A Healthier Me

A Healthier Me: Training For a Half Marathon

by Olivia

Yep, you read it right I am training for a half marathon! Can you even believe it? I can’t even believe I’m writing it let alone running it next year. This healthier me update is an exciting one but also one with alot of mixed feelings – I’ll explain why later.

I have loved so much keeping a log of my updates. Going back and reading them and seeing how my body has changed really helps me to stay on track to achieve the goals I have. It’s not easy, let me say. I didn’t find it too hard the first 5 months, but its over the last couple of months its been more of a struggle. I guess because in the beginning there is momentum. You’re losing weight quickly and noticing the changes your body is making.

Now it’s alot hard to keep going. I started this journey in April in the spring. It’s now November and Winter. Nights creep in quicker and days seem shorter. It’s alot more different than I am used to.

I SIGNED UP FOR A HALF MARATHON

When I first started this journey, one of the things I told my coach I wanted to do was run. I had done a 10k in 2017 and remembered how much I loved it so I knew I wanted running to be part of my exercise plan. My very first run was 2 miles which is around 3km. I remember I did it and felt like I was dying. Not even joking. I was so unfit and out of shape.

After months and months of running and doing 5ks multiple times a week, me and my best friend decided to were going to sign up to our local 10k race next year. As time went on and as we pondered when to sign up, I kept thinking about how easy it would be to do a 10k for me. It wouldn’t be enough of a challenge. I approached my friend with the idea of the half marathon. She said no. But after thinking about it, she changed her mind. And here we are. Signed up to run a HALF MARATHON! I’m so excited for this challenge, I’ve already started my training. Its going well! I am so excited to see how much money we can raise for charity too. I’ll share the links to donate when we make them live. I’d appreciate any support you can give!

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SOMETIMES I STRUGGLE

Because of the increased running I have been doing, its taken its toll on my joints. I remember when I did running before my left knee took a beating, and that weakness is still there. I used knee supports and have some essential oil mixes that I use and they seem to be working. My knees are very important for this run (obviously!) So I’m doing all I can to make sure that they work well and that I can continue this training for a half marathon.

Something else I have been struggling with is seeing progress. I’m not where I want to be, and I really need to remember that this process I’m going through is a marathon not a sprint – no pun intended. When I first started losing weight, I noticed changes so quickly. Now they are less obvious. It can sometimes feel like you’re stuck and not progressing. And with all of the extra cardio I have been doing, I’ve been eating way more. Sometimes its hard to get out of your own head when it comes to food. Especially if you have a history of overeating. No quitting over here though. I am nearly 9 months into this. There is no turning back now.

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PHYSIQUE UPDATE

So, here is my updated physique update. Sometimes these pictures are just the inspiration that I need to keep going. Theres no way I ever want to go back to the woman on the left.

So, I’m training for a half marathon. Have you ever run long distance? Is there any advice you can give me?!

Olivia x 
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48 thoughts on “A Healthier Me: Training For a Half Marathon”

  5. Well done Liv, I think you’ll soon be posting about training for a full marathon because you just don’t stop improving. It’s inspiring, and I’m rooting for you!

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  6. Congrats on your big decision!! As someone who has run countless half marathons and many other distances, my advice is to remember there will be good days and bad days. Focus on your overall goal – not comparing what you run to others. Also, recovery days are your friend. Use them wisely!

    LASTLY, have fun!!!

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  15. Awesome work! I used to run half’s and they do take a toll on your joints. Incorporating cross training (basically anything that’s not running) helped me, and I also used to do yoga once a week to get a really good stretch and some strengthening in. Good luck and enjoy!

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  16. Good luck! I’ve always wanted to try a long distance run. However running was never my strong side. I love HIIT, weights, and sprints. I might challenge myself with the smallest race one can find sometime in the future though lol

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  20. Congratulations on your journey! I’m a 10K runner, mostly due to lack of time to truly train for a 1/2 but it’s on my bucket list, and I can say the biggest advice is wear and do nothing new on race day! That shirt you bought at the expo…not for race day! New fuel brand or method (gels, jelly beans) nope! NOT on race day or the week before. During your training is when you figure out the right hydration belt or vest, the right fuel that won’t upset your digestive track, and practice runs in clothing (sunglasses, hats, compression socks) that are race day options. I can also say, get comfortable with bowel movements, gas, and body odors. But most importantly…HAVE FUN! You’re racing against yourself and trust the training while embracing the suck! You got this!

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  24. This is so great! Go you! I have always wanted to try running. I imagine overcoming depression by running. I’m super grateful for finding your blog today. I’m looking forward to your posts

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