This year I am running the best race that South Africa has to offer, the Two Oceans Half Marathon. In this blog I will share some of the highs and lows I have experienced when running a 21km and how to prepare for it. Running a half marathon changed my life. There is something about getting past all the pain, sweat and sometimes tears that keeps you hungry for more.

My first ever 21km run was at the coast side of Scotland, in a small town called Dunbar. I was 19 years old, super inexperienced but had such a thirst for running and exploring. My uncle started up a well-known trail run in the East Coast called the Foxtrail series and invited me to do a dry run of the route. I absolutely loved every minute out, in the forest, lakesides and even crossing the Atlantic Sea. In saying that I did struggle immensely with the recovery process after this 21km trail run and spent three days trying to nurse my legs back to health. It took my four years before I braved to do anything over 15km again.

At 23, I really took my running more seriously. I invested in my first pair of Gel Cumulus ASICS shoes, started running more consistently and dedicated a lot of time to my happiness. Running became my passion and I wanted to conquer my fear of longer distance running and decided to train for my first official 21km race. I chose to run the Knysna Half Marathon to conquer the old thoughts associated with a half marathon in my head.

I focused on my training, incorporating different sessions (speed, endurance, and strength). Paid attention to what I was eating both before and after training sessions. Introduced my body to gels, maintain electrolytes and the importance of recovery after an intense session.

In the July of 2019, I completed my second 21km run and my first official half marathon. My body felt incredible, my mind was uplifted, and my soul was beaming. I instantly became addicted to the distance and further went on to complete another 6 half marathons that year. All that had to change was investing in good quality running shoes, focusing on the correct nutrition, monitoring your electrolytes and most importantly live in the moment!

I love being in tuned with my body, mind, and soul. Completing a half marathon changes you for the better. Remember to listen to your body, keep pushing and enjoy every moment in your pair of ASICS out on the trails or road.