Friday, October 2, 2009

An AQx Success Story: Kevin Clougherty

AQx recently received this testimonial from one of our many success stories, Kevin Clougherty. Kevin has been training with the AQx program at Pinnacle Health & Fitness in Fitchburg, Wisconsin with one of our terrific Master Trainers, Heidi Spidell. Here is his story:

"My name is Kevin Clougherty and I would like to share my own water running success story. I could not run more than a slow mile or two at most and on many days not even a quarter mile because of a past knee surgery.

I looked into the Pinnacle Health + Fitness deep-water running program with AQx sports master trainer Heidi Spidell as an alternative to land running. After a number of classes and individual training, I began to feel confident that I could run again. I went out to attempt a short run but actually ran 3 miles in 35 minutes without serious knee discomfort. I began training harder in the water. I went out running 2.5 miles with friends and this run included hills, again, no pain.

I then agreed to try a half marathon, fully realizing that I may be walking much of it but knowing I could go the distance. I ran the five miles of Crazy Legs first and had a successful run, averaging a 12-minute mile pace. I finished with no knee pain. Besides one 4-mile outdoor run just before the half marathon, I did the rest of my training in the water. I ran the entire race and finished in 2:30:00. With only minor knee pain and very minimal swelling, this was a very successful half marathon for me.

As a result of my continued water training, I feel confident that I have the ability to run forever. It is really nice to know that I can go for an occasional run with friends or do a fun run or race with my son if I really wanted to. Thanks to Heidi, AQx, and Pinnacle for making this possible."

Thank you Kevin for sharing your awesome experiences!

Intelligent Training: Just Add Water™