Track Shack

For Bethany Taggart, preparing for her first half marathon didn't begin with a lifelong dream of running 13.1 miles.

It started at her son's soccer practice.

“I started running to pass the time at my son’s soccer practice,” said the Executive Assistant to OUC Chief Customer & Marketing Officer Linda Ferrone. “I did a few 5Ks and then ultimately decided to take on the challenge of a longer run. Our own 13.1 seemed like a great idea at the time.”

In January 2025, Bethany committed to the DTO 16.2 Challenge, running the OUC Orlando Half Marathon and the Track Shack Lake Eola 5K during race weekend. It would be her first half marathon, let alone two running events in one weekend.

The journey from casual runs around the soccer field to 13.1 miles wasn't always easy. But with training, the right gear, encouragement from her husband David and the energy of thousands of fellow participants and supporters on race day, Bethany discovered something important about herself. Sometimes, you don't realize what you're capable of until you cross the finish line. “It took the finish line of the first race for me to believe in myself and my abilities.”

As Bethany prepares to return for the 50th Running of the OUC Orlando Half Marathon Weekend this December, she shares her experience and some encouragement for anyone considering taking on their first half marathon.

From Strength Training to Stacking Miles

Before training for the half marathon, Bethany's fitness routine focused primarily on strength training. The transition to distance running required patience and a gradual approach.

“Yes, it was my first long run of any length,” she said. “It was a gradual progression, increasing miles each week.” But one of the biggest lessons she learned wasn't necessarily about mileage.

“Honestly, the hardest part was finding the right gear that worked for me,” Bethany said. “Finding the right socks, shoes and clothing was key for me to feel comfortable and confident stacking miles.”

That search brought her to Track Shack.

Finding the Right Fit

Bethany says getting fitted for running shoes became an important part of her preparation. “I love Track Shack!” she said. “I had been elsewhere for running shoes and felt like I was being sold on current trends versus what my foot actually needed.”

At Track Shack, she found something different. “When David told me to try Track Shack, I felt like I was getting an educated professional who listened to me and gave me the right shoes for who I am and how I run.”

For someone preparing for her first half marathon, that confidence was key.

Sharing the Experience

Bethany didn't take on her first half marathon alone. She and her husband David completed the 2025 DTO 16.2 Challenge together. An experienced endurance athlete and Ironman triathlete, David was also returning for his third OUC Orlando Half Marathon.

But for Bethany, sharing the experience was about much more than having an experienced runner nearby. “We love working out together!” she said. “He was very motivating and explained how I should pace my race. We set up a goal for me and I accomplished it.”

And at the finish line, David was waiting. “I was so happy to see him waiting for me at the finish line,” Bethany said. “I remember being very emotional and pure elation at that moment.”

The Energy That Carries You Forward

For Bethany, race day was unlike anything she had experienced during training. “OMG! The entire event is so athlete-friendly and high-energy the whole course,” she said.

The aid station volunteers were supportive. The community was out cheering. Bands played along the course. And somewhere around mile nine, Bethany found an unexpected boost.

“Don't get me started on the lady at mile 9-ish handing out licorice. She gave me life!” It's a funny detail but also a perfect example of what makes race day memorable.

“Sharing the energy with hundreds of other runners gave me such adrenaline and kept my spirits high every mile,” Bethany said.

For first-time participants especially, that support can make all the difference. The OUC Orlando Half Marathon isn't just about miles. It's about the volunteers, spectators, fellow runners and community members who help carry participants toward the finish line.

More Than a Race: A Downtown Orlando Staycation

Bethany and David also discovered that race weekend could be more than just a trip downtown to run. They made it a staycation.

“Downtown Orlando is always enjoyable no matter what your idea of fun is,” Bethany said.

Because the DTO 16.2 Challenge took place over two days, staying near the start line offered a practical advantage. “I really wanted to avoid TWO early mornings, parking, the whole deal,” she said. “So, picking a hotel near the start line was perfect!”

The couple made a weekend of it, enjoying a good Italian pasta dinner before race day, relaxing at their hotel and celebrating with a delicious meal afterward. And Bethany may have discovered one of the best post-race recovery strategies of all. “Something about taking the post-run nap in a cold, dark hotel was the absolutely perfect recovery.”

“Plus, no excuses as to why we shouldn’t show up the second day for the 5K challenge,” Bethany said.

For runners and walkers traveling from outside Orlando, or Central Floridians looking for a different race weekend experience, Bethany's story is a reminder that downtown Orlando can be part of the adventure. Stay nearby, enjoy local restaurants and turn race weekend into something worth celebrating before and after the race is over.  

Coming Back for More and Bringing the Family Along

Bethany's first half marathon experience was impactful enough to bring her back.

“Absolutely!” she said when asked whether she and David would be participating again. In fact, the experience may become a family tradition.

“I think this will be a family event for us from now on. We are trying to coax our teenager into joining us this time around.”

From passing time at soccer practice to completing her first half marathon and now encouraging the next generation of her family to join in, Bethany's running journey has come a long way.

Thinking About Your First Half Marathon?

Bethany has simple advice for anyone considering taking on 13.1 miles for the first time: “This is a bucket list item for many people. Get a training plan, stick to it and make it a fun experience by choosing the OUC Orlando Half Marathon.”

“You'll be so happy and fulfilled when you cross that finish line!” Whether you're training for your first 5K, taking on your first half marathon or looking for a reason to make a weekend of it in downtown Orlando, every journey starts somewhere.

For Bethany, it started at soccer practice.

Where will yours begin?