Written by Lily Cain
Running has always been one of those on-and-off activities in my life, made harder and less consistent as university and assignments crept in. But setting a goal, especially at the start of a new year, gave me a much-needed boost. That’s why I signed up for a half-marathon in February and started training, determined to make it happen.
Instead of seeing training runs as just another chore, I flipped my mindset. Running became something I got to do, not something I had to do. It was a chance to get outside, breathe in some fresh air, and clear my mind, especially after hours spent staring at my computer screen, tackling uni work. Before long, running felt more like a reward than a task.
I didn’t follow an elaborate plan, buy expensive gear, or spend hours in the gym. My promise to myself was simple: run at least 10 km a week and move my body in ways that felt good. I was also coming back from an injury that had kept me sidelined for exercise most of last year, so I knew anything was better than nothing. With a background in running longer distances when I was younger, I trusted I could handle the challenge.
On race day, I set a goal of finishing in two hours. I knew my training hadn’t been intense, so I managed my expectations. After a breakfast of peanut butter on toast, a banana, and some chocolate protein milk, I headed to the start line with my mum, my biggest supporter by my side.
During the race, I focused on small goals, such as where the next drink stop was, how I was feeling, and maintaining a steady pace with my smartwatch. The first half felt tough, but seeing my mum and aunt cheering me on gave me a second wind. I used music to keep my spirits up and broke the distance into manageable chunks.
When I crossed the finish line, I was thrilled to find I’d met my target, feeling strong and even managed a few minutes faster than I’d aimed for!!
For me, it wasn’t about fancy gear or a strict plan, just a goal, some consistency, and a willingness to start. On the day of the race, I felt good and performed well. That doesn’t mean every run was fun or rewarding, but it was more about showing up and committing to the challenge.
Charlie blog is a SSAF funded initiative.
