Kaitlyn is a guest blogger who will be writing for 42.2 for the 2016 marathon training season. She will be writing monthly blogs, updating us on the ups and downs of her journey from 0 to 42.2.

By Kaitlyn Fulton 

Kaitlyn and her boyfriend Michael after she crossed the finish line of her first half-marathon.
Kaitlyn and her boyfriend Mike after she crossed the finish line of her first half-marathon.

Running can be lonely, it really can be. As training has increased, I am finding myself running on paths throughout the city more than I am doing anything else. Running pulls me away from family, friends and the things I would typically get up to on a summer evening. However, I am finding with a good support system, it doesn’t have to feel like that. There are some evenings I have struggled to get out for a run – not that I don’t enjoy it, rather that I want to spend time with other people instead of being alone.

I am so grateful for the support I have found when I feel my weakest. Without my boyfriend, I am not sure where I would be in my training journey. More times than not, he can tell when I am struggling to get my run in for the day and will offer to follow me on his bike – to use up his evening to help me. We both have long days at work and even if he wants to curl up and head to bed, I know in an instant he would be there if I needed it. I now truly understand what my coach meant at the beginning of the season when she said to make sure we had a strong support network in place to help us throughout training to run the marathon.

From left to right, myself, Kirsten, Kaitlyn, Nand and Abhishek. The five of us ran the Kamloops Half-Marathon together on July 24. It was a beautiful day for a race!
From left to right, myself, Kirsten, Kaitlyn, Nand and Abhishek. The five of us ran the Kamloops Half-Marathon together on July 24. It was a beautiful day for a race!

Having a supportive team is just as important as having a strong support network at home. I can’t begin to describe how thankful I am for my team. For letting me ask the ‘stupid questions’, inviting me to come along to run different races and helping me get through the phases where I doubt my abilities. I am so grateful for the knowledge shared with me, the friendships and the memories.

Since my last blog post, I ran my first half marathon in Kamloops BC! Wow, what an experience – I am finding out that I really can do anything I put my mind to. I struggled with pacing, but overall I was prepared for it – like everyone had told me I would be – WHEW! Here’s to the next couple months of training to get to DUBLIN for the marathon.