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Running a marathon, and in particular qualifying for the Boston Marathon, was on my “bucket list” of things to do after turning 45. After a disappointing first marathon attempt, I knew that I needed to work on improving my overall body strength and reduce my body fat composition in addition to running additional miles if I was going to improve my time enough to qualify for Boston.

After giving it some thought, I decided that in addition to getting a running coach that it would be a good idea to join my local gym and find a personal trainer to help me with a strength program. In our first meeting, Klaud listened attentively to my goals and where I currently stood in relation to those goals. He developed a tailored strength and mobility program that he adjusted along the way based on the changing status of my knee injury. Within a month, I was back to running as well as doing strength training in the gym twice a week.

The strength program that Klaud put together really impressed me. Klaud’s program was specifically tailored to build the muscle strength and endurance that a marathon requires. Having been out of the gym for 20 years, I initially felt a bit intimidated but Klaud did a great job in demonstrating and cueing to make sure that my form was good and pretty soon I was feeling confident. In addition to providing positive encouragement in the gym, Klaud also offered useful suggestions on nutrition to help with reducing my body fat composition. Implementing his suggestions along with hard work in the gym resulted in noticeable changes. There is nothing better than feeling light on your feet while running long distances!

Four months later, I completed the 2014 Tallahassee Marathon in a time of 3:42 which was 13 minutes faster than the Boston qualifying standard for my age group. The icing on the cake was winning my age group (women 45-49)! During the whole race but especially in the last 10km where I had struggled so much in my first marathon just 9 months earlier, I felt very strong. I had shared three goals for this race with Klaud when we first met in the fall of 2013: qualify for Boston, run under 3:45 and enjoy the race. It was a great feeling to have accomplished them all!

I first met Klaud after making the decision to get in better physical condition so that I could fully enjoy my retirement. I explained that I was recovering from a torn rotator cuff muscle, so any fitness program would need to be mindful of this injury. We agreed on some short and long-term goals which included nutrition changes, muscle strengthening to support my shoulder and improve my mobility. And so began my regimen of 3 times per week sessions with Klaud.

My short term goal was to improve my mobility and stamina so that I could fully enjoy a planned trip to Machu Picchu. I needed to be comfortable at high altitude, agile enough to avoid sprains or falls and be able to carry my luggage and maneuver through foreign airports and hotels.

There was nothing easy about the activities that Klaud assigned however the results were clearly evident. He always explained and demonstrated the correct form for each exercise and used positive reinforcement to keep me motivated. By the time I left for my trip, I had lost 10% of my body weight, my shoulder injury had healed and the surrounding muscles were strong enough that I shouldn’t experience that type of injury again. While in Peru I was easily able to navigate the stone streets and steps at the high altitudes without any negative side effects. Short term goals met!

I continued to work with Klaud on my return, next goal was further weight loss, improved cardio and overall strength. I had a two week SCUBA diving trip booked and I wanted to have the best possible experience. Klaud changed up the activities, we revisited my diet plan and kept on working together. End results, the best dive trip ever. Friends and family easily recognized my improved strength and significant weight loss.

Klaud has introduced me to various books and websites that have beneficial information specific to me. He has designed workout routines for me to use while I’m travelling. These are geared specifically towards weight management so that I can enjoy a few indulgences while I’m away. That’s what I appreciate most about Klaud, I tell him what’s important to me and he develops a program to make sure I will succeed. Thanks Klaud, you’re the best!