I Documented Every Problem in My Half Marathon Training. Here’s How I Solved Each One—and PR’d.

Winston Zhou//Hearst OwnedShortly after the 2024 Boulderthon Half Marathon, I got injured. A pinched sciatic nerve took me out for three months, and after that I had to start from zero.Rebuilding my running base was hard, knowing I used to be able to move so much faster than my current fitness level would let me. So when I decided to sign up for my next race, the 2026 SeaWheeze Half Marathon, I was in my head about it, worried about getting hurt and benched again, so it’s not surprising that I wanted to make sure to proceed safely and do everything the right way.I must say that during the 10-week training block, which ran from May to August, I loved watching my endurance grow, but that doesn’t mean I didn’t also experience a fair share of issues and setbacks. I took each question, concern, and problem to the right expert to get answers and solutions.I learned from a clinical exercise physiologist why my running form is off. A cardiologist provided insights into how a VO2 max test can help correct zone 2—and why the preset one doesn’t work for everyone. A sport social worker figured out why I couldn’t get faster minutes into a session we did together. A pelvic floor specialist helped me get back on track after my overactive pelvic floor almost derailed my training. A running coach explained whether taking breaks during a long run actually sabotages training progress—and more!Although I wrote about my experience, all the issues I encountered are universal—something many runners may face at some point—which is why I documented every question and answer in a series of articles, so others could learn from my mistakes or, even better, avoid them altogether.Every training block brings its own challenges and teaches its own lessons, and maybe because I made sure to get expert advice for each as soon as possible, I had my best training block and best half marathon race to date. Now I hope to help you experience the same—because everyone should know what it’s like to look back and feel fantastic about their running journey.If there are issues you’ve experienced in your training and haven’t found a solution to, leave a comment below, and I will try to get you an answer.You can also fill out our survey.My Overactive Pelvic Floor Almost Derailed My Training. Here’s How I Got Ahead of the Symptoms With Expert Help.EmirMemedovski//Getty ImagesI Wasn’t Able to Keep My Easy Runs in Zone 2. Then I Figured Out That the Issue Was Zone 2 Itself.d3sign//Getty ImagesAfter Over a Decade of Running, I Was Told I Run All Wrong—But Also How to Fix My FormCavan Images//Getty ImagesLike All Runners, I Used to Hate Hill Workouts. Then I Finally Figured Out How to Make Them Work for Me.ruizluquepaz//Getty ImagesI Couldn’t Stay in Zone 2 on My Easy Runs. Then I Took a VO2 Max Test That Finally Explained Why.Courtesy Pavlína ČernáFor Years, I Wasn’t Able to Figure Out Why I Couldn’t Run Faster. A Sport Social Worker Solved It in Minutes.Thomas Hengge//Hearst OwnedDoes My Training Need to Feel Strenuous to Be Effective? A Coach Explains When to Turn Up the Intensity.thomas hengge//Hearst OwnedI Take Breaks During My Long Runs—Am I Sabotaging My Training?Nastasic//Getty ImagesI Used to Get Recurring Yeast Infections Every Summer—These Habits Help Me Avoid ThemStefania Pelfini la Waziya//Getty ImagesI Tested an Expert-Backed Jet Lag Plan Before My Destination Race—and I’ve Never Recovered Fasterskynesher//Getty ImagesPavlína Černá, an RRCA-certified run coach and cycling enthusiast, has been with Runner’s World, Bicycling, and Popular Mechanics since August 2021. When she doesn’t edit, she writes; when she doesn’t write, she reads or translates. In whatever time she has left, you can find her outside running, riding, or roller-skating to the beat of one of the many audiobooks on her TBL list.