Olivier got into running because of a challenge. His wife challenged him to run a 10K. More than 10 years later, he is completely hooked on the sport. “It just goes to show that even if you start from scratch, you can push beyond your limits and set goals that make you want to keep going.” He has just beaten his personal best with a 1:27 finish at the Harmonie Mutuelle Paris Half Marathon.
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How did your Paris Half Marathon go?
I had a great half marathon. I was using it as part of my build-up to the Paris Marathon, as an intermediate goal. I ran 1:27:24, which was 1 minute and 4 seconds faster than my previous PR. I felt good from start to finish. I did not push too hard because I wanted to avoid injury, and above all it was part of my marathon training for Paris.
What is funny is that during a race, you sometimes find pacers without even planning to, and that is exactly what happened to me this time. This year I had extra motivation because I wanted to test myself for my main goal, going sub-3 at my next marathon.
How did you manage your training for this goal?
My RunMotion Coach training plan for the Paris Marathon helped me fit in 4 sessions a week, plus an extra run when time allows. I started my training block on January 1, for a 3-month build-up.
Doubt is sometimes part of the training process. The hardest part is getting past it and keeping your goal in sight. I am lucky that I rarely get injured. I am part of a running group, and we always support each other, which is a huge source of motivation when you want to push your limits.
What motivates you to run?
I have been running for about 10 years. At the beginning, I ran for my health and to lose weight. Now I run to push myself and reach goals that once felt out of reach.
How did you discover the RunMotion Coach app?
RunMotion Coach came into my running group through one of the members, and we started using it more and more. Today, it is fair to say that 100% of the group is happy with the app. It has helped us improve and make real progress in training and performance.
What made you download and try the app?
I used another app before. It also helped you push yourself, but the training paces eventually stopped making sense. The people behind that app could not find a solution.
So I discovered the app through the group and through the Suunto Value Pack, and I was won over.
What do you like most about the app?
The app is great because it can be tailored to your preferences, your needs, and your goals.
What is your next sporting challenge?
Now that the Paris Half Marathon is behind me, my main goal is the Paris Marathon on April 2, with a sub-3 marathon finish.
Congrats Olivier on your half marathon. We wish you all the best for the Paris Marathon. We would be so happy to see you go under 3 hours. We will be following your race closely. 😉
