Four years ago Sam Cooke started taking classes at Swampscott’s Orangetheory, a nationwide fitness studio that combines full-body strength training with cardio exercise.
Cooke didn’t know at the time that this decision would lead to a lot of changes in her life. In 2024, she went from student to teacher, becoming a coach at Swampscott’s Orangetheory. The decision also lead to her running marathons locally and around the country.
In October, Cooke, a Winthrop resident, will travel westward to run the Chicago Marathon, one of the premier races in the world.
Just three years ago, Cooke didn’t see long distance running as something she would enjoy or seek out.
“I ran a half marathon in 2022, and I remember thinking no need to go further than that,” said Cooke.
Classes at Orangetheory have helped Cooke grow as a runner, and the community of co-workers and members have had an impact as well, she said.
“I kept improving my cardiovascular health and my strength, and there was also a shift in my mindset,” said Cooke. “Classes played a huge part in getting in the shape I got in. Seeing my speed increase and distance get longer each class was enough to make me realize how much further I could go.”
Now, she prepares to run her third marathon, having completed races already in Maine and Lowell. The Chicago Marathon will be held on the weekend of Columbus Day.
“I do three days a week running outside and two to three targeted strength training days,” said Cooke, on top of her coaching at Orangetheory, which is also helping her prepare. “I’m just getting back into it now. I’m remembering how to fuel my body, how enjoyable the process can be.”
Once training kicks into full gear, Cooke will be running 30 to 50 miles outside each week.
“I’m lucky to be able to do this,” said Cooke. “I really love the time spent training, especially in the warmer months running outside.”
Cooke said the feeling of making a plan, sticking to it and completing a goal is another part of the sport that drives her. In order to participate in the Chicago Marathon, Cooke had to reach a fundraising goal. She teamed up with Anticruelty, a nonprofit in the Chicago area fighting for animal welfare.
Some of the members who attend Orangetheory classes will also be running the marathon, and they joined the same fundraising team as Cooke.
“I’m very lucky that the staff is so supportive and members are always asking about how my training is going,” said Cooke. “I enjoy the process, and the community and camaraderie at Orangetheory is behind that. I wouldn’t have signed up if it weren’t for Orangetheory classes, the studio and community.”
