It often surprises people when I tell them that I only started running long distances in 2021. I didn’t grow up doing track or participating in any sports, rather, my interested lied in the creative arts. My journey into running began in 2011, in college, when I decided to get in shape. I started by walk/running a mile on the treadmill a few days a week. In the beginning, everything felt uncomfortable and awkward—it was all so new, and honestly, it felt like a struggle.
It took months before I could increase my mileage to 2-3 miles on the treadmill. Eventually, I took my running outside, which turned out to be a whole new challenge. Running outdoors was nothing like the controlled environment of a treadmill, where the surface is flat and the conditions are predictable. Outdoors, there were hills, wind, cold weather—and more hills. It felt like I had to start all over again.
I signed up for my first 5K, a local Thanksgiving Turkey Trot. Running those 3.1 miles felt like I was fighting for my life. But the following year, I signed up for the same race again, and this time, it felt a little easier. After that, I went back to the treadmill, sticking to a couple of miles at a time.
It wasn’t until 2022 that I decided to sign up for a half marathon. That decision marked a turning point in my running journey. The half marathon was a life-changing event and eventually became a key part of my identity. That half marathon also played a key role in how I eventually connected with my now fiancé. He ran the race the following year in 2023, and we crossed paths later—when I noticed him wearing the same shirt from the event I had done the year before
April 2022 - My First Half Marathon- The Great Race
After completing my first half marathon, I was officially bitten by the long-distance running bug. Just two months later, I ran my second half marathon. I took the lessons I’d learned from the first race and applied them to my training, which helped me improve both my pace and overall race time. Running is a sport that requires patience and consistency, and all too often, people quit before they see noticeable progress. When you’re just starting out, the improvements can feel small, but with persistence, they eventually become clear.
The key takeaway: trust the process!
With every mile under your feet, you are improving, it just takes time to see and feel the progress.
June 2022 - My Second Half Marathon- Arroyo Creek
After completing two half marathons, I decided I wanted to do a marathon. I figured, two half marathons equals a marathon, so I must be ready!
Oh boy was I humbled.
Running a marathon requires a new approach to training that is much different from half marathon training. Runs can be skipped while training for a half marathon with little consequence, but that is not the same for marathon training. If you have any weaknesses, whether that be physical or mental endurance, those are exposed.
The key takeaway: respect the distance!
I attempted two other marathons, one in 2022 and another in 2023, but unfortunately, I was sidelined by injuries during training both times. While those setbacks were painful and disappointing, they also taught me invaluable lessons about the process of running. I decided to take a pause on marathon training and get to basics. I signed up for a couple more half marathons and focused on strength training, balance, and of course, more running.
October 2023 - My Third Half Marathon - Fredrick Michael Gibson Half
February 2024 - My Fourth Half Marathon - Ventura Half Marathon
By the time I made my third attempt, I was more humbled and had gained more experience. In April 2024, I successfully completed my first marathon.
For me, it took years of training, along with countless lessons learned along the way, before I was able to fully complete my marathon training and cross the finish line. The journey was anything but linear—I faced many challenges and setbacks. But it was also filled with wins, personal growth, and moments of perseverance that made the achievement all the more meaningful.
April 2024 - My First Marathon - Mountains 2 Beach Marathon
One part of running that I never considered was the community aspect of it. Although most of the training is done independently, much of my growth and success is attributed to the community in which I was surrounded. Although I put the miles in, there was no way I could have do any of these miles, especially my marathon, without the support I was given.
Key takeaway: build a community!
Whether that be other runners or non-running friends and family, I never knew the importance of having a good community until I reflected on the miles I traveled.
Conejo Valley Run Club
In the next post, I’ll share the tools and resources I used to train for my marathon, along with the strategies that worked (and those that didn’t). My hope is that this will offer you valuable tips and inspire you to make your own brave changes, whether for running or any other goal you’re pursuing.