Helen Ryvar, a single mother-of-three and owner of a cleaning business, has made headlines for her running achievements. Starting in 2020, she now holds the world record for consecutive half-marathons, with an impressive 743 completed. Despite her intense training schedule, Ryvar has experienced minimal injuries, which she attributes to proper hydration, rest, and magnesium salt baths. She follows a strict nightly routine, preparing for her daily early morning runs, rain or shine.
Ryvar describes herself as an ordinary person doing extraordinary things. She began her running journey in 2020, following the death of her ex-husband and the onset of the coronavirus pandemic. Four years later, she has become a world-record holder and inspiration to many, all while raising money for charity. Ryvar emphasizes the importance of building a strong mindset and getting to know your body. She doesn’t focus on speed or have the latest running gear, instead opting for balanced meals and a consistent exercise routine.
Experts agree that establishing a daily routine and finding protected time for exercise is crucial for long-term success. Dr. Michael J. Joyner, of the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, recommends integrating exercise into your daily schedule to prevent setbacks. Ryvar only had one injury during her two-year running streak, which she attributes to changing her running shoes. She emphasizes the importance of staying hydrated, maintaining a balanced diet, and getting ample rest. Magnesium salt baths have become a key part of her routine for recovery and injury prevention.
Despite the physical demands of her running streak, Ryvar remains committed to her goal of reaching 1,000 consecutive half-marathons. With the previous record standing at 75, this would be an incredible achievement. She plans to reach this milestone on Jan. 24, 2025, a date she has circled on her calendar. In the meantime, she continues to be motivated by the positive impact she is making through her fundraising efforts for Cancer Research UK and Nightingale House Hospice in Wrexham. Her newfound hobby has also allowed her to travel the world, with recent trips to Jordan, Miami, Turkey, and Malta, where she was featured on national television.
Ryvar’s advice for aspiring runners is to stay active, even if it means simply walking down the street regularly. She emphasizes the importance of accountability, whether through joining a running group, participating in park runs, or signing up for races. Setting goals and forming habits can make a significant difference in building confidence and pushing yourself further. Despite the challenges of her daily running routine, Ryvar remains motivated by the support she receives from others and the satisfaction she feels during her runs. She describes the experience as riding a wave and cherishes the sense of accomplishment and fulfillment it brings her.
