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Running client gets a Personal Record at the Atlantic City Half Marathon

Running Client Personal Record in Half Marathon

Lauren Houck’s 15-Minute PR at the 2024 Atlantic City Half Marathon: A Triumph of Dedication and Coaching

For any runner, setting a personal record (PR) is a moment of immense pride. For Lauren Houck, shaving over 15 minutes off her half marathon time at the 2024 Atlantic City Half Marathon wasn’t just a victory — it was the culmination of two years of focused, thoughtful training under the guidance of Sara Dimmick, a personal trainer and triathlon coach at Physical Equilibrium.

Lauren’s journey to this accomplishment was not an easy one. When she first started working with Sara, she was recovering from an injury and essentially starting from scratch. But through Sara’s well-rounded and individualized approach, Lauren didn’t just return to running — she surpassed her own expectations.

A Tailored Approach to Training

Lauren’s testimonial highlights the key aspects of Sara Dimmick’s coaching style: it’s personalized, thorough, and designed to foster long-term success. “When we first started working together, I was starting basically from scratch, returning from injury,” Lauren recalls. “Since I’ve been training with Sara, I’ve finished multiple half marathons, Philadelphia’s Broad Street Run, and my first full marathon this past January!”

Sara’s expertise in tailoring a program to fit Lauren’s specific needs made a world of difference. As a masters runner, Lauren had different goals and challenges than she might have had earlier in her running career. Maintaining strength and staying injury-free became top priorities. This is where Sara’s training approach stood out.

The Importance of Cross-Training and Strength Training

What sets Sara apart is her emphasis on a holistic training plan. Lauren credits her success to this well-rounded approach, which included plenty of cross-training and strength training. Incorporating these elements into her routine helped Lauren stay injury-free while building the strength and endurance necessary for long-distance running.

Strength training, in particular, is a crucial yet often overlooked component of a runner’s program. It helps to build muscle, improve stability, and enhance overall running efficiency. Cross-training, such as cycling or swimming, provides a cardiovascular challenge without the repetitive impact of running, giving Lauren’s body a chance to recover while still progressing toward her goals.

Lauren notes, “Her training plans are well-rounded, including plenty of cross-training and strength training. She listens to me and helps tailor my program to what I need!”

Achieving the Impossible

For Lauren, running a PR by over 15 minutes in the half marathon was a goal she didn’t think possible when she first started training with Sara. But Sara’s thoughtful, personalized approach — one that carefully balanced running with cross-training and strength work — made this remarkable achievement a reality.

“I’m so grateful for Sara’s guidance in achieving running goals I never thought possible for myself!” Lauren says. As a masters runner, Lauren’s experience is a testament to the power of smart training, patience, and a coach who truly listens and adapts the plan to fit the runner’s needs.

What’s Next?

With this incredible personal record under her belt, Lauren’s journey isn’t over. She’s already achieved so much in two years, including completing multiple half marathons, the Broad Street Run, and her first full marathon. With Sara’s continued guidance, it’s clear that Lauren’s running career has only just begun. As she looks to the future, one thing is certain: Lauren will continue to set new goals and push past boundaries she once thought impossible.