The slow run

Do you remember when you had to do a difficult task?
Something that demanded a lot from you: focus, time, and tons of energy?
Do you remember going through pain and still continuing your work?
Do you remember wanting to quit so badly, questioning WHY you are doing this?
Do you remember that pure joy when you finished that heavy task?
Do you remember the confidence you had after?
This is part of what a marathon is like.

The marathon, with its 42 kilometers or 26 miles, is considered one of the pinnacles of running. And rightly so. It’s a worthy challenge. It will break you but also give you the chance to rebuild yourself, stronger than before. It’s primarily a race with yourself; you’re racing yourself. A part of you crosses the finish line, and some other small parts remain scattered over the route; you shed your doubts like a snake sheds his old skin.

Signing up for the race is the first step. It will give you the kick to start this journey and maintain course during stormy moments. Visualizing the route, the atmosphere, the people, and that much-desired finish line boosts your spirit to start prepping.

Training becomes a priority, and longer and stronger runs are needed to sustain the effort. You can’t train the same as for a half-marathon and expect to do just as well in the 2nd part of the race when you went past the known part and went into no man’s land.

You need a better plan. Training hard but also giving your body enough time to rest, especially on the days before the race. Supplements taken at the right times during the run can help you with the inevitable muscle soreness. My favorite one is magnesium. I wrote here about my detailed experience with it.

Running a marathon is as much a challenge for your body as it is for your mind. The first 21 km are usually pleasant. You’re not tired, you can maintain a good pace, your leg muscles are warming up, your mind isn’t too busy, and you enjoy the race. The real battle starts in the 2nd part, especially around the 30 mark, from my experience. That’s where your mind will try to trick you; it’s a defense mechanism. It is trying to protect you but doesn’t have a fair estimate of your capabilities. The mind is stopping you early in your tracks; you got a lot more to give. Then you need not listen and find your reason to continue. Focus on that, focus on the next step, the next kilometer, and you’ll reach the finish line.

It’s estimated that less than 1% of the population ever runs a marathon. You’re in good company; you’re one strong human. Finishing a marathon brings a lot of joy. It builds up your confidence. You’re badass; you ran 42km, that’s astounding.

Sign up for one and experience it firsthand. It’s totally worth it ❤️