Meet Sean Donley

I have never been a runner. I have always wanted to be a one, but never thought it would come to this. I was a swimmer in high school, but soon after got into drinking and smoking. I used to say I would never run a marathon, but secretly I always wanted too. I read an article of a man in recovery that trained for and participated in triathlons. So after 17 years of sobriety and 15 years without a cigarette, I decided this was the time to try. I wanted to run the Twin Cities Marathon. With the support of my fiancé, I met with Ron and began training and working towards the goal of becoming a runner. I began in January when there was snow on the ground and it was cold outside. I rarely let it stop me. I wanted to accomplish this goal, and I wanted the medal at the end of the race. Since I began this journey I have run a couple 5K, a ten mile, and two 1/2 marathons. Having a coach gives you something that an app cannot. An app or online program cannot adjust your program if you are feeling tired after that long run and need to have an extra day off. Ron helped me get through a lot of training days I did not want to go out and do. I gained a lot of confidence with him encouraging me to sign up for races to keep me focused on my training. When I started I could not run a mile without stopping. Now in a few days, I am going to run a marathon. I have no desire to qualify for Boston, I know I will not break a speed record, my goal is to keep moving forward no matter how tired I may be and make it to the capital to get that medal. I want to be part of the 1%. I want to run a marathon.

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