LEFT & ABOVE As a heptathlete, Hawkins competes in seven track and field events, including the javelin throw and 100-meter hurdles. BELOW Hawkins and Monico practice a high-knee movement called an A-step.
mental exercises. It’s enough to make me rethink my resistance to this quick one-hour workout. Our sessions begin with a mindfulness practice. “I am willing. I am grateful. I surrender,” she says, sharing the words that help her set an intention before a workout. Then, it’s onto technique. Everything I knew about running seems wrong. “Remember, the sole of the foot is showing right in front of us,” she says, demonstrating a type of high- knee movement. To do this, you’re overexaggerating your running form while standing still. Raise your knee up, point your toes to the clouds (forming an A), and then pedal the sole of your foot forward before striking your knee down. It’s more complicated than it sounds after 30-plus years of moving a certain way. My homework is working on technique drills and going on at least two 20-minute “fun runs,” as Hawkins calls them. Remember to stay tall and lift my knees, I think. One mile time: 9:42. The next time I see Hawkins, I’m battling self-doubt. My past running life is heavy on my shoulders. She jumps into coaching mode, telling me that we are in charge of our own energy. “Say you’re in a relationship and you guys end and you’re devastated—you can’t do anything,” she says. “And then they’re like, ‘Can I come over to talk?’ Think about how quickly you would get up, shower, and clean your whole house in, like, half an hour with all the energy in the world.” Been there. It hits. I’m ready to train. She coaches like a close friend, senses when I need the motivation but doesn’t let me give up when I begin to tire. This week is easier, maybe even fun.
49 SAN DIEGO MAGAZINE
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