My Running Start

I started running in August 2024. Before that, I had barely run a mile in my life and I genuinely hated it. Like most people, I assumed “runner’s high” was just a myth invented by people who were already fit.

I was wrong.

From Zero to Consistent

I didn’t follow a fancy plan. I just kept showing up — 10 to 20 miles per week became my new normal. I ran on city streets, quiet country roads, and the treadmill when life demanded it. Sun, rain, heat, or cold — it didn’t matter. I was in.

The Half Marathon Journey

In less than a year I went from never running to completing two half marathons. Two more the year after that. Each one taught me something new.

• 1
  First Half — 2:12 Hit the wall hard at mile 8. I had to walk chunks of the final 5K. It was humbling, painful, and one of the best lessons I’ve ever had about pacing and respect for the distance.
• 2
  Second — 2:04 I started more conservatively and was able to hold on much better. Still didn’t feel easy, but I proved to myself I could improve quickly with smarter race strategy.
• 3
  Third — 1:52 A big breakthrough. Everything clicked — pacing, fueling, mindset. I finally felt like I belonged out there. This was the day I truly believed I was a runner.
• 4
  Fourth — 1:54 Newborn stage with our first baby. Training was inconsistent and sleep-deprived, but I still showed up and finished strong. Proof that showing up imperfectly still counts.

What I’ve Learned

• 01
  You don’t have to love it on day one Most people hate running at the beginning. That’s normal. You just have to keep going until the day you don’t.
• 02
  The high is real It usually shows up after you’ve earned it through consistency. Keep showing up long enough and it'll find you.
• 03
  Progress compounds quietly One mile becomes two, then ten, then a half marathon. The jump from hating it to being hooked happens faster than you'd expect when you stay consistent.

Where I Am Now

I’m currently navigating the newborn stage with our first baby, so training volume isn’t where I want it to be. But I’m still moving forward. A full marathon is calling my name, and I can’t wait to see what’s possible next.