NOTE FROM JEFF HENDERSON

Owner of Fleet Feet Columbus, Former Head Coach of MIT  

Sixteen or so years ago I was asked to coach Marathoners in Training. I had no idea what I was getting myself into, but the prospect of having a career that revolved around running was impossible to resist. I jumped head first, leaving behind a teaching career and eventually the high school coaching job I loved. 

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It was exciting, and yet equally, if not more so terrifying. "You're going to leave a stable teaching job to coach a bunch of marathoners?" I was asked frequently that first summer. I may not have fully appreciated it then, but I knew that by following my heart I was making the right decision. 

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Every time you lace up your shoes you are making a similar decision. It won't feel like it today, or tomorrow, but as you look back on what you are setting out to accomplish you'll see it. You have eighteen weeks of training ahead of you. You will have days when you question your motivation. You will have days you want to quit. Then there are other days that you will feel like there is nothing in this world that can stop you!

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Never in my wildest dreams would I have guessed this journey would have brought me to where I am today. Little did I know it would change my whole life. Through this journey my parents and brother have joined MIT, and Andy now works alongside me. I met my amazing wife. We have two beautiful daughters. I have the most talented, caring staff I could ask for. I thought I was just going to make some folks faster, and look at us. now!

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It will get harder before it gets easier.  Keep lacing those shoes up. I've stood by and watched as thousands before you have made the same journey. The reward is worth it, and maybe it will exceed your wildest dreams too.

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Change your life. One mile at a time.