I Paid to Run 10 Miles in the Rain (And I’d Do It Again)
A love letter to blisters, soggy socks, and surprising yourself at 41
I’m a bit shocked by it, but I have found my strength and my stamina in my 40’s. I was just about forty when I started running. At forty-one, I ran my first 5K. Now, just shy of turning forty-two, I’ve completed my first ten-mile road race.
If you had told me even five years ago that I’d become a runner, I would’ve laughed out loud. Running wasn’t something I aspired to do- like, ever. So what changed? Where did the mindset shift happen? Why did I suddenly go from casually walking on the treadmill to jogging, sweating, and pushing my limits?
The answer: I needed a change, and I was craving a challenge. I was 39 when I joined OrangeTheory because I wanted to shift my movement patterns. After years of yoga and walking, I wanted something new. I didn’t expect to like running, but I quickly discovered that it challenged my lungs, my legs, and - most surprisingly - my mind in ways that felt invigorating.
Quick note: you do not need to be a runner to join OrangeTheory. Whatever your speed, they have something for you!
It wasn’t easy. Building endurance was the hardest part for me. In the beginning, I couldn’t even run a mile. But here’s the thing: one of the gifts of getting older is realizing how capable you really are. I’ve learned that I no longer shy away from challenges. In fact, I’m making a conscious effort to lean into them. There’s something deeply satisfying about seeing how strong my body can become, and how sharp my mind grows in the process.
It also helped that both Nick and our eldest son, Braidan, are runners. Watching them run long distances at incredible speeds was inspiring. It planted a seed. After reflecting on the progress I made in 2024, I knew it was time to join them on the road.
I ran my first 5K just to see if I could. People talk about a runner’s high, and, well, maybe one day I’ll feel it…but for now, I fight for every mile. Still, I keep going because at the end of a hard run, there’s a deep sense of accomplishment that makes it all worth it.
For years, my health journey was centered around becoming thinner. I wanted to fit into a size 6, to share clothes with my sisters and girlfriends. I believed skinny equaled healthy. But age brings wisdom, and I’ve learned that skinny doesn’t necessarily mean strong or well. So I’ve worked to shift my mindset, and I’ve landed in a place that feels much more natural. What matters to me now is building strength - mentally and physically - and running has helped me do just that.
I used to want to be skinny…now I want to be strong.
This year, I set two goals: to run a 10-mile race and to complete the Beach to Beacon. The first step? Signing up for the Portland 10 Miler at the end of April.
Training was brutal. Maine's winter was relentless, and spring offered little relief with its cold, windy, rainy days. I wasn’t as prepared as I’d hoped. On race day, the weather was miserable—raw and rainy. But I had committed. I had trained. And my parents were there to cheer me on.
I hadn’t run more than 7 miles in training, so I had no idea how the race would go. My husband, a much faster runner, gave me a kiss at the starting line and took off. From there, it was just me, my body, my mind - and an epic playlist.
One hour and 51 minutes later, I crossed the finish line, just 9 minutes ahead of my goal. It wasn’t a smooth run. I got blisters between miles 3 and 4, and the rain left me drenched. But I felt amazing. I had just done something my younger self would have never dreamed of. I felt strong, accomplished, and proud. In that moment, my mantra: “I can do hard things” became real.
“Running has taught me that while routine is comforting, it can also keep us stuck.”
We all need challenge. Not necessarily running, but something that pulls you out of autopilot and into growth. Something that strengthens your body, focuses your mind, and reignites your spirit. It doesn’t have to be time-consuming or extreme. It just has to be yours.
With my first 10-miler behind me, I’ve set my sights on Beach to Beacon. It’s one of the most popular and challenging races in Maine. At 10K, it’s technically shorter, but it’s full of rolling hills and known for testing your stamina. I haven’t set my goal time yet, but I’ll keep you posted.
In the meantime, I’ll leave you with this:
How do you challenge yourself? Where do you find your flow? Leave it in the comments below!
About Meg
I wear several hats that allow me to contribute positively to the lives of those around me. As a health coach, I am committed to guiding individuals on their wellness journeys, helping them make sustainable choices that lead to vibrant and balanced lives. Through my role as a yoga teacher, I have the privilege of sharing the transformative benefits of this ancient practice with my students. Moreover, as a personal trainer, I believe in empowering others to harness their physical potential and lead active lives.
Embark on a transformative health and wellness journey tailored exclusively for you through my specialized health coaching services. Discover the power of mindfulness practices, enhance your sleep quality, and achieve an overall sense of well-being with personalized one-on-one coaching sessions. If you find yourself facing challenges in making positive changes, consider the invaluable support and guidance that a health coach can provide. Your path to a healthier and happier lifestyle begins here.