30 Years, 30 Boston Marathons: Eleanor You’re a Rockstar!
Coaches Notes:
Eleanor came to me last year with a severe limp and pain in her glutes and hamstrings.
We had just a few months until her 29th Boston marathon and we had to get her through so she could keep her running streak going.
After a video analysis we got right to work on making changes.
#1- correct her running biomechanics from an efficiency standpoint. We shifted her from being a very upright stiff runner, to falling forward and being more supple, fluid and efficient.
#2 – Strength and mobility
Get strong and flexible from big toes to her head and neck. Her legs were not equally strong- so physical therapy, a PRP shot (always the best option rather than cortisone) and individual leg and core strength helped her recover quickly and stop limping!
#3 – Ditch the Hokas!
Switching her running shoes from high cushion, high stack shoes that cause over striding, heel striking and over stretching the hamstring.
We switched to zero drop Altra Escalantes which have minimal cushion as well as Xero minimalist running shoes.
We even got her running barefoot pre and post track sessions!
We got her across the finish line but #30 Boston in 2025 was going to be a redemption race.
Spent the whole year building up.
Hitting several 1st place Age Group Wins at a few Ft. Lauderdale A1A 13.1’s 1:44-2nd place!
So we were ready for Boston and decided to do a long run
Saturday and the Key Biscayne 13.1 – 1:46 1st place.
Sunday although the 13.1 went well and she placed 1st again. It turned out to cost us a fast Boston!!
Another tweak to the Glute / hamstring
As well as not pacing slow enough in the first half of Boston
Eleanor ended up with some pain but still finished in 4:15 for Boston
Her 30th straight Run!!
Congratulations Eleanor, not every race is a PR but I do believe you have made some incredible break through in your running and I’m honored to have worked with you on this journey!
Let’s rest your marathon legs and do some triathlons!!
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Meet Eleanor, 53-Year-Old Family COO
Why did you choose FCC to help you on your triathlon/health and wellness journey?
Erinne’s knowledge about running technique and her own experience as an athlete made me want to work with her.
What is your “A” race for this season?
Boston
What are your BIG goals?
My BIG goal is to run Boston at a pace that is competitive in my age group. My goal goal is to finish Boston. And my other goal is to keep running at all. I want to keep finding ways to address, combat, and overcome my injuries.
What were some of your biggest improvements in performance for each of the following? Swim, Bike, Run, and Nutrition/Health. Please include any Personal Records and Goals achieved.
My biggest accomplishment has been to finish my 30th consecutive Boston Marathon this past April. I started running Boston when I was 23 years old and lived in Boston and ran with the BAA track team. I ran it for the first time in 1996, which was the 100th running of the Boston Marathon. Our BAA team was considered “local elite” and we got to start right behind the professional women. As we waited for the start, the mayor called out the names of everyone who’d run the event 20 years in row and also those at 30 in a row. I told myself right then that I wanted to do it 20 years in a row. I hit 20 in 2016 and felt pretty good, so I’ve kept going. I developed repetitive stress injuries in 2018, so it’s gotten tougher to run fast but Erinne has helped me a lot.
Name 2 or 3 things that have made the biggest difference in your journey
Changing my running form and my shoes.
What excites you the most about being involved in triathlon?
I’d love to try triathlon someday. I’ve been working on swimming for cross training – and I’d like to get my biking to a more athletic, endurance level.
What would you say to another person who was on the fence about joining our training program?
Full Circle is well-rounded, technical program. Coaching from someone who knows the physiology and the patterns of movement makes a tremendous difference.
And the schedule of workouts offers a great balance – one that I think will help make you a fitter athlete all around.
Whether you’re dreaming of crossing the finish line at your next 13.1 or dialing in your nutrition for better energy and recovery—we’ve got the tools to help you get there.
The Run Essentials Program will help you improve your technique, gain speed, and prevent injury through personalized video analysis, expert coaching, and a supportive community.
Eleanor did and look where she is now. Imagine what’s possible for YOU.
About Coach Erinne Guthrie Erinne has been a USA Triathlon Level II Certified Coach since 1999 and the Chief Motivating Officer at Full Circle Coaching since 2010. She’s been empowering triathletes since 1997, combining her experience as a CHEK Holistic Lifestyle Coach Level 3, USMS Master’s Swim Coach, Metabolic Efficiency Specialist, and more.