June Podcast Guest: Hannah & Andrew Barnhart

What a 10-Year-Old Half Marathoner Taught Me About Confidence, Commitment, and Joy

One of my favorite parts of hosting Running on Air is getting to hear the stories behind the finish line. Every runner has a different journey, and this month's conversation reminded me that age has very little to do with what's possible.

We welcomed Hannah Barnhart and her dad, Andrew, to the podcast after they completed the Eau Claire Half Marathon together. Hannah is only 10 years old, and not only did she finish her first half marathon, she also won her age division. As impressive as that accomplishment is, it was her attitude throughout the entire journey that stood out even more.

Like many runners, Hannah's story started with a simple 5K. She discovered she genuinely loved running and asked her dad if she could join him for the Eau Claire Half Marathon. Instead of jumping in without a plan, they took the thoughtful approach. Andrew consulted their doctor, followed a structured training program, and made sure nutrition, hydration, and recovery stayed a priority throughout the process.

Training through a Wisconsin winter is never easy, especially for adults. For a 10-year-old, it is even more impressive. Hannah talked about bundling up in layers, running through the cold, and learning how to stay mentally focused during longer runs. Every milestone built her confidence. First six miles. Then eight. Then ten. Each long run proved she was capable of more than she had imagined.

One thing I loved hearing was how Andrew approached coaching. They rarely talked about pace. Hannah didn't wear a watch during training or on race day. Instead, Andrew tracked their progress while Hannah focused on how she felt. It kept the pressure off and allowed running to stay fun. There is a lesson there for runners of every age. Sometimes we become so focused on numbers that we forget to enjoy the experience.

Race morning brought plenty of nerves. Standing among hundreds of runners at the start line felt overwhelming. But once the race began and spectators started cheering, everything changed. Hannah said the encouragement from volunteers and fans made her nervousness disappear. The energy along the course became one of her favorite memories, especially the incredible support at the Blugold Mile, where students cheered runners through one of the final miles of the race.

As the miles passed, Andrew realized they were running faster than expected. Their original goal was simply to finish comfortably. Instead, Hannah stayed strong, handled the hills with confidence, and eventually found herself on pace to finish in under two hours. Andrew intentionally waited until late in the race to tell her. He wanted her focused on running, not chasing a clock.

Then came the finish line.

Andrew described Hannah smiling more during those 13.1 miles than he had ever seen before. She crossed the finish line, jumped into her dad's arms, and immediately started thinking about ice cream. It was such a perfect reminder that running should be challenging, rewarding, and fun all at the same time.

The moment that stuck with me most, though, came when we asked Hannah what she learned about herself.

Her answer was simple but incredibly powerful.

She said she realized that when she truly sets her mind to something, she follows through. She also discovered that the way she talks to herself matters. Before race day, she gave herself positive pep talks, and she believes those encouraging thoughts helped her succeed.

That mindset is something every runner can benefit from, whether you're training for your first mile or your fiftieth marathon.

Watching Hannah and Andrew share this experience reminded me that running is about so much more than finish times. It creates confidence. It strengthens relationships. It teaches resilience. Most importantly, it shows us what we're capable of when we commit to a goal and keep putting one foot in front of the other.

I have no doubt we'll be seeing Hannah back at the Eau Claire Half Marathon in the future. Based on her determination, positive attitude, and love for the sport, I think this is only the beginning of an incredible running journey.

Listen to this Episode of “Running On Air” Here: Episode #20- Chasing Miles Together