54 year old aunt running for twenty years running half marathon as a hobby

I am a 54-year-old woman and have been running for over twenty years. Back then, I was diagnosed with a type of rheumatic connective tissue disease that is still incurable in medical science. Encouraged by my doctor, I started jogging. Year after year, I persisted, transforming from a patient who was out of breath just climbing stairs into a runner capable of completing a half marathon. Running has improved my physical functions, boosted my immunity, and strengthened my willpower. It allows me to go to work every day with full energy and play the role of a caregiver for my children and elderly family members. As the years passed and I entered old age, I gave up running due to the changes in my body during menopause and switched to daily brisk walking.

In the summer of 2015, I signed up for the first Shenyang International Marathon (Mini 5K). A marathon was something I had never dared to dream of before. For many years, I had only done short-distance running and had never trained for long distances. When picking up my gear before the race, a classmate told me about a software that could help me train—Codoon. So, I downloaded the app and prepared to use it during the race.

On September 27, 2015, I stood on the course of the first Shenyang Marathon, feeling incredibly excited. I opened the Codoon app, and my classmate and I took photos to capture our pre-race excitement. With the sound of the starting gun, the marathon began. I quickly activated the Codoon app and, along with tens of thousands of runners, crossed the starting line and entered the course. I was extremely excited along the way, interacting with the cheering crowds on the roadside. Seeing many elderly participants running alongside me, a thought suddenly struck me: I wanted to try a half marathon.

The moment of testing myself was right in front of me. When I reached the 5K finish line, I didn't stop but joined the half marathon runners and continued running. Along the way, I met several elderly runners doing the full marathon. After talking to them, I admired their marathon spirit, which further motivated me to complete the half marathon. Codoon's voice kept encouraging me with phrases like 'Great job' and 'Keep going.' Codoon gave me the strength to move forward. By the time I reached the 18-kilometer mark, I started to feel tired, but I didn't stop and persisted in completing my first half marathon attempt. Codoon recorded my first marathon journey with a time of 2 hours, 37 minutes, and 39 seconds. I was extremely excited and took a photo at the finish line to commemorate the achievement.

Although I didn't receive a medal at the first Shenyang Marathon, I felt like I had earned a finisher's medal in my heart. From then on, I fell in love with Codoon, using it every day to track my exercise. In the fitness community, I saw sports enthusiasts from all over the country. We encouraged and praised each other, and Codoon friends became a source of motivation for my workouts.

In March 2016, a Codoon friend shared some exciting news: the Siping Long-Distance Running Club was officially established and would participate in the Qingdao (High-Tech Zone) International Marathon. I was thrilled, and a plan to fulfill my dream quickly formed. I decided to train hard to participate in a real international marathon and earn a medal of my own. Training was tough, but I started the half marathon training plan on Codoon, following a scientific regimen every day. During my breaks, I also participated in official events on Codoon and won many medals.

On May 15, 2016, the runners from the Siping Long-Distance Running Club stood on the marathon course. It was raining lightly, but no one backed down. We took photos to capture the lively and tense atmosphere before the race and encouraged each other. When the starting gun fired, we ran into the course in the light rain. I aimed to complete the half marathon, running towards my dream. Sweat and rain mixed on my face, but my heart was filled with boundless strength. With Codoon by my side, I wasn't alone. I overcame and challenged myself, running towards the distance. Finally, I crossed the finish line with a time of 2 hours, 6 minutes, and 24 seconds.

Excitement, excitement, and more excitement—I completed the half marathon under adverse conditions. The heavy Qingdao Half Marathon medal hung around my neck and in my hand. My dream had finally come true. This was my first half marathon medal, and Qingdao Marathon—I love you! The road of life is still long, and I will continue to strive, embodying the spirit of a marathon runner, aiming to complete my first full marathon in life.