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Runner Mike Johnson decided to get serious. Though proud of the fact that he had finished two marathons, his finish times of 4.5+ hours were, by his own reckoning, mediocre. But those disappointing finishes were no surprise: his training program was drawn from an article downloaded from a running magazine, and nutrition for one of the races consisted of a single nutrition bar split between Mike and his running partner...and he lost his half before he could eat it! Needless to say, the races were both painful experiences that left him unsatisfied.

So when it came time to run the Twins Cities Marathon this year, he was determined to post a better time. He began working with OptumHealth Performance coach Chris Lundstrum on a carefully constructed, seven month training program that would get him to his goal of completing in under four hours.

As part of the program, Chris introduced Mike to a wide range of training resources. He taught Mike running-specific strength exercises, began separate workouts for speed and endurance, and worked with him to perfect his stride. In addition, Mike received VO2max testing to help get further insight into his capabilities and limits.

The effect was dramatic: "Working with someone like Chris, and having the science of OptumHealth Performance behind me, was a great experience." The key, notes Michael, was that he had to allow himself to "trust the plan".

As Mike progressed through his training plan, he periodically consulted with Chris, in person as well as electronically, to make sure he was on track. As a result, Mike came to race day with complete confidence in his training and his race plan. He knew the pace he needed to keep, when to eat and drink, and how to deal with potential trouble spots during the race.

In the end, the race went almost perfectly. "I don't think I could have run any harder," he says. His time? 3:32, putting him in the top 13% overall. "I couldn't be any happier," he says.

Thanks to his work with OptumHealth Performance, Mike was able to set a new personal best that is way better than his previous times. Chris and the other coaches at OptumHealth Performance are ready to help you find similar success. Get more information at www.OptumHealthPerformance.com, or call OptumHealth Performance at 952-769-2060 to get started.

For informational purposes only. You should consult an appropriate health care professional to discuss whether the information herein is right for you.

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