Gardener by Day, Runner by Passion: Chris Hillhouse's Transformative Year with Run2PB

Meet Chris Hillhouse, a dedicated Run2PB athlete who, in a mere 18 months, transformed from a novice runner into a an athlete scaling new heights every week. His story, recently shared on the Better with Running Podcast, highlights the power of commitment, personalised coaching, and finding a deeper purpose in every stride.

The Unlikely Start

Just 18 months ago, Chris had a bold dream: to run a marathon in 12 weeks. His wife, understandably, laughed, pointing out, "you couldn't even run 5K at the moment". Undeterred, Chris, a self-employed gardener with a passion for human achievement, embarked on his running adventure. He started with a self-devised program, culminating in a half marathon, the Cadbury Marathon in Hobart. His initial 5K pace was around 28 minutes, a stark contrast to his current pace.

Despite the immediate aftermath leaving him unable to walk for two weeks, Chris experienced a profound sense of accomplishment. "Something about it just had that, you know, a sense of achievement" he recalls, igniting a competitive streak that pushed him forward. An impressive 10-minute improvement in his next half marathon convinced him: "maybe I was meant to run".

The Run2PB Connection: A Partnership for Progress with Josh Harris.

Realising he needed expert guidance to further his potential, Chris sought out professional coaching. He was drawn to the work of Josh Harris, an elite athlete and coach from Run2PB. For the past year, Josh has been instrumental in Chris's rapid ascent.

Chris credits Josh with providing invaluable support and structure. "He's just been really cool to bounce off and go, hey, I've done this and, you know, give me the thumbs up, give me some encouragement, a pat on the back and go to the next next training session with confidence" Chris shares. This personalised approach, coupled with Josh's deep understanding of running, means Chris doesn't have to overthink his training. "It's just really nice not to have to think about what I have to do, just open final surge and here's what I'm doing today because he has it planned out for me." he explains.

Under Josh's guidance, Chris has remained remarkably injury-free and consistent, running six to seven times a week. His weekly mileage has steadily increased from 60km to around 100km, with Josh's patient and humble approach ensuring a sustainable progression. Chris notes that Josh "knows my body better than I do at the moment".

Achievements and Deeper Meaning

Chris's dedication recently paid off spectacularly at the City to Casino 12K race, where he ran a "blinder of a run," finishing in 41 minutes and 29 seconds. During this race, he not only averaged an incredible 3:26/km pace but also achieved new personal bests for both 5K and 10K. Reflecting on his progress from a 28-minute 5K to a 3:26/km average for 12K, Chris himself finds it "mind blowing".

Beyond the personal bests and race times, running holds a profound significance for Chris. It's a cherished release from the demands of family and work life, offering a consistent rhythm to his days. More poignantly, it's a way to connect with a dear friend who passed away . "I kind of feel when I'm running, I get to spend a bit of time with him... I know I feel like he's there with me," Chris reveals. This deeper purpose fuels his runs, especially during challenging moments, serving as a constant reminder of why he's out there.

Looking Ahead

With his initial running goals already surpassed, Chris is setting his sights even higher. He's preparing for the Launceston Half Marathon and, later this year, his first full marathon in Melbourne. His ultimate "super goal" is a tribute to Alex Hillhouse to beat his 1932 Olympic 5000m time of 15:15 set at the Los Angeles Games.

Chris's journey is a testament to the fact that with passion, perseverance, and the right coaching, anyone can achieve their personal best and find profound meaning in their running journey.

Listen to Chris featured on the latest episode of Better with Running Podcast.

Want to join the Run2PB team and be personally coached online by an elite athlete with a proven record of helping runners achieve their PBs? If so, check out all the details at www.run2pb.co and fill out the 'Sign Up' form to start achieving your personal best today!