I participated in the Santa Clarita Half Marathon, facing unexpected challenges due to inadequate training and poor diet, influenced by a busy schedule. The hilly terrain made it difficult to maintain a steady pace, and I struggled physically and mentally. Despite not achieving my goal time, the experience taught me the importance of consistent, structured training and proper nutrition. It renewed my commitment to better preparation for future races, including my long-term goal of running a full marathon.
Challenges and Realizations
This past weekend, I participated in the Santa Clarita Half Marathon, which was both challenging and eye-opening. I had run half marathons before, but this one was particularly difficult. While getting ready to begin, I was hopeful despite knowing that I didn’t train as diligently as I have for the past half-marathons I have run. These past few weeks, I have been very busy with schoolwork, orchestra performances, and my school’s talent show. Because of this, I hadn’t been able to train as consistently as I’d hoped to, and my diet was not ideal for long-distance running. But still, I hoped that my experience with previous races would help me push through. However, I realized soon after starting that it wouldn’t go as I intended, being much more difficult in many ways.
One of the biggest difficulties during this race was the course itself, which was unexpectedly varied. The terrain was far more challenging than anything I had trained on recently, having steep hills with long stretches of flat ground. While I had prepared on mostly flat routes, this course required a different level of endurance. Each hill demanded additional energy, and just when I thought I’d reached a steady pace, another incline would appear, forcing me to adjust yet again. Even the flat stretches, instead of offering a break, felt unending, adding to the physical and mental exhaustion.
In comparison to previous races, which had been on downhill and flatter courses, the hills in Santa Clarita required a level of stamina I haven’t built yet. The constant shifts in elevation made it very difficult to establish a consistent rhythm, and my legs began to feel the difference early on. I realized how much my training had been affected by my recent schedule and choices. As I worked through the course, I remembered the courses I have completed in the past. In those half marathons, I had managed to find a comfortable pace and maintain it throughout. My training at that time had been more thorough, and I wasn’t dealing with the same level of physical fatigue that I felt during the Santa Clarita race.
Physical and Mental Struggles
Leading up to the race, my lifestyle had not been what it should be for effective training. School had become more demanding, leaving me with little energy or time to devote to consistent running practice. I had resorted to energy drinks just to keep up with my daily responsibilities, and while they helped me stay alert, they took a toll on my physical condition. My diet, too, had become neglected, lowering my physical condition. Quick and convenient meals had replaced more balanced choices, which certainly didn’t help when it came time to test my endurance on the half-marathon.
Aside from the physical challenges, the mental aspect of this race was significant. As I fell behind the pace I had set in past races, it became difficult to stay positive. Typically, I would focus on my progress and try to stay motivated by watching my time. However, this time I was simply focusing on finishing rather than achieving a specific pace. Each mile presented a mental battle, as I worked to accept that I would not match what I’d done in the past. However, I reminded myself this race gave me a valuable lesson.
Crossing the finish line, even with a time that wasn’t ideal, was still an achievement. I focused on the fact that completing the race was itself an accomplishment, and that I could use this experience to shape my future approach to training and preparation. While my time wasn’t what I had hoped for, I recognized the value of the experience itself. The race made me realize the adjustments I need to make in order to achieve better results.
My goal is to return to a more consistent training schedule, incorporating more hill work and endurance exercises to prepare myself for courses like this one. I’m also going to increase the length of my long runs on weekends to build up more stamina. Another area I’m focusing on is pacing. During this race, my pace fluctuated significantly due to the varied terrain, and I realize now how much of a difference steady pacing can make. In the future, I’ll incorporate more interval training to help me adjust to different speeds and get comfortable with picking up the pace.
Reflecting on my recent health habits, I can see how much they affected my performance. I relied heavily on energy drinks to get through my school days and late nights, not realizing the long-term effects this would have on my body’s endurance. Part of my preparation for the next race will be cutting back on caffeine and focusing on hydration and nutrition. I’ve already started making small adjustments, adding more balanced meals to my routine. Sleep is also something I’m planning to prioritize.
One of the biggest challenges I faced during the half marathon was maintaining mental focus and positivity when my body felt like giving up. Running is as much a mental challenge as it is a physical one. I’ve since learned that training my mind is just as important as training my body. Another lesson I’m taking from this experience is the importance of setting realistic, achievable goals for each race.
Lessons and Future Goals
One of the most important lessons I took away from this race was the need to remember why I run in the first place. During the Santa Clarita Half Marathon, there were moments when I questioned why I put myself through such an exhausting challenge. This race reminded me that it’s not only about achieving a certain time or place. Running is about pushing yourself, staying active, and feeling that sense of accomplishment at the end.
Running the Santa Clarita Half Marathon has also made me think about my long-term goals in a clearer way. A full marathon is still a distant goal, but I’m now more determined to work toward it. The race reminded me that there’s always room to grow, and that every race is a step closer to achieving that big challenge.
Finally, the race gave me a deeper sense of gratitude for the entire process. As I move forward, I want to appreciate each step of my journey, knowing that every challenge is an opportunity to grow. Running isn’t just about race day, it’s also about the hours of training, the moments of doubt, and the improvements you make when accomplishing these goals. I’m excited to keep pushing myself, both on and off the course.
<Student Reporter Amber Thornal>thornalamber@gmail.com
She is a junior student at Crescenta Valley High School.
