A Non-Runner's 1/2 Marathon

This weekend I did something that was never on my bucket list and that I never felt would be possible. I RAN a half marathon. For some this may seem like a very doable feat but for me, an accomplishment worth writing about. When I was 15 I had a patella realignment surgery. It was a full open procedure where a screw was put into my knee and I was left with a 2 inch scar. This was before orthoscopic options were run of the mill. I wasn't able to walk for 6 weeks and had a hefty recovery.

Leading up to the surgery I had pain in my left knee for years. So much so that I stopped taking P.E. in 7th grade and never went back. I never played sports. I wasn't an active kid, I sang and did musical theater. There was always a feeling I missed out on a special culture of teamwork and comradery that playing sports brings. In college I worked and studied, I still didn't have any activity in my life and I wasn't missing it.

After moving to Los Angeles I started to walk on the treadmill at the gym at work during lunch. I would do yoga. Then after getting engaged I started to try to do more. I wanted to be fit and healthy. In addition to walking I started to jog and add core and Pilates to my routine. Nothing big but more than I had ever done. After my wedding I took a break and backed off significantly from my twice a day workout.

When I turned 30 I found out I was pregnant but we lost the baby at 11 weeks. I fell into depression and was constantly worried about what I could/should do physically if I wanted to keep trying to get pregnant. I had another miscarriage and my anxiety heightened even more. I avoided any physical activity and even planned my life on the "possibility" I could be pregnant at any given time. Finally, after 3 years, I had my first son. I was elated and exhausted. Activity was never a priority and I felt it never would be.

Before my son was one I moved from California to Ohio. Moving 3 times in 6 months was overwhelming, especially with a baby and my mom in tow. We then settled in our house and decided to try for a second child. I had another miscarriage and worried more than ever. Then after being laid off my husband and I weren't sure if we should keep trying or not. I got a new job fairly quickly and decided to stay on my fertility medication. Wonderful son number 2 was born.

After these 7 years of trying to, being or recovering from pregnancy I was ready to prioritize my own health. In 2019 I started working out at my gym and through a friend got hooked on spin class. In 2020 I decided to train for a local bike charity event, Pelotonia. I also wanted to try to train for a 1/2 marathon with the support of my brother, sister in-law and husband. Of course 2020 the pandemic hit so I completed the bike race on my own and decided to buy a Peloton bike. Later I added the tread. I had everything I needed to workout while quarantined and was finally excited to get into a routine.

Since 2020 I have been regularly active and participated in many bike challenges but in 2022 I was asked by my sister in-law to join her for a half marathon. That day must have been a great day because I decided to join her. We feverishly waited for the runDisney signup so we could register for the Princess Half Marathon in Orlando. Somehow, I beat the crowd and was able to secure our spots.

The next 11 months I slowly ramped up my strength training and running and come October I got in to high gear working out 6 days a week. In December I started having pain in my shin and took a little break only to come back with it hurting worse. I quickly went to a podiatrist and physical therapist to heal as soon as possible. I was mentally ready but my body was betraying me. 8 weeks of dry needling, exercises and stretching I was pain-free and ready to go.

Last weekend I finished the race. We ran the race side by side the entire length not taking any breaks except for a quick selfie at the Magic Kingdom castle. While we certainly aren't competitive runners we were thrilled we had accomplished or goal and more.

So even if you've never ran before I am living proof it is possible and when you set your mind to achieve an accomplishment it can be yours.

A special thanks to Csilla Kelemen (pictured), my running partner and sister.