#65 Half Marathon Complete: 26. True
ERA of WTF…………………….joy and resistance
The last half marathon I ran was in December 2025. I was really just testing my body after PT and strength training. This year, my goal is “6 for 26”—six half marathons in 2026. If I complete them, I’ll hit number 70.
Three weeks before this race, I found out I got off the waitlist. My immediate thought was, “Oh hell yeah—I need to pay and start training.” For me, “start training” means getting miles on my feet. Before, I might have run 10 miles in a week. Now, I needed to hit at least 20–28 miles weekly. Just thinking about that felt luxurious. During marathon training, my weekly mileage usually ranges from 30–50, so this felt like a solid place to be.
It’s not like I was starting from scratch. This winter, I kept up with Track Tuesdays for pacing, did strength training twice a week, and squeezed in 3–4 mile runs a few days each week.
Race day finally came. I love Pioneers Run Club—it’s about community, culture, and being in the city. This year marked their inaugural half marathon. Founded in 2017, it’s Boston’s first Black- and Brown-led running crew, and I truly appreciate what they’ve built. What started with about 40 runners at their marathon in 2023 has grown to over 400. It’s only going to keep getting bigger.
I joined an 11-mile long run beforehand, which I’m really glad I did. It gave me a chance to learn the course and experience the hills on Blue Hill Ave—which are no joke.
Thinking back to my first half marathon in 2014, I showed up with a fuel vest, took Aleve, and rubbed down with Ben-Gay. This time, I wore my new BGR racing tank and had my fiancée drive me to the race—some things have changed, some haven’t.
Walking into the race, I saw so many familiar faces. Liz was there, running her first 26.TRUE Marathon and gearing up for Boston on Monday. I also saw friends from Heartbreakers, Trailblazers, Pioneers, BGR, BMR, Live Fit Army—people from all over. Seeing so much Black and Brown representation made me happy. It reminded me that I’m part of something bigger than myself.
It was cold in the morning, but perfect for running. I knew I’d warm up quickly. At the start, the race organizers and captains were all people of color, which meant a lot. Mayor Wu also came out to show support, which was great to see.
I was in Wave 3 and knew what to expect for the first seven miles. This time, there were cheer squads and fuel stations along the route. When I hit mile four, I recognized the spot across from the Reggie—where I usually cheer with BMR and BGR. I was camera-ready. My goal was simple: don’t feel pain, enjoy the moment, and have fun.
And I did. The hugs, the pictures, the energy—it was all there. Not just from the cheer zones, but from the entire community. Bus drivers honked and showed love. People stepped out of their businesses to cheer us on. Folks waiting at bus stops smiled and said things like, “You’re motivating me to run,” and “Keep going, don’t stop.” You could see it on people’s faces—many of them don’t often see runners who look like them in their neighborhoods. You wouldn’t even know the Boston Marathon was happening elsewhere; it was quiet in this part of the city, but full of its own energy.
I was running with people I know, through streets I both knew and didn’t. I was testing my own strength and endurance. I chatted here and there, but honestly, if I had the choice, I would’ve stayed quiet and just stayed in the zone.
Around mile 10, I definitely started to feel it. Note to self: bring more Aleve next time.
I finished in 2:34:25—not bad, especially with those Blue Hill Ave hills. The course took us through Roxbury, Dorchester, Mattapan, and Jamaica Plain. We ran through Franklin Park, past the Roxbury Branch of the Boston Public Library, Harambee Park, the Southwest Corridor, and the Reggie.
Overall, I felt strong. I’m really pleased with my time and pacing. More than anything, it felt like a celebration—and that’s exactly what running should be: an inclusive, joyful space for everyone.
