A physician, wife, mother of three, and triathlete, Morgan Cheatham must balance a lot in life. Given this, she has found great value in a personal training plan built around her schedule and teammates to keep her motivated. Read her story in her own words below…
Tell us about your journey to endurance sports. How did you get started?
My journey started with the Monument Avenue 10K in 2009. Scott, my husband, and I had just started dating and he was not a runner at the time. I convinced him to do the 10K with me in 2010 and he got bit by the running bug. We decided to try a sprint triathlon at the Shady Grove Y together that year. I remember really enjoying the bike ride and wanting to do it again! We both really enjoyed triathlon training and together trained for an Olympic length a few years later. Fitness took a backseat, unfortunately, during my residency. I had two kids in residency and our third after residency. During those years Scott really got into running and began doing marathons and ultramarathons. He encouraged me to join him for two marathons, which I completed very slowly, and a couple of half marathons. I got back into sprint triathlons last year and I’m excited about working towards an Olympic length this year.
What is your greatest accomplishment in the sport?
The race I am most proud of is a Half Marathon that I did in Maryland, the Maryland Parks Half marathon. I was in the best shape that I have been in since I started running and it was easily the best race I have ever run. The course was fun, I felt great and was able to push myself to keep up with a pace group that was a little bit of a stretch for me. I think about that race and how I felt when I need motivation.
What is your biggest goal right now?
My biggest goal right now is trying to stick to my training plan to prepare for the Kinetic Olympic Tri in May.
What motivates you?
I want to be healthy and fit for my family. I really enjoy being active with Scott. I’d like to build up my endurance to be able to get back to racing with him. I also want to model a healthy lifestyle for my kids.
Outside of training and racing, what are other important things in your life?
My family is very important to me. My husband Scott and I will be celebrating our 10 year anniversary this summer. We have three sweet kids; Zoe who is 7, Tessa who is 4 and Tripp who is 2. I am also passionate about my work as a physician. I am an Internal Medicine and Pediatrics physician. I work as an adult Hospitalist at Johnston Willis Hospital and I do a few shifts a month in the Pediatric ER at Chippenham. I am moving into a leadership role for our Hospitalist group and am really enjoying that new role.
How has training and racing impacted the rest of your life?
It has been fun to connect with other people who enjoy endurance sports and I’ve encouraged some of our friends to try new things as well.
Why did you choose to train with Endorphin Fitness?
The honest answer is that Scott thought I should. I had seen Endorphin athletes at races and thought it was a group for just elite athletes. I was very nervous joining such an impressive group, but everyone has been very welcoming!
What do you love most about training with Endorphin Fitness?
I have really enjoyed the group rides. It’s fun to be working out with others! I have also really enjoyed and found helpful the personalized training plan from Erin. My work schedule can be crazy, and she does an amazing job of building my plan around my work schedule. It has really helped me to be successful!
