Originally the purpose of this blog post was to share with you all my experience training for my first half marathon and some of the advice I have to offer for beginner runners like me – and I will, in my next post. But first, I would like to share a story about an incredible woman I met during my training who, despite a major obstacle, found a new way to do what she loves – a new direction to run.

By now I’m sure many of you have heard about Harriette Thompson, the oldest woman to run a marathon. On May 31st, Harriette, who is 92-years-old, crossed the San Diego Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon finish line. And just to clarify she ran not 3.1, not 13.1, but 26.2 miles!!! This phenomenal woman, a two-time cancer survivor, has been running marathons since the age of 76 to raise funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Like Harriette, I’m also sure each and every individual who ran the Rock ‘n’ Roll has a great story as to why they run – even if it is as simple as “I Just felt like runnang!” (Had to!)

But out of those 19,000 individuals, I would like to spotlight the incredible woman who set out to break the Guinness World Record time of 2 hours 49 minutes for running a half marathon backward. Yes, that’s right. 13.1 miles – BACKWARD! Her name is Justine Galloway. Three years ago she was diagnosed with runner’s dystonia. Her left leg no longer listens to her brain. The pathway was fried. And Justine beats this by…yup, you guessed it! Running backward.

I met Justine through the Milestone Running’s amazing run club here in San Diego. She reached out to all of us runners in hopes of finding a couple of witnesses that would run with her during the Rock ‘n’ Roll. The moment I read her letter, I knew I wanted to be a part of her journey and witness her inspiring determination.

Here’s Justine’s letter:

I have ran my whole life. I started running when I was 3. My dad was training for a marathon and I would always run the last few blocks with him. He was a marathon runner until he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s at 47, I was 7. Ever since then running became much more than a hobby. I ran throughout high school and in college. I then went onto marathon running (3:16 was my fastest time) and ran one ultra.

Three years ago I was diagnosed with RUNNER’S DYSTONIA. No longer did my left leg listen to my brain, the pathway was fried. No longer was the act of running something I enjoyed. That was until I learned I could run backwards!!!! I could trick my brain!

I run because once you hit the wall, there is no other feeling like running through it.

I run because you don’t need a gym, a sunny day, or a lot of money to run.

I run because it is simple where life can sometimes be complicated.

I run because it makes me happy.

I run because I can.

I run backwards because running forward is no longer an option.

Oh, and in case you were wondering – Justine broke that Guinness World Record in 2 hours 46 minutes! Way to rock it girl!

-Hope