Support System

​Running is filled with highs and lows.  Every runner has experienced the high of running a new personal best, finishing a marathon, or simply having a run that felt amazing.   Unfortunately, we’ve all gone through periods where we lack motivation to get out in the sub zero temperature’s of a South Dakota winter, an injury (little or small), or a race that didn’t go quite as planned.  Having a support system to help encourage you through the low, celebrate with you during the high, and help hold you accountable through the monotony that distance running can be is a vital component to seeing success in your running.

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​What is your support system? For me, my support system involves wide range of people:

• My wife, who watched the kids while I did 3 hour long runs every Saturday last fall, who took care of me after my hip surgery in March, who travels with me to races and cheers me on.
• My kids, who celebrated at home when I cross the finish line of the Chicago and Houston Marathons by yelling “Daddy Won!!!!” despite being 90+ minutes behind the leaders.  To this day, they still believe that their Daddy won both of those races, although Payton, my five year old, is starting to wonder how I won if I brought home a silver medal from the races.
• My brothers, who constantly challenge me, especially Logan who really knows how to push my competitive buttons
• Family and friends, who ask about my runs, encourage me, join me for a run, or even spend a morning biking while I run the entire trail loop (Thanks Doug!)

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​If you’re looking to get a support system or add to the current support system you have in place, the Sioux Falls area has plenty of options for you:

1. Join us for a group run at the store
2. Hire a coach
3. If you’re female, join the Sioux Falls Women Run Facebook page
4. Join the Sioux Falls Area Running Club

 
Lastly, we always LOVE talking about running down at the store.  Feel free to stop by and tell us about your last run, ask questions, and be encouraged by being around other runners.

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​Grant Watley is a veteran high school and collegiate running coach and co-owner of the 605 Running Company. He received his Masters of Sport Science in Sports Coaching from the United States Sports Academy in 2011 and graduated in 2009 from Nebraska Wesleyan University with a degree in Health and Fitness Studies and a minor in coaching. His contributions to the 605 Running Company Blog will appear periodically focusing on training and nutrition.

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