So, I ran another half marathon. These are words I never thought I would write again after my last half marathon in October of 2014. It has been just shy of ten years since my last half, so how and why did I find myself running another one after all this time, and why didn’t I run one sooner? Well, let me tell you.
My journey with running went from all in to all out over a few years, but ultimately what caused me to stop all together was the onset of an autoimmune disease diagnosis. I’ll spare you the drama of those details, but now that I am older and wiser I can confidently say this was a classic case of “too much.”
Too much running, too much caffeine, too many 3am wake ups, too much stress, too much sugar, so on and so on. My body was in a full blown storm and each run caused flare ups that I didn’t know how to manage at the time.
I took running off the table sometime in 2016 when I couldn’t find a good balance, and when I was starting to dread the idea of running. It took me a handful of years to realize a simple shift in my efforts would allow me to not only run again, but to run further distances. I started running again somewhat regularly in 2021, but instead of trying to be “faster” I exclusively tried to keep my heart rate below a certain number.
Higher heart rate for me = too big of a cortisol spike = a small flare up = anxiety = not fun.
I continued on this low HR, low milage running journey for a few years because I continued to tell myself there was no way I could possibly run another 13.1 without causing problems. Then 2024 hit, I was about to turn 35, I was stale, unable (or rather unwilling) to travel far because I have a geriatric cat whom I adore, so I did what any sane person would do when they need a change.
I signed up for a half marathon.
I was done telling myself “you can’t.” Running sometimes sucks, and it’s uncomfortable, and even a bit painful at times, but those side effects always pass (unless you have an injury which is another story.) What sticks around is the knowledge that we pushed ourselves to do something we didn’t think we could. A half marathon in the world of running isn’t the biggest feat, but for me it was something I didn’t think was going to be possible.
If I can take one thing away from this experience it would be that my brain is forever my worst enemy. I let my fears and anxieties often dictate what I do, but usually when I push myself outside of my comfort zone I come out on the other side mentally stronger for it. I didn’t run fast, but I ran, and I am proud of destroying the mental barrier of “I can’t.”
OK. Gushy stuff aside, let’s talk about the race!
I chose a half in the city of Yakima, about three hours from where I live. The stars aligned with this run because what gave me the final push to register was finding a hotel within a two minute walk of the starting line. Call me crazy, but half the stress of showing up to an organized run is trying to figure out where to park. With that obstacle out of the way all I had to do was put in the work for training.
I did a 12 week training program, the same program I used to run my very first half marathon, and aside from a few skipped cross training days I followed it to a tee. My training had its ups and downs, with a few moved around long runs, one epic meltdown with so many tears I could have flooded an ant village, and a lot of random foods consumed.
Fueling was the hardest part for me with this training, and for the race I brought one of my favorite foods to eat along the way.
I stuffed a bag of mashed potatoes into my running vest because I won’t eat those garbage filled running gels. However, I am terrible at fueling while running and I didn’t suck any down until mile 11. This also happened to be the hottest weekend we’ve had all year, and with terrible fueling and overheating I had a hard time focusing on the beauty of the trail around me after the first few miles.
Hooray for me and my heat sensitivity!
Miles 1-3 were a breeze, I was vibing to Taylor Swift and loving the views of the river. It was still early and the heat hadn’t crept up yet. Miles 4-6 I started to feel the heat and my pace slowed a bit, I definitely started the race too fast and was going to pay for it later, but I was still going strong. Mile 7 I caved and drank some Gatorade which helped for about 5 minutes. Miles 8-10 I was playing leap frog with a woman and telling myself to make it to the next rest stop for another Gatorade.
Miles 11-12.5 I was deep in the pain cave. My hips hurt, my back hurt, the heat was strong, and I was gassed.
Duncan came with me, and I texted him at mile 11 to let him know I was within 20 minutes of finishing. The final push from 12.5-the end was all mental. I felt like my legs were moving through molasses, and thank goodness for this song. I played it over and over and over and over just to keep my feet moving to the beat. Seriously though, what a BOP.
I told myself I never have to do this again, just keep going and the sooner you get to the end the sooner it’s over. I saw Duncan waiting for me about .3 miles from the end, and this gave me the final push I needed. I finished 13.2 miles (course was a bit off) in 2:23 with a pace of 10:52. I went into this run with ZERO goals, zero expectations, but in the depths of my mind I knew I wanted to maintain a pace under 11min miles.
