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
- 50 mile Chester Ultra
- 50km London Ultra
- 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
- Garmin watch
- 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