Helen Ryvar – Running Through Grief, Finding Strength & Breaking Records | 1,000 Consecutive Half Marathons (May 2022 – Jan 2025) 🙌 Inspiring Others to Be Their Best ❤️

What began as a way to cope with grief became a world record-breaking journey that’s taken Helen Ryvar across the globe — from sunrise runs in North Wales to volcanic trails in Fuerteventura and the ancient deserts of Petra. A single mum of three and a self-described non-athlete in her youth, Helen’s transformation into a Guinness World Record holder for running consecutive half marathons is nothing short of awe-inspiring. In this deeply personal episode, Helen opens up about the heartbreak that sparked her first streak, how running became her therapy, and the mental and physical resilience required to complete 1,000 consecutive half marathons — often starting at 4am. With races lined up from the Chester Ultra to international marathons in Malta and Brighton. If you’ve ever questioned what you’re capable of, or needed a reminder of the strength that comes from simply showing up — this is the episode for you. Tune in to hear Helen’s story of grit, growth, and running with purpose. New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM (UK time)! Make sure to subscribe so you never miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women pushing boundaries. Do you want to support the Tough Girl Mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media in the world of adventure and physical challenges? Support via Patreon! Join me in making a difference by signing up here: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. Your support makes a difference. Thank you x Show notes Who is Helen44 years oldSingle mum to 3 children Living in Wrexham in North WalesGetting into fitness before covidStarting running and running 111 consecutive half marathons and becoming the GWR holder for the achievementRunning 1000 half marathons on her 2nd run streakHer early years and not being particularly sports and a little overweightBeing more into languages and artBeing punished and made to runJoining the cross country running teamReceiving bad newsFinding out her ex-husband had diedTelling her children that they would no longer be able to see their daddyBeing able to exercise and starting to runFinding her peace at 2 hrs - 2.15 mins running How the connection with nature saved herFinding a new rhythm and a way to clear her headBreaking the previous record of 75 half marathonsSharon Jesspo - South Africa (101 - half marathons) Submitting data to Guinness World Record for the 1000 half marathonsStaring her 2nd running streak on the 1st May 2022Being challenged to do a 2nd run streak by Mika Shevit Running for MIND Charity and raising £8,000 Running routes Running from 4am - 6am most morningsBelieving in green running and not leaving a carbon footprintGetting everything ready the night beforeOn and out in 15 minsThe 4am run clubHow her body has adapted to the daily millage over 3 yearsKnee issues Enjoying the routines and being grateful for getting up every morningLosing her dad and father in law50 mile Chester Ultra 50km London Ultra Running with Sean Conway Breaking down the running goals into mini milestonesRunning with other peopleMental tips and tricks for runningSleep, nutrition and routineWhat a typical day looks like Going to bed at 9pmThe importance of quality sleepWhat happens when the data gets corruptedGarmin watch GWR not accepting StravaFinishing the running streak on the 24th January 2024Missing the running and the adjustment period555 Challenge - Free challenge via FacebookCome down from big eventsThe adventure bluesDealing with the grief through running and feeling much stronger as a personNot being treated well by her ex-husbandBeing in an anxious, depressive stateHaving conflicted thoughts and feelings Being left in financial debt Identifying as a mother and not a runnerWeighting 17 stones and having low self esteemRunning all over the world and the logistic challenges involvedRunning in the heat and the darkRunning with @marathonwoman366 How to connect with Helen onlineFinal words of advice Social Media Instagram @helenryvar Facebook www.facebook.com/hmryvar53 Just Giving www.justgiving.com/page/streakwithhelen