​James Island coach Lisa Enfinger keeps running

Half marathon best: 1:41
Marathon best: 3:51

James Island coach Lisa Enfinger talks about her involvement in the sport, balance and why she started running.

How did you start running?
In eighth grade I did not do much as far as physical activity. I was not athletic at all. So my mom laughed at me when I said I wanted to try out for the basketball team. That did not go so well so next I decided to run track. She said that might be a challenge since I couldn't even run to the mailbox! That was all the motivation I needed. I tried out for the team and made it. Coach said I wasn't fast but I kept on running the miles and never gave up so he kept me.

Why do you run?
I've been running ever since eighth grade track. That was 32 years ago. Since that time running has been a constant in my life. I love it. I feel lost without it. Not only does it challenge me physically, but also mentally, and emotionally at times. I ran track and XC for five years in high school (Newburgh Free Academy in Newburgh, N.Y.) and ran XC for four years in college at Lycoming College in Williamsport, Pa (Division III).

How did you get started in long distance running?
In 2000 I ran my first half marathon with a friend with team in training at Kiawah and really got hooked on long distance running. In 2001 I did my first full marathon (Rock-n-Roll San Diego). Since that time I have run six marathons and over 50 half marathons.

How did you get started coaching high school?
I started coaching at James Island 10 years ago when Dave Lee came on board and have run with the team almost every day since then. Running with the team is awesome because I can get in my own workout yet at the same time I can monitor and assess their workout. I can pick and choose my pace. If I want to chill I can, or if I want to push the pace, I can. There are always athletes to run with at all levels. This daily interaction has allowed me to develop some really long lasting relationships over the years as well as inspire the love of long distance running in some of our runners. Many alumni have gone on to complete half marathons, full marathons and even triathlons. It is really cool to see that you had a part in planting a seed that took root.

What is your training like for these races?
Most half marathons I do now have a two to three month training plan which consist of one long run a week anywhere from 8-15 miles, two weekly tempos of varying distance, another mid distance run and a few easy runs. For the past three years I have been lucky enough to run with our xc team for most of them. The varsity girls have an awesome relationship with one another and they are always so encouraging. In addition to all that their base pace rocks so they make the perfect training partners!

What do you do to prepare for a race?
Besides completing all the training runs and tapering, I follow a pretty sensible diet and sleep schedule. Two nights before a big race I eat my pasta meal and try to go to bed early. The night before a race I prepare as most serious high school runners do. I eat my pre-race meal of steak and baked potato, lay out my race clothes and shoes and other various things for the morning and try to get some sleep. Nerves still run high even to this day on race morning. If I do not have butterflies in my stomach at the start I know it is not going to be a good race.

The morning of the race I typically get to the race early and scope out the course if I don't already know it and look for key mile markers. I usually go for a short warm up run and do a few strides before heading to the starting line. During the race I don't think about much other than listening to my music and keying off other runners, especially those in my age group. At the finish of the race I typically do a cool down run, a good stretch and then drink a big glass of chocolate milk!

Why do you still run?
As I get older I enjoy the longer races because I have limited foot speed but I have tremendous endurance. I have loved running since that first day and now it is such a big part of my life I would be lost without it. It is my identity. It is my time to relax, think and make myself better. Being in the masters age division now also adds an extra challenge to running... Try to be the first masters age woman to the finish line. I will keep running for as long as I can. I now focus on two key aspects of good running: increasing my base pace and running negative splits.

Are there challenges to coaching and running?
There are a few challenges like the time change and it getting darker earlier and not getting to run a particular race on a Saturday between July and November, but I wouldn't coach if I didn't love it!! The kids are worth every minute of it- running and laughing with them and watching them grow in this sport sure outweighs any race I could have run on a Saturday. Besides there are plenty of Saturdays from December--June.