I immediately took my shoes off, sat in the grass, and watched other runners finish their run for about ten minutes before walking the two minutes back to my hotel for a shower. My original plan was to walk around the area a bit before driving home, but the heat was so oppressive we decided to head home early. Sitting in a car for 3.5 hours after running a half marathon was arguably more difficult than the run.
Would not recommend.
It’s been a week and a half since this run, and it only took me 24 hours before I started looking for my next one. It’s amazing how quickly we forget the pain or discomforts of running and want to go through the mental push all over again. I know I want to do another half marathon, I just don’t know when. My summer is reserved for hiking as much as I can, and I don’t want any training to interfere with that.
The training for this was more difficult at this stage of my life than when I was in my 20’s. My diet is drastically different, my energy reserves are fewer, and I have to be mindful of every daily decision to ensure I can train successfully. By the final month of training I was more than ready to be done. It was just as much mentally draining as physically, but I wouldn’t have had it any other way.
My goals with running now are to focus on better form to help minimize hip/back pain (I have a lingering disc issue I am constantly nurturing), maintain running 3-5 miles with ease, and to keep experimenting with foods to find a good balance. If only I could just eat a bagel like every other runner. I’m stoked I pushed through this barrier, and I’m even more stoked that my 35 yr old brain could care less about being a slower runner.
Shoutout to Duncan for being the lone sheep on the hill waving to me at mile 1, and welcoming me in at mile 12.8. I’m thankful he was with me, and even more thankful he forced me to wear my hydration vest. I’d have been dead without the consistent water. Perished on the side of the valley.
Thanks for reading my journey. Take this as your sign to do whatever it is that you’ve been telling yourself you cannot do. I’m willing to bet your brain is just as much of a liar as mine is at times. This was my seventh half marathon, and it was likely more meaningful to me than my first. For so long I let Sjögren’s tell me what I could and could not do. Alas, Sjögren’s can suck it because it turns out I can still run 13.1 after all.
Q: What is something you’ve done recently that you’re proud of? Let’s celebrate together!
46 thoughts on “Jewel of the Valley Half Marathon”
niall
Brilliant! Well done 👏 👏 👏 👏 👏
Brittany
Thank you friend! I think I need to run a half marathon in Ireland next. 😈
niall
💯 👌
pausesandclicks
Congratulations Brittany! I’ve been following your journey for years now and you have conquered many issues in your life. I love seeing you happy. I finally quit running in my 50’s and it was quite a shift to accept walking as a viable means of exercise but I love it now.
My husband recently retired from his after the military retirement job and his goal is to run a half in every state. He just logged #28 last week in MA. It’s a fun way to see the country. He still needs Washington though!
Brittany
Thank you for such a lovely comment, I always appreciate hearing from you. I do LOVE walking, and overall I think it’s better for most of us.
What a great goal for your husband. I think that’s so cool, and definitely a fun way to travel. I hope he makes it to Washington soon.
matt
In 2019, I did my first half… I sort of resented the training time, and I don’t know if I’ll do another one. But I started running again in November and I cranked out my fastest 10K: around 57 minutes. Quite pleased with that.
I’m with you on the gels — the ingredients list on those is a horror show of unpronounceable words. Mashed potatoes is an interesting idea.
Congrats/good job/way to go/etc.
Brittany
Resenting is a good way to put it! I felt that exact way too. And yet, the euphoria of crossing the finish line with other people has me considering it again sometime.
Congrats on your 10k!! That’s a time to be proud of.
matt
For my half, I was shooting for sub-3 hours… and when the 3-hour pacer passed me up, I was, “oh hell no!”
I’ve done the math at my current pace, and I’m not ruling it out any more like I did then… but I know it’ll be a mental hurdle, if not a strictly physical one. Finding/making the time to train can be hard.
Thanks; I was proud — I’d done a 6.5 mile or something and the 10K portion was 64 minutes and I was like “I can find 5 minutes somewhere”.
I ended up running a few miles with another person who was also shooting for a sub-60 time; so that was cool.
Despite this being a solitary sport, it’s nice to have these kinds of connections, yeah?
Sheree
Congratulations
Brittany
Thank you!
Liz H-H
“Sjogrens Can Suck It!”
