Runner’s World+ Member: Bethann Wittig
Bethann is a Runner’s World+ member. Join her and thousands of others chasing their goals with day-by-day training plans, expert advice from editors and coaches, and unlimited digital access. We regularly feature members online and in print.
Running has been a part of my life since middle school cross country; I would say it has guided my life as opposed to changed my life. I continued to run cross country and track and field in high school and completed my first half marathon as a junior in high school. I joined a running club in college and continued running as a personal sport after college by competing in half and full marathons. Running is a lifestyle for me. I have turned this passion into a health and fitness career and by founding a run-training company, RunBfit. I strive to help others achieve their running goals through coaching and motivation.
I joined RW+ for two reasons: community and education. I love the running community and the conversation around running. I thrive off of hearing other runners’ experiences and their running stories, which are normally as quirky as my own! I appreciate being part of a group that is like-minded and as running obsessed as I am! I also joined for the extra running and training education. I am an avid Runner’s World reader and I appreciate the articles and training plans provided by RW+. I have been using the marathon training plans as a way to change up my track workouts.
I always say that running brings me back to my “normal”. Going on a run, no matter the distance or pace, makes me feel like myself and brings me happiness. Additionally, I run to challenge my body and mind every single day. Running provides me alone time with my thoughts, to process and conceptualize. The training lessons I gain from competitively running absolutely influence other aspects of my life. I was never an amazing runner, I wasn’t born with a great gift of running speed. I have to work really hard on my training in order to be pretty good. But, I do realize that with hard work, determination, and patience I can achieve what I put my mind towards. This mentality spills over to how I approach my career, academics, and everyday events. Nothing comes easy but that’s okay because if you work hard and stay positive you can achieve what you set out to… and it feels damn good when you do!
I have to say that I love to explore with running. Although I have a favorite running trail near my hometown (the Columbia Trail in NJ), I would rather explore a new route or trail every single day if I could. My favorite thing to do while traveling is to go out and just run without a clear destination, just exploring on foot.
I can’t go on a run without my Garmin watch. I’d like to say that I don’t need technology, but I love to look at all my data after each run! I have different bands for the watch that I like to switch out based on my running outfits. Hopefully I can upgrade soon!
I checked off a huge bucket list item last year—Run on the rim of the Grand Canyon!! The altitude made it extremely difficult, but the experience was like no other. I highly recommend!
The Boston Marathon!!! Running in the Boston Marathon is my ultimate goal. I have qualified twice but unfortunately the race filled before my qualifying time. I have not let this deter my goal. I will keep pushing myself as I know hard work and commitment will get me to the start line.
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