I ran my 28th half marathon a few weeks ago. I started running half marathons in 2011 and I have to admit, it's my favorite distance. In a tough season for me, I wanted to reflect on what I’ve learned in these last 28 half marathons, with running and with life in general.
Celebrate every mile, even in training, and even the bad runs.
Your health is more important than a finish line.
Sometimes no matter how hard you work, you won’t get that PR.
Just because you’ve done something before, doesn’t mean you can go about it the same way again.
Never underestimate a spoonful of peanut butter.
Consistency can do more for you as a runner than motivation.
Run/walk intervals can change your running game.
Your goals are valid no matter how small.
Extremes rarely work in your favor.
Strength training helps so much.
No one else is invested in your pace or mileage. Only you.
Bad/hard runs are part of the process.
Rest and recovery are part of your training, not optional.
Finding what works for you as a runner is a process & needed for success.
Fueling properly will change everything.
Cheering for yourself and other runners is important.
There is more to work on as a runner besides pace.
Injuries and unexpected life events that keep you from running are inevitable.
Running ebbs and flows with your life - it’s never a straight constant line.
You will always get the butterflies before a race.
Half marathon distance might just be my favorite.
You will get bored of running at some point.
You don’t need a fancy tempo and fartlek workout every week to succeed.
Focus on the basics and you’ll become more efficient.
Wearing the right running shoes will make everything easier.
If another runner is doing something different, that doesn’t mean you are doing something wrong.
We all run for different reasons and they are all valid.
Runners are the best people.
Happy running,
Coach Kelly