07/05/2026
Four days ago I completed my first half marathon.
This was a goal I had already set before finding out I was pregnant. After learning that running in pregnancy was not only safe, but beneficial for myself and my baby to continue, I decided to lock in and make it an even bigger goal - my first 21ks, at 22 weeks pregnant 🤰
What I truly gained from this experience though was not what I expected. I thought it would be a sense of accomplishment, a growth in drive and mental toughness, and it was, but it was so much more.
Committing to a big goal with a friend was the first thing. The connection, the accountability, the laughs, the shared struggles. It drove us forward together and healed me more than running alone ever could. I’d do anything on my own if I wanted to, but I never want to again.
The next thing - was the act of showing up. A marathon would be literally nothing, without the thousands of supporters who showed up for their loved ones. I literally hyperventilated with gratitude after seeing my best friend and my besties mum supporting us. Then being cheered on by strangers. In the months leading up to this, knowing how beautiful it felt to be supported, I started showing up so much more to support the smaller things for my friends. We truly are kids at heart, standing on stage with our merit award and looking around to find our people in the crowd.
The next - the power of a large community. Halfway through pregnancy and I ran my longest run, faster than my average pace, because I was running with thousands of others. People playing music, runners supporting one another, the feeling of being a part of something. The human experience of shared passion is something so pure.
Completing this goal was magic to me for so many more reasons than I could ever have seen coming. I will forever sign myself up, say yes, and do the things that scare me, because these are what shape us more than staying where it’s comfortable 🏃♀️