{"id":339,"date":"2026-02-14T21:28:59","date_gmt":"2026-02-14T19:28:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/debruyn-walters.com\/?p=339"},"modified":"2026-02-14T21:41:23","modified_gmt":"2026-02-14T19:41:23","slug":"breaking-barriers-my-valentines-day-half-marathon-triumph","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/debruyn-walters.com\/index.php\/2026\/02\/14\/breaking-barriers-my-valentines-day-half-marathon-triumph\/","title":{"rendered":"Breaking Barriers: My Valentine\u2019s Day Half Marathon Triumph"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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“Run with love, and every step becomes lighter.”<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Valentine\u2019s Day 2026 will forever be etched in my memory\u2014not for roses or chocolates, but for the pounding rhythm of my shoes on the ARC Irene road, the cool breeze on my face, and the moment I shattered my personal record in the half marathon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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“Consistency is the bridge between dreams and reality.”<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

I crossed the finish line in 2 hours and 2 minutes<\/strong>, a time that left me surprised, proud, and ecstatic. Along the way, I didn\u2019t just break my half marathon record\u2014I smashed my 20km, 16km, and 15km records, plus 16 others. To top it off, I placed 3rd out of 20 competitors<\/strong>. My trainer Asad was the first to hear the news, and his immediate response was both motivating and challenging: \u201cWe\u2019ll get you under 2 hours next.\u201d<\/em> Challenge accepted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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“Float through the miles, and let the road carry you.”<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

The run felt almost effortless. My breathing was steady, my average pace was 5:43\/km<\/strong>, elevation gain 239m<\/strong>, and heart rate 152 bpm<\/strong>. My running app now predicts I can achieve a half marathon in 1 hour and 54 minutes<\/strong>\u2014a goal that excites me beyond words.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

My new Kiprun Cushion 500 shoes carried me like I was floating, and the weather was perfect: a light breeze, a few drops of rain, and steady wind. Passing cactus plants along the route (my favorite!) added a touch of joy, and I even slipped in a few jokes for my race video.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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“Love is the fuel that outlasts fatigue.”<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

My husband Sean ran the 10km race, finishing 5th out of 60 runners<\/strong>. I passed him twice on my route, and each time we exchanged a kiss\u2014a Valentine\u2019s gesture far more meaningful than any gift. We\u2019ve never been big on Valentine\u2019s Day; instead, we believe in showing love daily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That\u2019s why our marriage thrives: respect, shared goals, and unconditional love for each other and our daughter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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“Train with discipline, race with joy, live with gratitude.”<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Running brings out something extraordinary in us. Even when we don\u2019t feel like running at first, by the end we feel alive. Today\u2019s race wasn\u2019t just about records or podium finishes\u2014it was proof of what six days a week of training can achieve. Four half marathons later, I\u2019m not only stronger but deeply grateful for the journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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“The journey matters more than the finish line.”<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Next up: the 30km Magoebas trail race on March 21, 2026<\/strong>, which I\u2019ll run alongside Sean. Winning isn\u2019t the goal\u2014sharing the pace, making memories, and soaking in the nature that Buddha gave us is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a Buddhist, gratitude, light, and forgiveness guide my steps, both in life and on the road.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This half marathon was a triumph, but it\u2019s also just the beginning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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“Every step is a prayer, every mile a meditation.”<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Every run is a lesson, every race a story. Today\u2019s story is about love, resilience, and the joy of breaking barriers. Tomorrow\u2019s story will be about pushing even further.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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