From Hesitation to Half Marathons

Why We Love Runday

At Runday, our runners and volunteers are the heart of everything we do. Each person brings their own story, shaped by determination, curiosity and a passion for movement.

Today, we share the inspiring journey of Pavlo Mrykalo, a young man whose casual curiosity about running turned into a personal mission to go further than he ever imagined.

A Spark on a Warm Autumn Evening

Pavlo’s introduction to Runday didn’t start with a race. It started over dinner. It was a cosy evening in autumn 2017 when the conversation with his father shifted towards sport:

“Are you into anything right now?”
“Yes, I go to the gym a couple of times a week.”
“What about running 5 kilometres in good company this Saturday?”
“I don’t know… I’ll think about it.”

That simple question planted a seed—and also sparked an inner debate. Could he really run that far? His memories flashed back to all the sports he had once done: ballroom dancing, karate, Greco-Roman wrestling, boxing, swimming. His inner athlete refused to back down. How could he not try? He had to.

The First Run

That Saturday morning, Pavlo stood at the pier at 8:45, unsure whether he could complete the distance. The thought of failing in front of his father felt unbearable. But at 9:35, he crossed the finish line. The result—31 minutes and 17 seconds—was modest, but the feeling was immense. He had done it. He had proven something to himself. The next Saturday, he returned. This time, he finished in 28 minutes and 49 seconds. The excitement grew. Running began to take hold.

A Winter Pause

Then came snow, work commitments, cold mornings. For a while, running faded into the background. On frosty January days, Pavlo continued to jog short distances—1.5 to 3 km—without the structure of Runday. But the desire never left.

Spring Awakening

As spring arrived and days grew longer, Pavlo felt the call again. Ternopil’s beautiful lakeside paths seemed to invite him back. It was time to run properly again. That was when everything truly began.

Progress and Purpose

Since that first hesitant race, Pavlo has completed 11 Runday runs and even volunteered once. His personal best improved to 22 minutes and 57 seconds, but he knows he can go further. His goal now is clear: break the 20-minute barrier. Each training run brings him closer, as he refines his technique and builds his endurance.

More Than Just Running

For Pavlo, Runday isn’t simply about kilometres and finish times. It’s about conversations with all kinds of people—champions, skilled pastry chefs, top managers, IT specialists. It’s about watching the sunrise over the Ternopil pond, feeling alive in the company of friends and strangers who share the same passion. Runday inspired Pavlo to conquer his first 10 km race, and later, his first half marathon. The marathon is next on the horizon.

What Runday Means

Pavlo says it best himself:

“Runday isn’t just a run. It’s an opportunity to improve yourself, to connect with remarkable people, and to see the world around you in a new light.”

And that is what makes Runday special.