Six Half Marathons and a Marathon in a Year: A Journey of Endurance, Triumph, and Personal Growth
- Kirsty Heap
Some training sessions were enjoyable, while with others, I would tie my shoes, huffing and puffing, thinking, “Why on why am I doing this.”
At the start of the year, as I always do, I began to put pen to paper and scope out what personal and business-related goals I wanted to achieve in 2023. On one line, I went to write, “Run a half marathon.” however, as I looked down at my beautifully unique handwriting, I saw in front of me, “Run 6 half marathons” that ‘a’ looked like a ‘6’. Was this because I had already run half marathons before, and subconsciously, I thought, well, that is not a real goal, Kirsty! Or was it, as it happens often, that my handwriting does not always look like what I had intended to write? So, with this, a new challenge was born – I committed to undertaking 6 half marathons throughout 2023.
Fast forward to the end of October, and I can proudly say that I achieved my ambitious goal while looking at my medals in front of me. Achieve is probably the wrong word; I didn’t achieve it. I smashed it because I completed 6 half marathons and decided (with little thought) in July to throw a full marathon in September into the mix.
Reflecting upon this one goal, I see how important it was for me to follow a well-structured training plan. I have learned that I am very disciplined and even controlled in my approach to following a training plan. I scheduled training sessions in my work calendar to make sure I considered work commitments, and I can only recall missing one training session within my training block.
Some training sessions were enjoyable, while with others, I would tie my shoes, huffing and puffing, thinking, “Why on why am I doing this.” Surprisingly, even the reluctant ones turned into moments of joy post-exercise. Those endorphins run around the body. My body started to feel fitter, and running up those Dorset hills became easier. I could see and feel the benefit of the training. I realised I needed to make the training fun. I did this by setting odd goals: could I run to my sisters for one of my training runs? What different routes could I take? Depending on my mood and the training block, I mixed up what I listened to, from podcasts to books to songs. Sometimes, I just ran with nothing to accompany me but the beautiful sound of nature that surrounded me.
The goal or the destination in this concept is the reward for all the training or the journey you undertake. So, it is important that you enjoy the journey as much as the destination.
I have learned I am a natural numbers person regarding the goals I set. So, we have:-
● 6 half marathons,
● one done in 2:15 hrs.
After the first couple of events, I was way off this; I came in at 2:39, and others at 2:22. But I didn’t get disheartened. I trusted in the training and put faith in my ability, and at my last event at the end of October in Oxford, I completed the event at 2:09 and achieved my goal.
Between 2 April and 15 October, my time improved. I also noticed how the variance in weather and terrains tested my time goals, especially on hot days, and how I must also run in a zig-zag motion as in some races; despite starting watch on the start line, my watch recorded me doing an extra 0.3 miles.
So, a couple of months into my goal, my husband announced he was off to Berlin to participate in his second marathon of the year (having undertaken London earlier in the year, that being his first-ever marathon) and asked if I would like to come along to support him. I am a great cheerleader and was blessed with good lungs. However, I found myself saying, “No, I don’t want to support you on the sidelines; if you are going to Berlin, I might as well give it a go myself.”
Oh my, what had I done? Had I said that out loud? His face confirmed to me I had. I had set myself yet another challenge to do a full marathon. Not only that, but as I looked at the dates, I now had a full marathon, one weekend off, then two half marathons one weekend after another! Wow, this would be a busy 4 weeks, and I would be racking up some serious miles. At least a marathon would mix up the training plan!
It is evident that a marathon is double the distance of a half marathon, but boy, let me tell you, it felt like a lot more than double the effort. The training felt significantly more demanding. I ran four times a week, with a long run on the weekend. The longest I ran was 20 miles. Long runs were typically done on a Sunday. The day would consist of running in the morning, followed by an appointment with the sofa for the afternoon. I also have my groceries delivered on a Sunday, and I am convinced the drivers think I am the laziest person as I would often be dressed quite clearly like someone who had stayed in the house all day.
Undertaking my first full marathon in Berlin in late September was an incredible experience and one I will never forget. On the day I decided not to chase a time, I shifted my mindset to enjoyment, soaking in the sights and even sending video messages to friends along the way. The support of my daughter and her partner, who were travelling around Germany coincidentally, added a special touch. I saw them at mile 6, where I was all smiles, and saw friends at mile 17 again all smiles and felt comfortable. I was enjoying the experience, but by mile 21, I was starting to keep my eyes peeled for my daughter again, and I decided to message her to find out where she was. This was to save, me constantly scanning the supporters for her. She replied to confirm she was at miles 26. I remember hearing the beep on my watch for mile 26; my eyes started to recheck the sea of people. Then I heard her, and as I did, a wave of unexpected emotion came across me. I hugged her and began to sob on her shoulder. Where did this emotion come from? I felt fine within my body, and my legs felt fine, so it made no sense, but as I reflected, this was pure emotion and pride. I was proud that I was going to accomplish this goal, felt happy that she was there to support and witness this achievement, and realised that this was what all the training had been for. As I pulled myself together and left her arms to cross that finish line, I let the tears of joy and accomplishment roll down my cheeks again.
This journey taught me valuable lessons that extend beyond the realm of running. Setting goals, creating a training schedule, and adapting to challenges are crucial steps in both personal and business achievements. The destination is undoubtedly rewarding, but the journey is just as essential and must be enjoyed.
So, remember to enjoy the journey, whether you’re training for a marathon or striving to reach your business objectives. Oh, and if you are looking for a coach or a cheerleader to support you on your way, I know of one with a good set of lungs and a bag brimming with support strategies to help you!
