Embracing the Unexpected: Coach Kate’s “Untrained” Half Marathon Journey

This past weekend, Coach Kate did something she never imagined possible. We will let her tell the story herself. We are very proud of you Young Kate! We know you are capable of anything!

I (Coach Kate) ran my first half marathon with absolutely zero training. Yes, you read that right. From never having run more than 3.5 miles to tackling 13.1 miles, this was a monumental leap for me—one that shattered my personal record and redefined my limits.

Let’s rewind a bit. I’ve always been more of a strength athlete. My build is more aligned with explosive movements than endurance feats. If you know me, you’re familiar with my short, muscular legs and powerful lower body that thrive in high-intensity, strength-focused workouts. So, the idea of running long distances seemed, well, improbable.

But life has a way of throwing curveballs. My sister was gearing up for a full marathon, with her own aims of qualifying for the Boston Marathon. On a whim, I decided to sign up for the half. To say I was nervous is an understatement. My mind was flooded with doubts: What if I have to walk most of the way? What if I embarrass myself by not finishing? What if I injure myself?

Despite these fears, I chose to take the plunge. The excitement of the race day was palpable, and as we started, I found myself in a whirlwind of adrenaline. I had to remind myself to keep a steady pace, not get carried away by the enthusiasm of the crowd.

Miles 1 to 6.5 were a breeze. I maintained a comfortable 10:30 pace and felt fantastic. It was almost like I could do this twice over. But then, mile 8 hit, and reality set in. The remaining 5 miles seemed daunting. My knees and calves were starting to protest, and that’s when the mental challenge began. I was in pain, but I kept telling myself that this pain was temporary, a mere obstacle in the grand scheme of things.

Miraculously, I managed to keep up the pace and finished the race with a smile on my face. The sense of pride, the roar of the crowd, and the euphoria of crossing the finish line made every aching muscle and every fleeting moment of doubt worth it. It was a race I will remember for a long time—a testament to resilience and determination.

Here’s the kicker: While I didn’t train specifically for this event, I was more prepared than I initially realized. My training with MidState CrossFit and Pedal Cycle Studio laid the groundwork. CrossFit isn’t about specializing in one thing; it’s about being well-rounded and ready for anything. The philosophy “We don’t aim to be the best at anything, instead, we strive to be good at everything” rang true at this moment. Although I didn’t set any record-breaking times, I was able to maintain a steady pace and finish strong.

So here’s a little inspiration for anyone facing an unexpected challenge: sometimes, the preparation we get from our everyday routines, even if they don’t seem directly related, equips us better than we realize. CrossFit is training for the unknown and unknowable. Embrace the challenge, trust in your preparation, and remember that the most incredible achievements often come from the most unexpected places. You’re more capable than you think, and sometimes, taking that leap is all you need to discover just how resilient you really are.