I love it! Needs a jacket-back to display. You are amazing & I am in awe of your adventurous spirit!
Brittany
LOL I would absolutely wear this on my back. What a great idea. 🤣🤣
Thank you for being my blog friend, and for always having such kind things to say.
Liz H-H
I really enjoy your travels: photos and reflections, and the comments it invites. Sunshine on a cloudy dsy!
dolthack
Britt, good job! As an off and on runner since I was 35 I can definitely sympathize with your relationship with the sport. I have to say that, having followed your blog for many years, I love your writing, it’s so descriptive and passionate. I may not read every single one when it comes out but when I do I’m impressed with your style – thank you.
Darryl L. Partner Sent with Spark
Brittany
Always good to hear from you Darryl. Thank you for the kind comment, and for stopping by when you can.
I never know if my thoughts are conveyed properly, so thanks for the feedback.
Allie Zottola
I love this for you! I am so so happy you were able to run another half again and feel so good about it!! I am the same with my brain being my own worst enemy lol. This is my sign to do another half 😉
Brittany
Girrrrllll do it!!! You would crush it like your recent 5k race. 🙌🏻
Rootchopper
Bravo. I never could handle food while running. It’s odd that people drink sugary drinks while running. On a hot day, I tried a cup of Italian ice (it’s a thing in Rhode Island) and within minutes I felt like I was drunk.
Brittany
I agree. I was very hesitant to drink the Gatorade, but I was in need of some energy. Just a couple small sips was enough.
I don’t like eating while running, and usually I don’t, but I’ve been experimenting to see if it helps me to not bonk at mile 10.5-11. 🤣
Rootchopper
The drunken feeling is caused by something called an insulin spike. Basically, your blood sugar goes haywire for about an hour.
In my running days, eating while running was unusual. Mostly people took water at water stations and that was it. Mile 23 was sad. Why oh why can’t I lift my knees?
Brittany
I usually suffer from the opposite, a blood sugar plummet. I experimented with honey before a training run, and nothing else. That’s when I had a meltdown. Blood sugar changes are no joke!
These days runners suck down energy gels like candy. That would destroy me.
Atheria
Whoo Hoo! Congrats to both you and Duncan! I’m still recovering from the 1994 Los Angeles Marathon or I’d sign up for one. Ha! Also, as a post menopausal woman I’d probably pee the whole way. Waaaa! But, MAYBE I’ll try a little running. I need something to aim for. Anyway, I’m so glad you did this successfully and that you have such a great running partner.
Brittany
Maybe one day I can get Duncan to run a race with me, but for now he’s just as helpful as a spectator!
I don’t know if a full marathon is ever on my radar though.
C.A. Post
Congrats, dear one! Well done‼️
Have you considered intermittent fasting for your health, both physical and spiritual?
I found my sleep patterns and waking significantly improved by stopping food every Thursday by 5pm (WITHOUT bulking up at 4:30!😉) and then skipping breakfast and lunch on Friday and resuming food with supper after 5pm on Friday. Mostly water to drink but occasionally a juice if Friday is very active..😉
Blessings on you both, c.a.
Brittany
Once every blue moon I’ll do a 24hr fast. Daily intermittent fasting does not work for me, my blood sugars get all wonky because I refuse to give up coffee. I have to be mindful with fasting too because I will do it for the wrong reasons occasionally.
I do believe in the power of fasting though, especially for cellular regeneration!
C.A. Post
Well, not DAILY intermittent fasting!😀. But weekly, even if only one meal. The key is consistency. Eventually, your body will adjust to it.
Consult with a doctor, though, if it messes with your glucose management.
Also, I DO drink a cup of coffee Friday AMs on my fast day.
❤️&🙏, c.a.
Brittany
Weekly is much more manageable. I notice my blood sugar only gets wonky if I haven’t had enough water. You’ve inspired me to do a 24hr fast today.
C.A. Post
Hmm, but be careful if it has been a while. Maybe start with two meals for a couple weeks, then upgrade to three meals. I prefer to do a supper to supper fast, as the Hebrews count days from 5 or 6 pm to the same time the next day. Some friends who started me on intermittent fasting just take Thursday, from sunup to Friday sunup to fast.
There is also lots of info online re: Daniel fasts, especially if you are diabetic. And if you ARE diabetic or any other health problems, you may want to check with your doctor before beginning.
