My Half Marathon Journey: Running Toward Health, Growth, and Identity

by Ash Verdeck | The Epiphany Effect | June 26, 2026

A Journey of Identity, Healing, and Becoming Someone I Didn’t Believe I Could Be

There’s a version of this half marathon journey that starts with miles, medals, and race weekends. But the real beginning started somewhere quieter—somewhere more personal.

The Origin Story: Where This All Began

After having my son, Mack, I found myself in a season where my body and mind didn’t quite feel like my own. I was struggling with my fitness, my consistency, and honestly, my sense of identity.

And in the middle of that, I kept coming back to a memory.

Years ago, after having my son, Bram, I ran a half marathon in Iowa by myself. I remember finishing it—not fast, not perfect—but proud. Grounded. Capable. Alive in a way I hadn’t felt before.

I wanted that feeling again.

At first, this journey wasn’t about 50 states. It was about finding my way back to myself through movement.

But over time, and a few half marathons, the idea evolved into something bigger:

What if I ran a half marathon in every state?

Which eventually led to: What if we ran a half marathon in every state?

In 2022, I started tracking it more intentionally. And since then, this journey has been… imperfect.

We’ve completed 8 states so far. There have also been races we signed up for and didn’t make it to. Races we started and didn’t finish. Seasons where I kept going—but not in the way I originally intended.

And honesty matters to me. Because this isn’t a story about perfect execution.

It’s a story about continuing—and now, about recommitting.

The Recommitment: Why This Matters Now

I’m not starting over. I’m not erasing the progress we’ve made. I’m choosing to recommit to it—with more intention than I’ve had before. Because somewhere along the way, I realized I had drifted from the original purpose of this goal.

This was never just about finishing races. It was about becoming healthier—mentally and physically—in a way that actually lasts.

Lately, I’ve been reflecting on what “sustainable” really means for me.

Not extreme.
Not inconsistent.
Not relying on willpower and adrenaline to get me through race day.

But by building habits I will carry into next year… and the year after that… without ending up right back where I started.

This recommitment feels different.

It feels grounded.
It feels necessary.
And most importantly—it feels sustainable.

The Journey So Far

This journey is already underway. So far, we’ve completed 8 out of 50 states—each one with its own story, its own lessons, and its own version of “hard.”

There are more races scheduled ahead, and this time, I’m approaching them differently—not just with the goal of finishing, but with the intention of showing up prepared.

Completed States

Each state represents more than a race—it’s a chapter in this journey.

• South Dakota (8/22/2022)
• Missouri (10/15/2022)
• Iowa (10/16/2022)
• Colorado (8/26/2023)
• Kansas (4/20/2024)
• Wisconsin (8/10/2024)
• California (9/8/2024)
• Indiana (5/2/2026)
• Nebraska → Story coming soon

Every state has a story, and every story has a lesson. New reflections from the journey will be released regularly, with links added here as they become available. I hope you’ll follow along as the miles continue to reveal new insights.

The Limiting Belief I Had to Confront

For a long time, I shared a bit about myself that felt harmless: “I don’t consider myself a runner, but I will go really far for a medal and a free banana.”

It was funny. It landed well. I even used it in professional settings. But it was also quietly reinforcing something unhelpful. Because you can’t consistently behave like a runner if you keep telling yourself you’re not one.

That realization changed something fundamental.

This journey is, in many ways, about replacing that sentence with a new one: “I am a runner.”

Not because of pace.
Not because of performance.
But because of consistency.

The Deeper Purpose: What This Journey Really Represents

On the surface, this is a running goal. But underneath, it’s something deeper.

It’s about identity.

It’s about mental health—creating a sustainable way to manage stress, depression, anxiety, and ADHD.

And it’s about proving something to myself: That I can build a life that supports me—not just in moments of motivation, but in everyday consistency.

The Starting Point: Where I Am Right Now

Physically, I’m rebuilding.

There are days where running a full mile without stopping feels out of reach. I’m putting in the work by using intervals (run/walk) and improving from there.

Mentally, the challenge is just as real. My internal voice can be harsh. Quick to criticize. Slow to forgive.

And right now, “hard” doesn’t look like intense training plans or peak performance. It looks like showing up consistently.

Closing the gap between knowing what to do—and actually doing it.

The Rules of This Journey

To keep this half marathon journey grounded and sustainable:

• Completion means an official half marathon race in all 50 states
• The goal is not pace—it’s finish
• Consistency matters more than intensity

We have another race scheduled later this year—and this time, the focus isn’t just showing up to race.

It’s showing up prepared.

Process Over Outcome: How I’m Defining Success

Success is no longer just crossing the finish line.

It’s:

• Training consistently leading up to the race
• Building habits I can sustain
• Changing the way I talk to myself throughout my run
• Following through—even when it’s hard

When setbacks happen—and they will—I’ll respond differently: With grace, and then with action.

Life Integration: Why This Matters Beyond Running

This goal isn’t separate from my life—it supports it. Physical fitness plays a real role in managing my mental health. It helps me show up better—as a mom, as a partner, and as a leader.

And it sets an example for my boys. I want them to see that fitness can be enjoyable. That it’s something you choose—not something you’re forced into.

More than anything, I want them to see consistency in action.

The Epiphany Effect Layer: The Reflection That Changes Everything

After each race, I’ll pause and reflect:

• What went well?
• What can be improved?
• What did I learn about myself?

Because a half marathon is never just physical.

It’s mental.
It’s emotional.
It’s the voice in your head when things get uncomfortable.

And through this half marathon journey, I’m not just training my body—I’m retraining that voice.

Tracking the Journey

Each state will have its own story.

You can expect:

• A dedicated blog post for each race
• Lessons learned—both physical and mental
• Honest reflections (the good and the hard)
• Progress updates along the way

This page will serve as the hub—connecting each state as the journey continues.

The Bigger Vision: Who I’m Becoming

When all 50 states are complete, this won’t just be about running. It will be about transformation. About what happens when someone stops drifting—and starts recommitting with intention.

I don’t need this journey to be perfect. I need it to be consistent.

An Invitation to You

This journey isn’t just about running. It’s about what becomes possible when you decide to return to something that matters.

Not because you failed. But because you’re ready to approach it differently.

So here’s the question I’ll leave you with:
Where in your life do you need to recommit—not by starting over, but by continuing with more intention?