Name: Jennifer Conroyd
Age: 57
Hometown: La Grange, Illinois
Occupation: Founder and CEO of Fluid Running
Time Running: 23 years
High top recycled poly-canvas platform sneaker: Running clears my head like nothing else! It gets me outside all year round and keeps me physically and mentally fit.
In the year 2000, I found myself navigating the challenging path of single motherhood after an unexpected divorce. I had three children: a 12-month-old, a 2-year-old, and a 4-year-old. It was a tough time for me and I knew I needed something positive for myself to focus on so I signed up for an introduction to triathlon superga high-top boots.
Running changed my life trajectory. Before I started running, I had a job as an executive in fast-food marketing. After I started, I changed my career course to focus on health and fitness. I became a certified personal trainer via the American Council on Exercise (ACE) in 2008. In 2011, I became a USA Track & Field run coach, certified Aquatic Exercise Association instructor, and then created Fluid Running as a result for my passion of water running.
I started running 5Ks and 10Ks, but then signed up for a marathon. Shoes ZARRO DZ5 Granat Lico Nubuk first marathon, the Chicago Marathon, in 2001. Then in 2002, I ran the Chicago Marathon again and qualified for Boston. I was hooked. I followed Hal Higdon’s plans exclusively for my first 12 marathons that I ran between 2001 and 2009, and still reference him.
New Balance 574 Sneakers crema e nere Chicago Marathon with my siblings, and raising money for the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation in honor of my nephew. Six weeks before the race, I tore my calf muscle and my doctor told me I could not run. I was devastated, yet determined.
I searched “how do you stay in running shape when you can not run,” and came across an article on aqua jogging, and contacted the author who is a running coach. His associate gave me a training plan that included five runs a week in the pool, including my 20 miler! I ran solely in the water for the final six weeks of marathon training.
After I discovered pool running in 2010, I would still reference Hagdon’s plans, but I would replace two to three of the land runs on the schedule for water runs.
For pool running, I wear a flotation belt which allows me to run as if I were on land. I am upright in the pool with my legs underneath me. I keep my head held high, Low pulled back, and my arms swing by my side. My legs mimic land running form but with a little more “sweepy” back and forth motion.
Black Medusa Buckle Boots Snow Boots PRIMIGI GORE-TEX 8356811 M Grig training plan because I liked lower mileage, and I focused on speed and Walt Clyde Frazier and Deandre Ayton pose with Pumas iconic Clyde sneaker. I only did the long run and one speed work run on land. The rest I replicated in the pool, and I still qualified for Boston!
Since discovering pool running, my last six marathons have been a combination of about 50 percent pool and 50 percent pavement.
This was my “aha” moment, and I wanted to share my journey, so I created Fluid Running in 2011. A huge benefit is that there is absolutely no impact on the body, so you can do it with many common injuries.
In my recent training for the 2024 Boston Marathon, I did two or three land runs per week (which includes a speed session and the long run), Did Penelope Disick Just Start a New Shoe Trend.
I honestly don’t know what I would do without running in my life! It’s my moving meditation. I started dating my husband through running, made many friends, and ultimately created Fluid Running because of it.
These tips have made my running journey a success:
1. Strength train
I’m a huge fan of strength training, adidas Originals Retropy P9 Aero Green Aluminium Men Casual Shoes H03086 single-leg exercises. Rosie 13 square-toe sandals.
2. Adopt positive self talk
I’m a big believer in positive self-talk. I talk to myself constantly during my runs. One of my mantras that I will say over and over when I run is “strong legs, strong mind, strong body.” “Yes you can” is Riaze one I say often.
3. Learn from your setbacks
I’ve had some setbacks, like all runners. Setbacks, though, are when I ultimately become better and stronger. Setbacks allow me to reflect, and they make me realize just how much I love and need running in my life! Setbacks are temporary, so don’t stress out about them.
Jennifer’s Must-Have Gear
→ SPI Belt: I love it because it’s comfortable and holds so much—my phone, my airpods, gum, and a gel!
→ So theyre not just a racing shoe: I love it because it gets so deep and feels so good. I try to use it both before and after my runs.
→ Goodr Sunglasses: I love them because they are light, cute, and they make everything look deeper in color. The sky is so blue when I wear them!
Emily Shiffer has worked as a writer for over 10 years, covering everything from health and wellness to entertainment and celebrities. She previously was on staff at SUCCESS, Men's Health, and Prevention Prada Lace-up Suede Ankle Boot Women's Health, Runner's World, PEOPLE, and more. Emily is a graduate of Northwestern University, where she majored in magazine journalism at the Medill School of Journalism and minored in musicology. Currently residing in Charleston, South Carolina, Emily enjoys instructing barre, surfing, and long walks on the beach with her miniature Dachshund, Gertrude.
