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Joy utilizes video analysis to identify strengths and weaknesses. |
I met Joy Murphy several months ago when I was getting fit for new running shoes at Jacksonville Running Company. We’d been keeping in touch online and when I started this fitness series, she was one of the first to invite me out to train. Joy’s business Enjoy Fitness includes a variety of training options, but one of her primary specialties is coaching endurance athletes. This includes anything from a 5k to an ironman. I’m no triathlete (yet) but I am one to hit the pavement from time to time to check my cardio work out off the list. I was clued in on my “funny run” as I call it, when I had my gait analyzed at Jax Running Co. Training with Joy was a whole new ball game as she worked with me in a group setting to narrow down the inefficiencies of my form and start me down the road of becoming a better runner. Here are my:
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Joy’s expert eye keeps you on track. |
1. Everyone Runs
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Joy works with all levels and personally customizes training for the individual. She also coaches athletes online. |
Joy’s passion for what she does derives from an absolute obsession with competition. I’ve not been one to get on the bandwagon for competitive sports like my husband, but there was something about listening to her talk about what she loves, that made me want to be apart of it. I think that is the spark that really lights the fire under most runners and triathletes. It’s the curiosity that you may be capable of more than you ever thought. It’s the pioneer in us that takes that first step of discovery into the unknown. It’s experienced hands like Joy’s that help us take that leap of faith and land safely. Joy’s coaching class meets once a week on Tuesdays at the UNF practice track. I was pleased to see all ages, and all shapes and sizes pushing through their mental hold backs and overcoming their physical obstacles to be swifter, lighter, and more purposeful. Truly this is one of the most mentally challenging fitness routines for me, but also one of the most rewarding.
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Joy and I take a slow motion look at my gait to determine what is working for me, and what is holding me back. |
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Joy helped me realize what “form fixes” I needed. |
3. Achieve that Impossible Goal
You can do it. That is the energy that permeates the air during training with Joy. You can achieve the impossible goal, you can break through that time record you want to beat, you can go the distance. Whatever it is, you can make it happen. Joy knows all about overcoming those mental and physical obstacles as she has completed two Iron Man competitions, five marathons, and four half Iron Mans (and that’s just the big stuff). Each of us has a story. I’m not sure about you but I like filling mine up by making things possible that I thought were impossible. Perhaps one of those is running a marathon… who knows? What about you? What’s your impossible goal? Whatever it is, you can be sure that with the coaching Joy offers and the group dynamic of each class cheering you on, you will be well on your way to seeing it through.
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Joy specializes in making people faster by making them more efficient. |
We all need someone in our corner. Who is in yours? Getting to know Enjoy Fitness, and running beside new friends committed to getting in touch with the best in themselves was eye opening. Overcoming my own personal mental and physical obstacles was fulfilling. All in a days work out right? Looking forward to what’s next.
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