The Impalas reputation for speed constitutes the initial draw for many members, but often they end up staying for other reasons. Pell found what she was looking for, and more. Right from the start I felt this incredible camaraderie that was very women-centered. Really, I ve never been part of another group that is both so mutually supportive and demanding. The Impalas have had the good luck of finding coaches over the years all men, as it happens who possess an uncanny knack for understanding and relating to the female athlete.
Women are much more willing to let their guard down.
They are more open to being coached and following a program. My approach, and the approach Brian and Jason have continued is called optimality. It involves holding back, sticking to a plan and progressing in stages. It doesn t always work with men, who tend to think harder is always better, and have a testosterone-driven need to push through every workout. Perhaps the less driven atmosphere of the Impalas stems from the fact that almost all must balance their running with career, family and other responsibilities.