice weren’t a factor for her. 

 

Personal Bests	Before RAO	Current
5km	21:00	17:27
10km	43:00	37:44
Half Marathon	1 hr 33 m	1 hr 22 m

 

Tash’s consistency with training has been second to none. She now runs every day of the week, and even finds time to fit in extra cardio in the form of kickboxing and spin classes. She also credits strength coach and training partner Zoe Toland for helping her stay injury free. It’s clear that Tash thrives on self improvement and realising her potential in life. Despite a demanding career for which her priorities rightfully lie, Tash remains motivated to see how far she can push herself as a runner, and to ultimately see what’s possible! Tash is well aware that improvement isn’t always a linear trend, but she is confident that the love she has for the group – and the people in it – will mean that running is going to be a sustainable endeavour well in to the distant future. For now though, Tash has her sights set on an overseas marathon opportunity where she hopes to crack the 3 hour barrier. Along the way, she would also like to lower that 1 hr 22 mins half marathon time to a time under 1 hr 20 mins! 

 

Similar to Tash, Al Tolond didn’t come to RunAsOne as a novice. The former Tasmanian enjoyed some improvements in his home state where he was a regular participant in fun runs. However, his improvement since joining the group has been an inspiration to everyone around him. I asked Al what continuing to improve means to him, and his answer aligns perfectly with what we witness from the outside. “It’s not just about getting faster or winning races, but getting as consistent as possible even when the inevitable tough times strain your motivation.” Al credits his training partners for keeping him motivated and accountable – we know that this is mutual. 

 

Personal Bests	Before RAO	Current
5km	18:00	15:58
10km	36:38	34:34
Half Marathon	1 hr 31 mins	1 hr 16 mins

 

Al reflects on his sub 16 minute track 5km as perhaps the highlight for him so far. On the day he remembers feeling nervous, but confident that he had the right people around him to help him achieve this goal. With the generous help of training partner Luke Mitchell through the gruelling middle stages of the 12.5 lap event, Al was able to stay positive and cross the line on the right side of the measuring stick! Furthermore, Al reminisces on the thrill of turning around to witness good friend Maddie Kelly also achieve a PB in the same event; it’s the opportunity to share these successes that Al finds so motivating. Al loves the way that running contributes to his otherwise busy lifestyle. He wouldn’t start a morning any other way! In the future, Al just wants to continue to enjoy his running, and continue to meet many more great people to enjoy it with! Sneakily, he also hopes to one day be able to keep up with his coach! However, the focus remains on the process for now. 

 

Jess Hawker joined RunAsOne more recently than Tash and Al. It would be surprising for most to know that Jess’s first attempts at most distances have happened since joining the group – a natural talent! Jess has certainly experienced a rapid rise through the unofficial ranks within the training group, and she has quickly found herself running side by side with some experienced runners!

 

Personal Bests	Shortly after starting at RAO	Current
5km	21:36	18:28
10km	42:33	38:35
Half Marathon		1 hr 29 mins

 

With a background in netball, Jess has always loved getting up early for a run or exercise prior to starting a busy day! She occupies her time outside of running as a physiotherapy student, a swimming instructor, and a receptionist. It is being around like minded people with a similar drive for improvement that Jess has enjoyed most about RunAsOne. Seeing early improvements in her running times has been a thrill for Jess, and is what drives her to continue to consistently work hard in sessions. Specifically, she loves the Spicy Tempo for it’s mix of “speed and chill.” Typically, this session will be a long one with a combination of tempo running and faster surges without stopping! It’s a love for these types of sessions that will go a long way to helping Jess achieve her next goal of breaking 18 minutes for 5km!

 

Similarly to Jess, Zach Adamson has enjoyed a rapid improvement since joining RunAsOne. For Zach, the measurability of running was definitely a draw card! He has much preferred the objective nature of this sport to the more subjective nature of others. It’s an admirable character trait, and one that has no doubt helped with his early successes. 

 

Personal Bests	Before RAO	Current
5km	22:34	16:48
10km	43:26	34:35
Half Marathon	1 hr 48 mins	1 hr 28 mins

Zach attributes his consistency and fast improvements to the group that he gets to train with at RunAsOne. Having a strong group of runners all keeping one another accountable has helped to maintain the enjoyment factor, and has been a highlight of Zach’s early running life. For Zach, the shorter, faster intervals have felt most beneficial. He finds that nailing these sessions are a major confidence booster before a race! Zach is clearly a motivated individual who is not shy of measurement – he juggles his running goals with studies to become a Primary School teacher as well as a current SSO role within a Primary School. Despite the demands of simultaneously applying himself to both studies, work, and training, Zach still hopes to continue to become more and more competitive as a runner. Having already achieved some success in smaller funs runs around the state, Zach’s ultimate goal is to be on the podium at a Uni Games National Championships – specifically the half marathon. He is aware of the work that is required to get there, but is prepared to go “all in” to see what is possible! 

 

Like the names before him, Ben Bishop is certainly a busy man on a mission! Working full time in a demanding role, Ben enjoys nothing more than clearing his head with a morning run before making his way to the office. He has enjoyed the flexibility of running – “you can fit it in where you can”. However, it is also this flexibility that challenges so many people, and makes “skipping” a run or two very easy to do. Therefore, Ben’s consistency has been admirable to say the least, and can be attributed to his incredible series of recent personal best times. 

 

Personal Bests	Before RAO	Current
5km	19:35	16:41
10km	41:56	34:42
Half Marathon	1 hr 32 mins	1 hr 18 mins

 

In a similar sentiment to the other runners featured, Ben is also heavily motivated by seeing his training partners improve. Furthermore, he thrives on the measurable nature of running, and loves the challenge of continuing to get faster. A fan of the “bread and butter” sessions: Deek’s Quarters and Kilometer repeats, Ben is one of the tougher individuals you’re likely to come across, and there is no doubt that he will continue to make big inroads on his already impressive PB’s. For now, Ben hopes to stay fit, maintain consistency, and subsequently get faster! 

 

It has been a pleasure to witness the improvement of these 5 RAO runners over the past 12 months or more. Furthermore, it is clear from their reflections on the group environment that there are so many other names worthy of a “kudos” for their similarly impressive improvements. As coaches, we can’t wait to see what these five and their training partners can achieve in 2023 and beyond!