Running With Purpose: My Journey Back to the Half Marathon

Sometimes, inspiration finds us in unexpected ways. For me, it came when I joined OTF and witnessed Meagan preparing for her first half marathon. The joy on her face, the anticipation in her voice—it was contagious. Seeing her excitement made me reflect on my own running journey. I wasn’t new to half marathons, but it had been years—at least six—since I last stood at a starting line. I had stopped running because of an injury, a brutal shin split that sidelined me completely. But in that moment, something shifted. I didn’t just want to run again—I wanted to train with intention, to set a goal beyond just staying fit.

So, I embarked on a three-month training plan. It wasn’t easy. Rebuilding endurance after years away required patience, discipline, and a willingness to push past frustration. Some runs felt smooth, reminding me why I loved the sport. Others were grueling, filled with exhaustion and doubt. And then there were the days where everything felt against me.

I’ll never forget one winter morning when the cold won. My fingers were frozen, the wind cut through every layer, and the bitter air made continuing impossible. I had to walk back to my car, frustrated, but knowing that setbacks are part of the journey.

Despite the challenges—tired legs, unpredictable weather, moments of doubt—I completed my training. The process reminded me why running is so much more than physical movement. It’s about mental strength, the ability to persevere even when quitting seems easier. It’s about pushing through discomfort and reminding yourself that every mile matters.

Getting back to half marathons wasn’t just about running again. It was about reclaiming something I had lost, proving to myself that I could do this, and finding joy in movement with a purpose.

Race day arrived, and with it, a surge of emotions. Standing at the starting line, I wasn’t just another runner—I was someone who had fought to be there. And as I took that first step forward, I knew the journey had been worth it.