On May 19, 2020 I ran my first ever marathon. A couple things: 4 months ago, I could barely run 5…read moremiles without stopping. I've struggled with injuries as long as I've been running, and the last time I ran a half marathon in 2017, I didn't train well beforehand and so badly hurt my knees I could barely walk after. I spent 4 straight weeks on my butt, concerned I had destroyed my knees forever. It was the first time I can ever remember not being able to move and it was TERRIFYING. I literally vowed to never run again.
Running is not something that comes easily to me, I'm not naturally fast or exceptionally strong. But I love it. I love being outside, getting to that meditative place where you feel like you're flying. I love the way it feels when you hit a new milestone, maybe a faster pace than usual or a longer distance. Running makes you feel humble, powerful and ecstatic all at the same time. All of these new things I've learned to love about running, I learned from Lexi. In four short months, she changed running into something joyful, something I'm passionate about, instead of something I suffer through to stay in shape. From the moment you meet with her to start your first plan, she wants to know what motivates you, what you're running for. She gives you the most detailed, thorough and thoughtful plans I have ever seen. Who knew running was something that should be practiced with intention?!? In 3 months we shaved 18 minutes (18 MINUTES!!) off my half marathon PR. I had run the half 7 times before and never finished in under 2 hours. With her meticulous training plans, constant support and never-ending positivity, I ran my first marathon in 4:20:06. More importantly, I ran every single mile with a SMILE on my face. I loved every second. And guess what? She was at FIVE DIFFERENT PLACES THAT DAY. Taking my picture, celebrating my hard work and motivating me to keep running (and smiling!) And guess what! I'M INJURY FREE!!
Lexi is so knowledgeable- she trained me through little injuries, moments of self doubt and made my plans super flexible when I needed them to be. She answered my emails and texts and calls when I had questions within hours or days, with more information than I thought was even possible! She recommended nutrition, stretches, books and podcasts. She took on all of the heavy lifting, so all I had to do was run. My favorite thing about training with her was that every single day of my training plan ended with "a success or gratitude". When you're waking up at 5am to run 6 miles on the treadmill before work, reminding yourself why you're doing it is a GIFT.
If you're wondering what it feels like to run JOYFULLY, intentionally and for life, training with Wild Miles is for you. If you want to train smarter, are prone to injury or are burnt out or confused about why you've seemed to plateau, training with Wild Miles is for you. If you want to run HARDER, faster and stronger than you ever have, Wild Miles is for you. If you need an extra push to believe in yourself, want to see cute dogs holding signs with your name on it at your race or just genuinely want some extra support... you get the idea. Lexi changed what running means to me. I recommend her to all my friends! I am forever grateful!
Devon Cozens, Denver CO