Third Time’s the Charm: A First Place Overall Finish at the Honor Run Half Marathon
Some victories are measured by the clock. Others are measured by personal growth.
Every November, the Honor Run Half Marathon, held in Florence, Kentucky, brings together runners of all levels for a cause that goes far beyond the finish line. Founded in 2014, the event was created to honor military veterans and raise funds for Honor Flight Tri-State, an organization that helps World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War veterans travel to Washington, D.C., to visit the memorials dedicated to their service. Over the years, the race has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars, allowing hundreds of veterans to experience this meaningful journey.
The 13.1-mile (21.1 km) course starts and finishes beneath the iconic Florence Y’all Water Tower at Florence Mall. Although it is known as a relatively hilly fast course, it also features several rolling hills that require smart pacing and good effort management. The route winds through the streets of Florence before returning to an exciting finish line, where volunteers and spectators enthusiastically cheer on every participant.
In November 2025, I returned to the Honor Run Half Marathon for the third consecutive year. This beautiful yet demanding course had already taught me valuable lessons. In 2023 and 2024, I finished as the 5th Overall Female, but this year I arrived with a stronger body, a clearer race strategy, and a much more disciplined mindset.
My race plan was simple: maintain a steady pace, stay mentally focused, and trust my training. I prepared by running outdoors despite the cold weather, completing weekly Yasso 800s, 400-meter track intervals, long runs of more than 10 miles, strength training, and two to three weekly cycling sessions on Zwift. Every workout had a purpose.
During the race, I remember running alongside a group of men while remaining completely focused on my own effort. Even when I felt the urge to stop for a bathroom break, I saw the Lead Cyclist next to me and reminded myself that every second mattered. I chose to keep moving.
The result exceeded all my expectations: 1:31:39.49, averaging 6:59 per mile, finishing 17th Overall out of 305 participants and 1st Female out of 118 women.
Feeling the satisfaction of seeing months of hard work, discipline, and perseverance reflected in that result was incredibly rewarding. The championship trophy and the pair of running shoes I received were wonderful recognitions, but the greatest reward was proving to myself that consistent effort always pays off. Sometimes, the biggest achievements don’t come on the first attempt or even the second. Sometimes, the third time truly is the charm.
Looking back, I realize this race was about much more than a finishing time or a first-place finish. It was the result of months of quiet work, early mornings, consistent training, and believing in myself even when the journey wasn’t easy. Every challenge prepared me for that moment.
This race reminded me that success is rarely about one perfect workout or one perfect day. It is the result of hundreds of quiet choices made when no one is watching. Keep showing up, trust the process, and never stop believing in what is possible.
“Mental strength is built one decision at a time; the decision to keep going when quitting would be easier.”
