During the summer of 2024, my life seemed to be starting anew in many ways. I had just returned home to New Jersey from my sophomore year at the University of Connecticut and was starting my first internship at the Leukemia Lymphoma Society (LLS), working on fundraising and marketing. I spent my days working at my local Saladworks, hanging out with my hometown friends, and relaxing at the shore on weekends. It was the summer routine I had grown to love and appreciate. While I expected many aspects of that summer to stay the same, there was one pivotal announcement that I could not see coming.
On a Sunday summer afternoon, my parents sat me and my sister down to tell us they were parting ways and had decided to get divorced. In some ways, this decision was a surprise to me, in others, I saw the warning signs coming from a mile away. Regardless of the anticipation, I realized in that moment that my life was about to change in so many ways. Instantly, I felt out of control. There were a million thoughts swirling through my head. Who would move out? How would we coordinate college visits and move ins? Who should I blame? With all these unanswered questions, the only thing I could think to do was run away from all of it. That may sound comedic or dramatic, but I was serious. I wanted to run away from the complicated situation that was about to become my entire life. However, when you’re the eldest daughter and the glue of the family like I am, that is simply not an option. So, I decided to channel these inner feelings elsewhere.
Why not me?
A couple weeks after, I started to receive running related signs that felt intentional. I was scrolling on TikTok and a girl came up on my “For You” page running a half marathon. Then, my best friend Delaney had mentioned that the Philadelphia Marathon Weekend was going on in November. I was still sitting on all these unsettled feelings, and while I could not remember the last time I had even run close to a mile, I decided that a new journey was upon me. I felt like running might be a good outlet to let off steam, process new emotions, and get fit in a new way. Without doing much thinking, I decided to run the Philadelphia Half Marathon later that year. I got many shocked and surprised reactions from family and friends, first confused and concerned. “Why would you ever want to run 13 miles?” “WOW, that sounds really hard.” “Bailey, when’s the last time you ran a mile?” While all of these questions and comments were valid, fears from myself or others were not enough to stop me. So, it was time to get to running.
Training Block
To train for my first race, Nike Run Club training was my tried and true. This free app offers a variety of guided runs, race plans tailored to the amount of time you have to train, and phone tracking for any run you go on. Coach Bennet, Nike’s head running coach, voices most of the guided runs and is so encouraging and easy to listen to as you struggle, or glide, through your run.
I used the 12-week half marathon training plan and adjusted it to my own lifestyle. I started off running one or two times a week, and slowly built that up to three or four as my body got more comfortable. I attempted to run a recovery, speed, and long run each week to keep myself consistent. I mixed in strength training, alternate cardio like spin, rest days, and walking into my schedule. These were forms of exercise I did not want to give up, even though I started running, and realized quickly that I didn’t have to.
Ten Tips For New Runners:
1.Try intervals of walking/running to begin. This will ease your body into the difference in speed, and build your endurance.
2. At first, pay attention to length of time rather than how many miles you’re running. Run for 10 minutes without stopping. Then 20. Can you do 30?
3. Drink lots of water and fuel your body before and during runs! This is especially important for long runs, but try new gels, gummies, and candies to see what works best for you.
4. Every run will unfortunately be different. You can prepare perfectly for a long run and have it go terribly. You could wake up after a crazy night out and run an amazing recovery run with no issues. Sometimes you’ll hate it. Sometimes you’ll love it. That is running for you, and also a great metaphor for life.
5. Shin splints are real. They suck. Take your warm-up and cool-down stretching seriously.
6. Find something to keep your mind occupied while you run. My go-tos are a new running playlist, a thought provoking podcast, or mile dedications to the people you love.
7. Dress for the weather. Your body warms up about 10 degrees when you run, so keep that in mind. Layer when you must.
8. Research your race day course or watch videos of people running the race. Examine the elevation, sharp turns, water stations, and spectator locations.
9. Enjoy your surroundings if you’re outside! Running outside allows you to bond with nature and explore new areas. Don’t take your amazing views for granted.
10. Remember your why. Why did you decide to run? Why will you keep going? Who motivates you to do better?
It takes a village
Once I registered and began training, my friends and family realized that I was not joking about this apparent “phase” and supported me in any way they could. My dad, a previous D1 track sprinter, gave me lots of tips on speed, stretching, and recovery. He helped me shop for my first two pairs of running sneakers to find the best fit for my foot. Sydney, one of my close friends at UConn, put me in contact with her mom, Zakia, a seasoned runner of many half and full marathons. Zakia was my rock throughout my half marathon training cycle, recommending helpful running apps, shoes, and expert advice for the Philly course. She would check in on me every couple weeks to see how my training was going, what I was struggling with, or to send me some motivational quotes. She even ran the Philly half marathon with me, which I’ll forever be grateful for. Though my other supporters did not have much running history, they constantly uplifted me with motivational texts checking in on my training and provided so much in-person support on race day. My running foundation was not built alone. I am so grateful I was able to lean from such amazing people.
Race Day!
Nov. 23, 2024, was the big day. Even though it was a little over a year ago, I still remember waking up and feeling nerves and anxiety like no other. I questioned myself and my training, asking why I would attempt such a lofty goal so early in my running journey. For a bit, the little voice in my head was winning, but I had to turn it off. There was no turning back now, and I reminded myself that race day was my victory lap to celebrate all the hard work I had put in prior.
I set myself up with a good playlist, a cute outfit, lots of fuel, and a positive mindset. From start to finish, Zakia was there with me every step of the way. For the first three miles, I felt myself struggling to get into the groove as my body needed to adjust to the cold weather and unfamiliar route. From miles four to 10, I was soaring! I enjoyed the views Philly had to provide, the amazing spectators and cheerleaders, and the much-needed water stations every two miles. At mile 10, I felt the pain cave settling in, but knew it wasn’t time to give up yet. I pushed through the pain and reminded myself that I was so close, and I did not come this far to come this far. Crossing the finish line was an incredible feeling, and I automatically knew that this hobby was one that would stick with me for a while.
Get to.
Since my first half marathon, I have run two other halfs: the Newport Rhode Race Half Marathon in Newport, Rhode Island and the Hartford Half Marathon in Hartford, Connecticut. I recently completed my first Philadelphia Marathon, exactly a year to the date from my first race. Running has taught me so much discipline and has helped me face life’s challenges with an open mind. It has become an outlet to express my happiness, frustration, nerves, joy, and sadness. It has allowed me to bond with my friends, build new relationships, and connect with so many people. I feel lucky I get to run everyday for the people in my life I love, core values I believe in, and most importantly, for those who can’t. If you are looking for a sign to run your first race, let this article be that. You are capable of so much, so why not try this? Get out there, and have a good run.