Helen Ryvar – Running Through Grief, Finding Strength & Breaking Records | 1,000 Consecutive Half Marathons (May 2022 – Jan 2025) 🙌 Inspiring Others to Be Their Best ❤️
- xtinecruzat
- Jun 24
- 4 min read
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.
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Show notes
Who is Helen
44 years old
Single mum to 3 children
Living in Wrexham in North Wales
Getting into fitness before covid
Starting running and running 111 consecutive half marathons and becoming the GWR holder for the achievement
Running 1000 half marathons on her 2nd run streak
Her early years and not being particularly sports and a little overweight
Being more into languages and art
Being punished and made to run
Joining the cross country running team
Receiving bad news
Finding out her ex-husband had died
Telling her children that they would no longer be able to see their daddy
Being able to exercise and starting to run
Finding her peace at 2 hrs - 2.15 mins running
How the connection with nature saved her
Finding a new rhythm and a way to clear her head
Breaking the previous record of 75 half marathons
Sharon Jesspo - South Africa (101 - half marathons)
Submitting data to Guinness World Record for the 1000 half marathons
Staring her 2nd running streak on the 1st May 2022
Being 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 mornings
Believing in green running and not leaving a carbon footprint
Getting everything ready the night before
On and out in 15 mins
The 4am run club
How her body has adapted to the daily millage over 3 years
Knee issues
Enjoying the routines and being grateful for getting up every morning
Losing her dad and father in law
Running with Sean Conway
Breaking down the running goals into mini milestones
Running with other people
Mental tips and tricks for running
Sleep, nutrition and routine
What a typical day looks like
Going to bed at 9pm
The importance of quality sleep
What happens when the data gets corrupted
GWR not accepting Strava
Finishing the running streak on the 24th January 2024
Missing the running and the adjustment period
555 Challenge - Free challenge via Facebook
Come down from big events
The adventure blues
Dealing with the grief through running and feeling much stronger as a person
Not being treated well by her ex-husband
Being in an anxious, depressive state
Having conflicted thoughts and feelings
Being left in financial debt
Identifying as a mother and not a runner
Weighting 17 stones and having low self esteem
Running all over the world and the logistic challenges involved
Running in the heat and the dark
Running with @marathonwoman366
How to connect with Helen online
Final words of advice
Social Media
Instagram @helenryvar
Facebook www.facebook.com/hmryvar53
Just Giving www.justgiving.com/page/streakwithhelen
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