This comes from Academy Member Cari Masek who we just interviewed on this episode of the MTA Podcast. I asked Cari what she learned from running 100 half marathons. Cari Masek trained for her first marathon after being inspired by an episode of the Marathon Training Academy and would say running has absolutely changed her life too. She writes,
From Cari . . .
“Here is my Half Marathon Summary. I have now volunteered as a pacer 32 times to help encourage other runners at Half Marathons. I have finished 1st overall at a Half Marathon race 3 different times. Two of the Half Marathons I won had other runners in them. The third time I won a race, I was the lone participant.
I have also been the final finisher at a trail Half Marathon twice this year. I have run 9 Trail Halfs, 1 Half on an Indoor Track, 18 local races on the bike path nearby, 6 Virtual Halfs, including 3 Halfs to support my favorite podcast, MTA Virtual Half in 2017, 2018, 2019, (one of the MTA Virtual Halfs was run outside on the track on my bday).
I qualified for the Half Fanatics and have completed Half Marathons in 3 states. Recently I’ve been working on a One State goal to run every Half in Ohio. It’s a moving target with new races constantly being added. I have learned hard work, dedication to training, and pushing myself to improve.
Hard Work Pays Off
I have learned that hard work pays off! Consistency and variety are the keys to improvement (consistent training and a variety of workouts). I have learned to have fun and enjoy the experiences. I have met so many people through running and continue to met and encourage new runners and many of the races I attend.
I have run back to back half marathons in the same weekend twice, the first of those was because I volunteered to pace two days in a row. I have also raced a Half and then paced the next day.
I Can Do Hard Things
I have learned that I can do hard things, and after so many races a Half Marathon is no longer intimidating to me as it was the first time. Half marathon is my favorite distance. I would run one every weekend if I could. In August I ran 5 Halfs in 5 weeks, and in May/June I ran 4 Trail Halfs in 4 weeks. I have run sub-2 hour Halfs 14 times, including last weekend to celebrate Half #99. I have run a total of 13 Half Marathon PRs.
I have fallen during a half Marathon twice, one of those I fell on my face and did not finish the half. The other was a trail race and I got up and kept going. I have also passed out after a summer half during a heat advisory. I learned my lesson and will not do that again!
How to Set and Achieve Goals
I have learned how to train and maintain fitness to continue to run half marathons. I have learned how to set and achieve goals, while still enjoying the experience. When I first started running I never dreamed I would get to 100 half marathons, but I will be super proud to join the 100 half marathon club. Since 6 of my races were virtual I will need 6 more Halfs (after 100) to qualify.”
