I’m a runner, I love it, and I’ve been running every day for 15 years. It’s more than just a habit—it’s my therapy, my morning coffee, and my daily reset button. There are no days off, except for maybe when I’m flat-out sick or life hits the fan. And even then, I’m probably out there running in my mind. Every morning, like clockwork, I lace up for my 5K. It’s my meditation, my time to think, to clear the fog before the chaos of the day hits. I never craved more distance. I didn’t see the point in those time-consuming 20K, and 30K runs. Until one day, that changed in a way I never expected.
A year ago, I went to my first marathon experience , berlin Marathon 2023—not as a runner but as a spectator with my job. I stood on the sidelines, watching these runners, their friends and family screaming their lungs out, the atmosphere electric. You could feel it in the air, that palpable energy that made your feet tingle even when you weren’t moving. That energy? It consumed me. I watched the prep, the joy, the pain, the euphoria, and something inside of me woke up. A voice in the back of my head whispered, “You can do this. You should do this.”
But here’s the thing: I’m a full-time working mom with two kids. Throw marathon training into the mix, and you might as well call me crazy. So, I started carving out time for longer weekend runs, but it was inconsistent at first. Life happens—work deadlines, school runs, vacations. I still did my 5K every day, but that was all I was able to fit into my day. It wasn’t until four weeks before race day that I kicked my training into high gear. Yeah, you heard that right—four weeks. The “experts” will probably cringe at that, but it was what I had. I pushed through three half-marathons and one 30K, especially because with my highly competitive nature I also had a specific finish time in my mind. And you know what? Those were some of the best runs of my life. I learned so much about myself, my breathing, my body, and my limits. I learned fast that I had to slow down a bit if I wanted to finish with a smile on my face.
Fast forward to race weekend. I’m in Berlin with the adidas Runners crew, soaking in all the pre-race hype, doing a chill 7K shakeout run with people from all around the world, the AR captains, coaches & crew members. We ended the morning session with a brunch and a very helpful route analysis. By the time Saturday afternoon rolled around, my kids had arrived. We sat together, crafting cheer signs. Their excitement fuelled me more than any energy gel ever could. I didn’t sleep much that night, but not because I was nervous. I knew in my bones that the next day was going to change my life.
Race day. 7:30 a.m., and I’m about to leave the hotel and head to the starting line. It’s cold—thank god for that extra layer I planned to ditch and donate. My body is buzzing with adrenaline, and there’s no turning back. After walking with crowds of runners, all here for the same goal I finally arrived at my starting block. a quick warm-up later, the countdown begins. This is it. I tell myself to start slow because I know myself—I tend to go hard in the beginning and gas out too soon. So I pace myself, soaking in the energy from the crowd, the cool morning air, and the excitement pulsing through the streets of Berlin.
By kilometer 9, I felt too good. So, naturally, I sped up a little, turned on my music, and settled into the rhythm of the run. I used to live in Berlin, but seeing it from this angle, running through its streets, it felt like I was rediscovering the city in a new way. My outfit—planned a month in advance—had me feeling fresh and confident. Side note: Marathons are low-key fashion runways. Don’t @ me.
Then, somewhere around km 13, it happened. The sun was beaming, the crowd was cheering, and I was flying. And then, bam—my foot caught an uneven patch of pavement, and I went down. Hard. Flat on the ground. My first thoughts were, “No way. This isn’t happening. Not now.” I tried to stand, but my ankle was throbbing. My heart sank. I thought of my kids waiting to see me cross that finish line. Giving up wasn’t an option.
So I got up, took a few careful steps, and told myself: “You’re finishing this. No matter how much it hurts, you are crossing that line, because you will never get your first one back” That became my mantra. I started running again, slower, more measured, but with laser focus. Every step was a lesson in grit. I had to filter out the negative thoughts, push away the pain, and keep going. The mind is a crazy powerful thing, and that day, I finally understood what it means to harness it. It wasn’t about speed anymore. It was about finishing.Each kilometer became a victory in itself. And then, before I knew it, I saw the finish line. I pushed through the last stretch, my kids cheering me on as I crossed that line, completely spent but absolutely elated.
That moment? It was everything I’d imagined and more. The marathon may have thrown me down, but I got back up. And that’s the lesson here: Life will knock you down. Running has taught me that it’s not about how fast you go; it’s about getting back up and finishing the race on your terms and being a motivation for all these people cheering. This race was dedicated to showing my kids what mommies can do. The marathon? That was just the beginning.
Let’s see what challenge comes next.
Key Learnings from My Marathon Journey
My marathon taught me a lot about preparation, and I picked up some crucial lessons along the way. This is what you should consider if you are planning to run a marathon yourself anytime soon.
1. Have a Structured Training Plan
Starting my marathon training just four weeks before race day was intense. Ideally, a structured plan lasting 16-24 weeks is essential. This gradual buildup allows for proper endurance development and injury prevention. Your long runs should be slow—1-2 minutes per mile slower than your race pace to avoid burnout and allow recovery (RunToTheFinish) (Marathon Handbook).
2. Include Strength Training
Strength workouts, especially for your core and glutes, are key. A strong core stabilizes your body and prevents injury, particularly during long runs. Aim for 1-2 strength sessions per week to support your running (RunToTheFinish)
3. Mental Resilience is Crucial
The mind is just as important as the body. When I twisted my ankle mid-race, it was mental determination that got me through. Training your mind with visualization and positive affirmations can help you stay focused on race day (Marathon Handbook).
4. Stay Consistent but Flexible
Life happens, so it’s important to stay flexible. Consistency is crucial, but missing a run shouldn’t make you overcompensate. Listen to your body and adjust your training plan when needed (RunToTheFinish).
5. Prioritize Recovery
Post-run recovery is vital. Refuel with enough protein and carbs, and stretch or walk after long runs to prevent stiffness. Proper recovery can improve performance and prevent injuries (Marathon Handbook).
I’m absolutely grateful for this experience and for my next race I will train wiser, stay more focused during race & smash my PB😜