Chapter 1: The Unexpected Path to Running

I genuinely believe that within each of us lies an incredible strength to achieve anything we aspire to. While I maintain a reasonably healthy lifestyle and stay active, running has never been my favorite activity. Cross-country runs during school were the highlight of my week I tried to avoid, often opting to walk for the entire 45 minutes. I had no desire to be a runner and felt no jealousy towards friends who loved it; I just thought they were a bit eccentric. :)

Photo by Hannes Egler on Unsplash

When the pandemic struck, I sought a reason to step outside, which led me to start "running." I use quotation marks because I could barely manage 3 kilometers before needing to take a break, maintaining a slow pace of about 8 km/h. Not only was I unable to sustain running for more than 20 minutes, but I also found no joy in it.

Thus, on October 26, I made a bold decision: I signed up for the London Marathon. Given my previous thoughts on running, you might wonder why I would take such a step. I aimed to challenge myself, to discover just how far I could push my limits in tackling such a demanding physical and mental feat.

Author's own image

Spoiler alert: I successfully completed the London Marathon!

Running was tough.

Strength training was tough.

The overall preparation was tough.

It was challenging because it was foreign to me and, quite frankly, it was just hard. I decided to forgo alcohol, which turned out to be easier than expected. Additionally, I began to travel with my running shoes to ensure I could train while away. This meant I had to prioritize finding accommodations with washing machines, as I typically travel light, and my trainers took up precious space.

The final months of my training were spent in Marbella, Spain, where temperatures soared to around 30 degrees Celsius. To beat the heat, I woke up before dawn to complete my long runs.

As time passed, I found joy in running; the intense workouts became increasingly fulfilling. I was sweating more than ever, but it felt invigorating. Physically, I grew stronger, but what took me by surprise was my mental fortitude.

My inner dialogue transformed.

I encouraged myself with kindness and confidence.

I celebrated my achievements.

I learned to listen to my body, resting when necessary and pushing through when I could.

My ultimate challenge was the London Marathon, and it stands as the toughest thing I've ever accomplished. But I did it!

The key to my success was a constant affirmation that I could do it. I stepped far outside my comfort zone, but I was determined to give it everything I had. I found myself crying both during the marathon and as I crossed the finish line. The experience was overwhelming, and I kept repeating to myself, "Keep going; you’re nearly there; this is what you've trained for; you can do it."

Crossing that finish line brought immense relief, but more importantly, it filled me with gratitude for the invaluable lesson learned: I can achieve anything I set my mind to.

Pure Happiness, me and my medal

P.S. My friends joined me in this wild journey and provided incredible support. They ran with me during training, checked in regularly, and cheered me on during the race (which also made me tear up!).

Shine bright.

If you appreciate my writing and wish to support my journey, consider buying me a coffee. Your kindness means the world to me! Thank you for your support.

The first video, What Goes Through My Mind in a Marathon, explores the mental strategies and reflections that accompany a marathon run, illustrating the internal dialogue that can motivate a runner during the race.

The second video, The Marathon Mindset | Endurance Over Speed, discusses the importance of perseverance and mental resilience in achieving long-distance running goals, emphasizing that it’s not just about speed but also about the endurance of spirit.