❤️&🙏, c.a.
Brittany
Oh sorry, I should clarify. I’m not diabetic, I don’t have blood sugar issues that are of concern. I’ve done fasts before and I am so well in tune with my body it’s sometimes a curse. I think it’s more of a caffeine sensitivity than blood sugar.
I’ve spent many hours researching water fasts over the last few years. I did a 72 hour fast a handful of years ago, all in an attempt to try to find a way to “heal” my autoimmune disease. All that to say it cannot be “healed”, however it CAN be lived with comfortably with diet and lifestyle changes. (Mashed potatoes instead of running gels haha.)
I’ve been meaning to do another 24 hr fast, I’ve just been too lazy. Thanks for the concern though, the fasting stuff I don’t usually talk about on the blog because it can be controversial. I also prefer supper to supper. I’ve only got 5 hours left actually. 🤣
Grace @ Cultural Life
Well done! That’s a tremendous achievement 😀
Looks like a beautiful setting for a run, too. The city name sounds almost Japanese to me, I wonder what its origins are.
The mashed potato for fuelling is interesting. I’ve used gels on occasion when doing long hikes, like the 3 Peaks, but they’re disgusting and upset my stomach. I might have to give potatoes a try!
Brittany
The reason why I even attempted the mashed potatoes is because my hiking fuel almost ALWAYS consists of 3-4 small baked potatoes. This gives me amazing energy that sits great.
Grace @ Cultural Life
I’ll definitely give it a try! I might give the 3 Peaks challenge another go later this year (it’ll be my third time!) so I’ll bear that in mind. The running gels I used last year really didn’t agree with me :S
Pree
Congratulations!!!!!!! I’m so happy and proud of you for doing this! But also the fact that running was something you naturally took a break from and that it naturally came back to you. Loveeeeee that!!
Brittany
Thank you!! 😭
Amy
You are TRULY an inspiration!!! To do something that you didn’t think was possible again, to push through, to prove to your brain that you COULD achieve whatever you set out to do… You are AMAZING, Brittany!!! ♡ So incredibly proud of you!!
…and now I’m secretly hoping that maybe Disneyland is your next half marathon??? 😉
Brittany
I should run two more in the next half a year, and then my 10th can be Disney. 1st and 10th sounds pretty epic! (Jk no way will I run two more this year.)
Honestly though, I’d love to do Disney again because I didn’t appreciate it when I did it the first time! I rushed through the park instead of having funnnn.
Thank you for being my hype woman. A girls ego is as shiny as her friends words, and my ego is bright as the sun right now. 🤣
Amy
Well… It looks like there’s a new Halloween-themed Disneyland half marathon this year (https://www.rundisney.com/)… So maybe if they offer it again next year, that can be your 10th??? You + Halloween + Disneyland seems like the perfect combination! 😉
Happy to be your hype woman whenever and wherever you need!! On the blog, at the half-marathon starting line, any any place in between! ♡
Brittany
HALLOWEEN HALF AT DISNEY!? STOOOPPP. Ohhhh Amy….I’m not even kidding, this might have to happen. Might just have to be the next one.
Amy
As soon as I saw that, I immediately thought “THIS IS MEANT TO BE!!!!” Seriously… It’s like the stars are aligning and the Universe is giving a MASSIVE sign. DO IT, DO IT, DO IT!!!!! (And I’m happy to cheer you on and drive you there so you don’t have to worry about parking! 😉 )
Brittany
You are too sweet. I think I got a hotel near the park last time so I could walk. But it’s also very fuzzy for details. 2012 was like another lifetime.
This year is sold out of course, will have to keep an eye on upcoming years. 🤣
gpavants
Go, go, Brittney!
Gary Avants Forbear Productions * *garyavants66@gmail.com garyavants66@gmail.com
Brittany
Whoooohoooo!
Roy McCarthy
Yay, well done Britt. I’m happy you pushed through the doubts and barriers. I’m inspired now for my Half a week today – might be a hot one too 😦
Brittany
WAHOO!! I am stoked for you, you’ve got this!!
EricMWalk
Nice work on the run! That is awesome that you did another one and I really enjoyed hearing about the whole story. As a runner myself I can relate to a lot of your sturggles with it and all of that. Glad to hear you will keep running after this with new focuses too!
Brittany
Thank you! Running is my best mental health wrangler. HA!