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First Steps to Finish Lines: Lyndsay Lang’s Running Revolution
- Running Shoes: Topo Athletic Atmos
- Running Vest: Salomon
- Fuel: Sis Gels & Sour Patch Kids (editor note: We love sour patch kids)
- Electrolytes: LMTN
In the crisp autumn air of October 2023, Lyndsay Lang laced up her shoes for what was supposed to be a regular daily walk. Little did she know that this simple routine would spark a transformation that would create an everyday runner that would learn how to overcome obstacles to reach her goals. Those obstacles included multiple health challenges while the goals include a newfound sense of self that extends far beyond the finish line.
“I was never a runner,” Lyndsay admits with a laugh. “I was a competitive cheerleader and gymnast growing up. When I was told that I needed to run a mile in PE, I would think, ‘you know, I’m really not feeling good.’ Anything to get out of it.”
The First Step Is the Hardest
What began as daily walks soon evolved into something more. “A walk turned into a jog. And then I thought, maybe I can try to run It is something natural that we as humans should be able to do,” Lyndsay explains.
Two weeks later, without any formal training, she found herself signing up for a local 5K. Despite being surprised by the hilly course, she finished – and that’s when everything changed.
“When they say you get the bug… That feeling of accomplishment, something I never thought I was going to do, mixed with the crowd and the DJs and everything. It was right near a lake where I live, so it was just stunning views. I said to myself, alright, let’s see where this goes.”
Where it went was straight into another race the following month – in 20-degree weather. “I found out the colder I am, the faster I want to get it over with,” she shares, showcasing the practical humor that has helped her through many tough miles since.
Racing Through Challenges
Lyndsay’s quick transition from non-runner to race enthusiast is impressive enough, but what makes her journey truly remarkable is how she’s navigated significant health obstacles along the way. In October 2024, Lyndsay underwent a hysterectomy to treat endometriosis, which she describes as “the most underdiagnosed disease in women.”
The surgery derailed her training for what would have been her first half marathon – scheduled exactly one year after her first 5K. For many new runners, such a setback might have been the end of the road. For Lyndsay, it became part of her story of perseverance.
“I switched it to the 5K and PR’d my whole year,” she says.
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Finding Strength in Recovery
The recovery process tested Lyndsay’s mental fortitude as much as her physical strength. “I had to relearn how to run,” she explains. “I remember just trying to walk a mile when I was allowed to and feeling like that’s all I’d be able to do.”
What kept her going during those difficult months? The desire to prove to herself that she could come back stronger.
“It was definitely hard, and I think mentally hard more than physical. Once my legs remembered what to do, it was easy. But obviously, your brain’s telling you to just sit down. You were laid up for almost three months. Why put yourself through it again?”
Her answer to that mental resistance speaks volumes about her character: “It’s the comeback song. Telling my body I got rid of this disease, and I’m not letting it put me back down.”
A Family Affair
Lyndsay’s running journey isn’t a solo endeavor. Her husband and son have become enthusiastic supporters and occasional running partners. When asked if having this support makes running easier, she doesn’t hesitate.
“It absolutely makes a huge difference. Even before I started the training block, I have my calendar with the highlights and the long runs on Saturday mornings. We planned it together. It was, ‘hey, this is what I’m going to need for myself to succeed.'”
Her 8-year-old son has caught the running bug as well. “My son’s super supportive. He ran last year when I did my first 10K. They had a kid’s 1-mile race the day before, and my son signed up for that and did it. We have matching medals, and it was a huge deal.”
In perhaps the most touching moment of their shared running journey, “One of the next races, he met me just outside the finish line and ran in with me. That was worth everything.”
Beyond the Race Course
The benefits of Lyndsay’s running journey have extended far beyond improved fitness. When asked if she’s been able to apply her running accomplishments to other aspects of life, she highlights the discipline and confidence she’s gained.
“The discipline side of it is very beneficial. At my job, I got promoted this year out of nowhere, and it’s probably because my head was more in the game than before.”
In meetings and professional settings, she’s noticed a dramatic shift in her confidence. “Taking on bigger projects without being worried about what the bosses are gonna think. Am I gonna fail? And if I fail, am I fired? And my thinking has become no, we’re human, but it’s failing forward, not feeling backward.”
When reflecting on who she was before running compared to now, Lyndsay states simply: “I would definitely say it’s very much two different people.”
The Trail Ahead
Looking toward the future, Lyndsay is training for her first half marathon while already setting her sights on new challenges. After completing her first trail 10K in April 2025, she’s developed a passion for off-road running.
“I just want to keep growing, just keep building,” she says. When asked if she’s already looking beyond her upcoming half marathon, she doesn’t hesitate: “Yeah, I haven’t signed up yet for those ones, but I definitely have more trail runs.”
And while she jokes, “I told my husband, if you ever hear me say I’m doing Cocodona, you get me checked out,” it’s clear that the seed has been planted. “But you never know. I mean, you really don’t know.”
Lyndsay embraces the progressive nature of endurance challenges. “If I’m already doing 13, what’s 15? What’s 26? What’s 50? It’s always pushing that boundary. It’s addicting in a good way.”
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A Mid-Pack Mindset
In a sport often obsessed with podium finishes and personal records, Lyndsay has developed a healthy perspective that serves her well.
“I’m a proud mid-pack party pace runner,” she says. “I personally know I won’t ever be able to do a BQ [Boston Qualifier], and I’m okay with that. I’m a proud mid-packer and I’m okay with that. Honestly, I think we have more fun. Life’s too short to be too serious.”
Rather than comparing herself to elite runners, she sees them as sources of inspiration and knowledge. “I don’t want to be you. I want to be myself. But what tips and tricks do you have?”
When asked about the best piece of advice she’s received, her answer is refreshingly simple: “Show up. Show up to the race. Literally it was if you’re going to sign up, show up.”
Running for Mental Health
While Lyndsay initially began running for physical health benefits, she’s discovered an unexpected bonus. “My mental health… I wasn’t going into it for that. I was going into it for health benefits, not mental health benefits.”
The change has been profound. “I feel like I’m the happiest I’ve ever been. And if I’m grumpy, I think, ‘Oh, I should probably go for a run.’ I need a three-mile timeout.”
Speaking Out for Others
Lyndsay is passionate about raising awareness for endometriosis, especially among female runners. “It’s unspoken so much. Any disease that people have, any internal battle, silent suffering,” she explains.
Her message to others facing similar challenges is powerful: “For me, getting the word out to other specifically female runners who do battle with endometriosis or may have to make that hard decision to have a hysterectomy… it’s okay. There’s other people doing it.”
She hopes her story might connect with others facing similar battles. “Maybe there’s more runners out there that have it and maybe we can make a little endo running group.”
Every Saturday, A New Accomplishment
As Lyndsay continues to push her limits with longer runs each weekend, she takes time to appreciate how far she’s come.
“Every Saturday is a new accomplishment,” she shares. “I come home and I think I told my husband ‘I just did that’. He then says, ‘I know. I’m really proud of you.'”
For someone who once avoided running a single mile in PE class to now embracing the challenge of a half marathon and beyond, Lyndsay’s journey reminds us all that our limitations are often self-imposed. With each step forward – whether it’s a walk that turns into a jog, or recovering from a major setback – she continues to prove that the finish line is just the beginning.
As she puts it: “I’m just a mom who found out that she likes running.”
Just like you, Lyndsay is an everyday runner overcoming obstacles. And in finding running, she found a new version of herself – stronger, more confident, and ready for whatever challenges lie ahead on the road or trail.
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