6. A support system. My sister is a runner (she’s running Boston next month!), and my husband is a former Big 12 track/cross country athlete. They have been my biggest cheerleaders and have given me the best advice. I’ve also connected with so many fellow runners. Finding community is so important!

5. Intentional speed workouts. Mixing up hills, pace runs, track workouts, fartleks, and adding strides to the end of my zone 2 runs has given me variety in my speed workouts and allowed me to get faster over time.

4. Embracing zone 2 runs. This was hard for me at first because I didn’t want to slow myself down, but I totally understand the importance of zone 2 running to build my aerobic capacity. And now I enjoy them!

3. Strength training. You hear a lot about the importance of strength training to become a better runner, and for good reason. My body is stronger because of strength training, and it’s made me a better runner. It also helps keep your joints and muscles healthy when done in an intentional way.

2. Easing into it. I knew I had to build my base; it wouldn’t happen overnight. I didn’t pressure myself to build too fast. Because I set realistic goals for myself, it was exciting when I reached them.

1. Consistency, first and foremost. It’s really hard to build your base and improve if you don’t run consistently. Before I started my official training for my half (so when I was just trying to build my base and increase my mileage), I logged my runs in my notes app to keep me accountable.

Thank you! 🏃🏻‍♀️

Thank you! It was so much fun! 🙌🏻

😂 thank you!!

Thank you! 💪

2024! 😊

Thanks so much!

Thank you! Quite the adrenaline rush!

Thank you so much! It was so much fun!

Thank you!

And my vice president 😭