Across campus, a blonde ponytail bobbed up and down, bright Nike sneakers hit the pavement and music blasted. Freshman Helena Nicholson reached another mile on her run.

Nicholson recently began training for a half marathon in Boston this summer. With about a month and a half left before the race, her training regimen has become rigorous.

“I just started a more intense schedule of running six days a week and doing longer mileage,” Nicholson said. “I try to run around 30 miles a week around campus.”

While practicing running long distance is important, Nicholson added that her diet is just as significant. She now eats more protein than she used to and drinks lots of water.

Sophomore Danielle Dulchinos completed her first half marathon during spring break in Wilmington. She was apprehensive at first since she had previously only run 5Ks and a ‘Color Run.’ Dulchinos said the support of friends running with her made it much more worthwhile.

“My friend convinced me to start training because she had run lots of half and full marathons,” Dulchinos said. “When she went abroad to Spain, I began training with another friend who was at the same running level as me.”

Freshmen Olivia Sorbo and Olivia Vaz are training for a half marathon in June in Fairfield, Connecticut. Training together, the two agree, makes it fun and much easier.

“This is my first half marathon, so doing it with Liv is a great motivator,” Vaz said.

Sorbo and Vaz are on a 16-week plan, training five days a week with three of the days specifically for running. The rest they spend on cross and strength training, and following Blogilates’ YouTube videos or taking cardio classes at the gym.

Their Fitbits, Vaz added, are an important part of their training plan, tracking their movement and running distance each day.

Sorbo decided to do another half marathon after having positive experiences running in previous races.

“I like having something to work toward,” Sorbo said. “I played field hockey in high school so I was always looking to have a low mile time. Once that was over, I wanted a new something to focus on.”

For Nicholson, running has been a huge part of her life since high school. She runs almost every day, a training schedule she says contributes to her positive mindset.

“When I had shin splits in the winter, I couldn’t run, and I noticed a dramatic change in my mood,” Nicholson said. “People say they get a ‘runner’s high,’ but for me, it’s an overall improvement of happiness.”

Dulchinos said the running community has given her a greater appreciation and love for running.

“They are a really cool group of people that are supportive and friendly,” Dulchinos said. “I love racing because it’s an amazing feeling to have people cheering you on in the sidelines.”

A half marathon is no easy feat — 13.1 miles is quite daunting, especially for new runners. Sorbo said that beginner runners should not be afraid of half marathons because of the length.

“People always say, ‘13 miles, that’s impossible,’” Sorbo said. “Freshman year of high school, I couldn’t even run a mile. I am not a natural runner, so I feel like if I can do it, anyone can.”

Nicholson added that running in general is a great stress reliever and also a convenient way to work out.

“Running gets you into great shape because it works every muscle group,” Nicholson said. “I am fairly lazy in regard to working out, so it’s nice that I don’t have to go to the gym and do several different exercises to work each specific muscle.”

After finishing her half marathon, Dulchinos got hooked. Running with 3,000 people was an incredible experience that made her consider signing up for a full marathon. This was different from her original plan, which was to simply finish the whole race.

“I was running three miles before I started training,” Dulchinos said. “For anyone who is hesitant to do a half marathon, all you need to do is find a great plan, commit yourself and just do it.”