Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Wade.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Nicole. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I came to running later in life. I didn’t run high school or college track, and certainly didn’t entertain the thought of racing. I started running with the goal of one mile, and then two. In 2006, I decided to answer a call for charity runners for the Boston Marathon. An organization still had a bib left, with about 5 weeks to go before the marathon. Having never run more than 5 miles, I took it, raised money, and tried to train as best I could. I took a DNF (did not finish) at mile 18, and I learned a lot about myself in the process.
After that, I wanted to get stronger. I started practicing Pilates to help my core. A strong core is essential to a pain free back! I loved Pilates so much that I got my certification and started teaching.
I had unfinished business with the Boston Marathon, and in 2008, I tried it again, as a charity runner, and completed it in 4:50.
After that, I started to get curious about what’s possible. It took me several years to change my inner narrative around my athletic abilities. In 2013, I completed my running coaching certification, and in late 2015 began working towards my Boston Qualifying time. In October 2016, I ran my first Boston Qualifying marathon (Baystate Marathon, Lowell, MA, 3:35).
I’ve just completed a yearlong certification in holistic nutrition, and NASM certified personal trainer program.
I own Heart & Sole Running, where I develop personalized training plans, strength plans, and health coaching. I also started a 6 Week Self-Care Boot Camp, which is really exciting.
Around Boston, I coach long distance track at Community Running, I teach Pilates Reformer classes at Club Pilates (Assembly Row), and I teach Mat Pilates, writing workshops and guided meditation at Five Doors Health & Wellness in Central Square, Cambridge.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I would say the biggest road block along the way has been myself. I was wracked with self-doubt and imposter syndrome. But more importantly, I wasn’t fully comfortable identifying what I wanted to say “yes” to. I think for some women; it can feel selfish. This was my experience as well.
Taking myself seriously, and changing the way I talk to myself are two areas in which I had to work very hard. I had this idea that my goals weren’t very important, and thought maybe I started too late, was too old, too slow, too WHATEVER to make progress. This clearly wasn’t the case. Getting out of negative thought patterns helped, as well. There are still times when I really have to talk myself into a hard workout, but I try to say supportive things instead of being defeatist.
Be kind to yourself, say yes when you want to say yes. The time will pass anyway. The days are long, and the years are short. Chase down all of your dreams. There is enough success to go around. I always say this!
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into Heart & Sole Running story. Tell us more about the business.
These days, I feel like I’m doing so much work that I’m excited about! Working with athletes, runners, and fitness enthusiasts is such a privilege.
With my coaching business, Heart & Sole Running, I work one on one with runners. At Community Running, I do group coaching right at the MIT track. We are on the indoor track during the winter, which means group coaching happens year round.
I’m teaching Pilates in 2 locations – Club Pilates at Assembly Row, and Five Doors Health & Wellness in Cambridge. Club Pilates is Reformer classes, and additionally, I teach combination classes that include Barre and TRX. At Five Doors, I teach Mat Pilates classes. While there is no equipment, these classes are equally tough!
I spent 20 years of my career in research, and I pull from my teaching/research background often, especially when it comes to goal setting, outcomes, and progress.
I really love working with people. I love teaching, learning about others, and helping them reach their goals. For me, that’s where the magic is. I’m really passionate about everything I’m working on.
Do you have a lesson or advice you’d like to share with young women just starting out?
The most important advice I could give is don’t abandon yourself. Don’t give up. If you keep coming back to something in your mind, pursue it. The road is never straight. A straight road would be boring. Overcoming obstacles makes you more resilient. I consider grit and grace equally important character traits.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.heartandsolerunning.com
- Email: nicole@heartandsolerunning.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartnsolerunning/
Image Credit:
Michael Wade
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