CMF Runner Mike Hamilton's inspirational running journey with Coach Holly

Mike has an amazing story to share that goes way beyond running. 3 years ago, Mike lived a very different life. Struggling with meth addiction, running or exercise was not something that featured in his life. 3 years on he’s gone from being unhealthy and struggling, to being the happiest, healthiest and fittest he’s ever been. In just 3 years Mike has  run 2 marathons, multiple 50kms and a 100km! In the last 12 months he has improved his marathon time from 3.54 to 3.18 - what an achievement! 

I have had the pleasure of working with Mike over the last 12 months and have witnessed his progress as a runner and as a person throughout this time. But it was this training cycle when things really started to click and we saw massive improvements. There were a few things that clicked during the last 12 weeks that saw a huge improvement in his marathon time. 

1. Mike developed a larger endurance base. 

Before this marathon block, he spent time building up his endurance base by slowly increasing his weekly mileage. Most of these were done at zone 2 easy endurance pace, and he was consistent in his training. He was running between 70-80kms per week consistently, giving him a good steady base to work with going into his marathon training block 

2. He changed his mindset. 

Mike decided to give everything he had to training, and our whole training cycle, Mike didn’t miss one run. I could tell just by the way he was executing the workouts that he really wanted to see improvements. Before this, he would cut runs short or skip runs if he didn’t feel like it. But this marathon block was a different story! He was determined to smash his goals, and it paid off! 

“Since my shoulder surgery in May I just decided to be way more dedicated, sorted out my diet, never ran less than 10km every run.. averaging 70 - 80km weeks….. but I had absolutely no direction or idea on actual training, or speeds etc. I set goals in my head like running a 3:30 marathon but I never even knew if that was possible or not for me”

3. He trusted the process and stuck to the paces I set. He paid attention to his heart rate and zones, and was disciplined about staying within them.

When training, every run has a purpose. Easy runs need to be run super easy for a reason, so we can give everything to those harder sessions! Mike really listened to the feedback and information I gave him, and was disciplined with his runs. He worked on slowing down those easy runs, and not getting over excited during marathon pace work. He also got himself a heart rate monitor so he could accurately stay within his zones. It was awesome to see his pace improve over the block, and the way he could hold a faster pace for longer with less effort. 

“Your coaching has been awesome. It helped me a lot. Once I started coaching with you, I suppose you sort of let me know what was possible… The heart rate monitor was magic for me as my watch wasn’t picking up heart rate… but the numbers are totally confusing and I don’t know anything about zones etc. I’m lucky I already know you so I trust you and leave it up to you lol”

It was so awesome to see Mike smash his marathon last week. My husband Steve and I have really loved seeing Mike grow as a person over the last few years, and it brought us so much happiness to see him cross that finish line with such a sense of pride. It brings tears to my eyes just thinking about it! 

“I honestly talk to Mum all the time about how grateful I am that I’ve had you and Steve there too. You guys unknowingly really helped me find something to sort my life out. I had got myself out of meth addiction but my life was still so unhealthy and I knew it still wasn’t where I wanted to be….Now I honestly feel the best mentally and physically I ever have” 

Mike is now working his way towards Tarawera 100 miler in February. I can’t wait to help him achieve his goal, and see him cross that finish line once again!

“I read an article 2 years ago about a guy who had done the Tarawera miler, and he’d come from being an addict… At that stage I had probably run my first half marathon, that was August 2 years ago… and I never even thought that I could do anything like him. But I just kept at it. I’ve had a few ups and downs along the way but since I've locked in I don’t want to stop. I want to keep smashing goals I never thought possible.”

Mike reminds me that running is so much more than running. It’s connection, healthy choices, a sense of accomplishment and putting yourself first. How lucky am I that I get to work alongside amazing humans like Mike Hamilton and see them live out their best life! 

- Coach Holly