In a recent post, user Med_Tosby shared an exhilarating account of their experience running the Carlsbad Half Marathon. On January 19, 2025, they achieved a stunning personal record (PR) of 1:26:37, shattering their previous best by a significant margin. This post not only details their race day but also reflects on their training journey, overcoming challenges, and the vibrant community of fellow runners who supported them along the way. The response in the comments section was overwhelmingly positive, filled with congratulations, shared experiences from fellow runners, and encouragement for future goals.
Summary
- Med_Tosby’s 1:26:37 finish marks a significant achievement, improving their time by twelve minutes.
- The journey included a 60-pound weight loss and a rigorous training schedule, reflecting major lifestyle changes.
- Fellow redditors shared their own experiences and offered encouragement, fostering a strong sense of community.
- Despite the incredible time, Med_Tosby jokingly acknowledged a growing obsession with running, hinting at ambitious future goals.
The Journey to the Start Line
Med_Tosby’s adventure began two years ago when they decided to return to running after a decade-long hiatus. As a former college baseball player, they had previously run their first half marathon in 2012, but over the years, they fell out of shape—so much so that they managed to lose around 60 pounds after committing to a healthier lifestyle in 2022. The decision to tackle the Carlsbad Half Marathon stemmed from a desire to conquer previous disappointments, especially after they struggled during a hilly inaugural half marathon back in May. They mapped out their latest training plan, including a blend of intense workouts and long runs that had them clocking anywhere from 35 to 40 miles per week.
Race Day Routines
Leading up to the Carlsbad Half Marathon, Med_Tosby meticulously planned their race day, which involved a celebratory drive down from Los Angeles to enjoy the beautiful coastal scenery. They mentioned the perfect weather conditions on race day—cool and sunny—which played a crucial role in their performance. Med_Tosby strategically lined up with the 1:30 pacers but quickly found their rhythm and decided to push ahead. Starting off strong with a 6:34 first mile, they took advantage of the flat course and surrounding cheerleaders, reveling in the warmth of camaraderie from fellow runners. The supportive atmosphere encouraged them, and as they settled into their pace along the picturesque coastline, everything seemed to align for their best race yet.
A Thrilling Finish
As the race progressed, Med_Tosby’s confidence soared. They managed to maintain a blistering pace while excitingly discovering that they set a new personal record for the first 10 kilometers. With the half marathon’s halfway point approaching, they made a mental calculation that their finishing time could be around 1:27 if they kept pushing. Throughout miles 8 to 11, they surged ahead, overtaking fellow runners, a gratifying shift compared to being passed in previous races. The thrilling atmosphere buoyed their spirits as they turned on the jets in the last mile, sprinting to a finishing time of 1:26:37 and surpassing even their wildest dreams.
The Aftermath: Embracing Obsession
While many runners leave their races eager for a hero’s moment, Med_Tosby joked about their 1.5-year-old son’s emotional reaction to see them after the finish. In the afterglow of an incredible race, the blended joy was palpable. The sense of accomplishment culminated in a beautiful beach day with family, solidifying the event as a perfect outing. Med_Tosby humorously concluded that this newfound obsession with running was bound to intensify; they now have ambitious plans for their first marathon, aiming for sub-3:00 pacing. Fellow runners in the comments echoed sentiments of motivation, sharing their own aspirations and training stories to keep Med_Tosby’s momentum going. The sense of community within this post is not just reflective of shared passion but a testament to how running connects us all in unique and empowering ways.