Meet Helen Ryvar, the extraordinary single mother-of-three who holds the world record for consecutive half-marathons. Driven by determination and a strong mindset, she has achieved remarkable success in running, raising funds for charities, and inspiring others.
Helen Ryvar's nightly routine is a testament to her unwavering dedication to running. Every evening, she prepares meticulously for her daily early morning runs, ensuring that everything is in place for her 4:15 a.m. departure. Rain or shine, she hits the streets, paths, and trails of north Wales, leaving the world behind as she embarks on her solitary journey.
Starting her running journey in 2020, Ryvar has come a long way from her self-described "mediocre" running skills during school years. Today, she stands as a world-record holder for consecutive half-marathons, with a tally of 743 and counting. Her story serves as a beacon of inspiration, proving that with determination and consistency, anything is possible.
Despite her remarkable achievement, Ryvar remains down-to-earth and relatable. She emphasizes the importance of building a strong mindset, getting to know one's body, and finding joy in the process. "Your body and mind just get used to the routine," she says, "and you turn off that pity-party that you had with yourself and get on with it."
For Ryvar, consistency is key. By running at the same time every day, fitting exercise into her daily schedule, and not giving herself "a chance to mess up," she has developed a routine that has become second nature. Experts agree, emphasizing the importance of protected time for exercise, especially in the morning.
While Ryvar's running regimen is demanding, she credits hydration, a balanced diet, early nights, and magnesium salt baths for her minimal injuries. She advises listening to one's body and staying active, even if it simply means walking down the street on a regular basis.
Balancing her running with her responsibilities as a single mother and business owner requires careful planning. Ryvar acknowledges that juggling life is the ongoing challenge, but she finds the runs surprisingly easy compared to the effort required to navigate daily life.
Ryvar's passion for running has not only brought her personal fulfillment but has also enabled her to give back to her community. She raises funds for Cancer Research UK and a local charity in Wrexham, Nightingale House Hospice. Her efforts have touched countless lives and brought her a sense of purpose and satisfaction that extends far beyond the finish line.
As Ryvar sets her sights on reaching 1,000 consecutive half-marathons, she embodies the power of human determination and resilience. Her "nice fuzzy feeling inside" whenever she goes running serves as a testament to the transformative impact that exercise can have on our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Helen Ryvar is not just a world record holder; she is a beacon of hope and inspiration, reminding us that even in the early hours of the morning, with the clouds above us, anything is possible.
