How the Runeasi test helped Emily towards the Six Star Medal
Interview by Philip Cortvriendt – Runeasi expert
In April 2024, Emily Manzanares achieved a remarkable feat—winning her six-star medal during the Boston Marathon. But her journey wasn’t just about running; it was about strategic strength training guided by Runeasi. Join us as we delve into Emily’s story and explore how Runeasi played a pivotal role in her pursuit towards the Six Star Medal.
Hey Emily, How did your marathon in Boston go?
“My marathon experience in Boston was really good. Despite the tough course, I felt strong throughout the race. Crossing the finish line not only marked a personal achievement but also earned me the Six Star Medal for completing all six major marathons.”
How did Runeasi help with your marathon preparation?
“The focus Runeasi provided during my preparation was important. As a runner, I understood the importance of strength training, but it often fell by the wayside due to a busy schedule. However, when I received my Runeasi test results, I realized there was significant room for improvement—motivating me to take action.
During the program, I felt stronger, which was incredibly rewarding. Despite not achieving the strongest results initially, it served as a reminder to prioritize strength training. Throughout this campaign, I’ve made it a priority.
Runeasi played a pivotal role. The exercises were crystal clear—I knew exactly how to address my weakest point. Ultimately, the transformation was in my hands, and I embraced the challenge.”
Did you already do strength training?
“Before Runeasi, I did some exercises at the gym, but they weren’t specifically tailored for running. They were more generic, based on what I’d seen online or knew from my background. However, after taking the Runeasi test, everything changed.”
“I realized that stability was my weakest link. It was eye-opening to try the recommended exercises for the first time. I couldn’t even perform a single-leg stand-up or squat effectively. But over the weeks, I saw improvement. My strength was growing, and that feedback was motivating.
The best part? These exercises were precisely what I needed—the missing pieces in my training puzzle.”
Were you surprised when you saw the results after 2 months of training?
“I was very happy. Initially, I knew I could have done more—perhaps increased the frequency from once or twice a week to two or three times. But even with my modest effort, the improvement was remarkable.”
“My weakest link had shifted, which kept things interesting. It’s like discovering new exercises tailored to my needs. If you always stick to the same routine, progress can feel elusive. But when you challenge yourself with more difficult exercises, the leaps become evident. It’s like those huge steps you take to perform well in a marathon.”
Did you also feel a change in training?
“Absolutely. Over the two months leading up to the marathon, I noticed significant differences. Initially, I experienced minor pains—nothing severe, but enough to be noticeable. However, after incorporating the Runeasi exercises and maintaining focus, those discomforts vanished.
The transformation was twofold: first, during my runs, I felt more efficient. It’s like my body was working harmoniously, supporting my fitness goals. Second, post-workout recovery improved—I wasn’t plagued by those lingering aches anymore.
As for specific discomforts, my Achilles tendon was the culprit. It would come and go, especially in the lead-up to the marathon. But now? Completely gone. No more morning soreness. Runeasi made a real difference.”
Interviewed by Philip Cortvriendt
Philip achieved a master’s degree in physiotherapy & rehabilitation sciences and has core expertise in the field of running, working with both recreational and elite runners. Philip has the unique role of educating Runeasi physiotherapists and helping them translate biomechanical insights into targeted strength and conditioning exercises- specifically on how they can improve their client care using scientifically validated biomechanical insights from our Runeasi analytics.
