What My Slowest Race Taught Me That My Fastest Didn’t
“I thought my best race would teach me the most… it wasn’t even close.”
🌸 April 2025 — ChiTown Half Marathon (1:52)
This was my fastest half marathon. Everything felt aligned—training, confidence, and rhythm. It felt like proof that I was improving.
🌷 April 2026 — ChiTown Half Marathon (2:07)
This was slower. On paper, it looks like a step backward. But it wasn’t. I was dealing with shin splints that changed how I trained, how I ran, and how I had to think about running.
🌼 What Actually Changed
The 1:52 race taught me what peak performance feels like. The 2:07 race taught me something more important—how to adapt when things don’t go as planned.
I learned patience. I learned restraint. I learned that being an athlete isn’t just about PRs—it’s about showing up when your body doesn’t feel like it’s at its best.
The fastest race proved what I could do. The slowest race taught me who I am when I can’t.
Growth isn’t always forward. Sometimes it’s quieter than that.