Chasing Dreams, Crossing Lines: My Debut Marathon Saga Unfolded

After completing the Seattle Half Marathon in November 2022, I made a bold decision to challenge myself further by taking on a full marathon – 42.2 kilometers – to mark my 42nd birthday in 2023. Excited to embrace a new adventure, I turned to Google to discover the world's most beautiful marathons, and Paris emerged as the top-rated choice. Although considering exploring unfamiliar European locations, I was thinking to run in a place that I never been before, Paris proved irresistible. This decision was made on November 21, 2021.

January 1st marked the beginning of my focused training regimen. With just three months to transition from half marathons to the 42.2km full marathon distance, I enlisted the guidance of a coach and joined a local running group. Despite the challenging winter weather, the weekend long runs brought me immense joy and a sense of accomplishment throughout the entire training process.

Unexpectedly, on February 28th, my career took an unexpected turn as I lost my job for the first time. The shock of this event sent my world into turmoil, altering my mindset from planning a European marathon adventure (and vacation) to contemplating the uncertainty of my job search. Nevertheless, I managed to keep it up with my training, finding comfort and purpose in each run.

At first it was not easy training for a race that I wouldn't know if I was going to be able to attend but within time it became my moment of joy.

As the marathon approached, I faced a pivotal moment. Two job offers materialized, both from places I aspired to work. Determined not to let adversity getting on my way , I chose to move forward. On March 30th, I boarded a flight to Paris, secured a charming and the cutest place in the 13th arrondissement, and embarked on this journey alone – a feat I never imagined undertaking just a year earlier. It was a remarkable transformation for someone who once literally hated running due to smoking, now on the way of completing a 42.2km full marathon.

The day before the race brought an unexpected emotional blow as someone I cared for decided to sever ties, despite the absence of a formal relationship. It felt like a friendship betrayal just hours before my first marathon, following weeks of tension regarding employment. Rather than shattering me, this incident strengthened my resolve. It made me grateful for not having someone with conflicting values by my side – a clear realization that we were not compatible.

In the face of adversity, I pressed on. The night before the race was restless; anxiety over waking up on time due to the time difference kept me almost sleepless. However, I was very disciplined and managed to maintain my pre-race diet, attempting to control the nerves that churned within me, If you know you know, follow the protocol because you don't want any issues on racing day.

On race day, my emotions were a tornado of shaking nerves and anticipation. I was dominated by fear, doubting whether I could conquer the monumental task ahead.

As I approached the Arc de Triumphe, the atmosphere transformed. The collective energy, the anticipation of thousands of runners, and the grandeur of the starting line overwhelmed me. When the race began, tears dropped from my eyes – a mixture of gratitude, joy, and the realization that I had overcome numerous obstacles to stand there at that moment. Paris, my favorite city in Europe, showing its beauty before me, and I found myself in awe of everything around me.

The first 21 kilometers were manageable, challenging but within my expectations. However, the stretch from kilometer 21 to 30 proved arduous. Fatigue set in, and doubts crept into my mind. It was on kilometer 30, in a moment of struggle, that I tuned into Eminem's "Lose Yourself" on my playlist. This moment for me was EPIC. The lyrics reminded me that sometimes in life, we are given just one chance, one opportunity. With renewed determination, I faced the pain head-on and pressed forward, pushing through to the final 42 kilometers.

The last kilometer held a special significance. The overwhelming feeling of accomplishment washed over me as I approached the finish line. The realization that I was completing a full 42 kilometers was surreal. The support and energy from the crowd lining the sides of the course were like a surge of power pushing me forward. Crossing the finish line was one of the most exhilarating moments of my life and I did in 4:47h.

I couldn't contain my emotions. I sat on the ground and let the tears flow freely. This marathon, amidst the challenges of unemployment and uncertainties, became a profoundly significant journey. It reinforced my belief in myself and my ability to confront life's uncertainties head-on. The obstacles I faced during training and the race itself became symbolic of the resilience needed to navigate the complexities of life.

This marathon wasn't just about conquering a physical feat; it was a testament to my strength, resilience, and the capacity to turn setbacks into triumphs. It was, without a doubt, one of the best days I had experienced in a long time – a day that would stay engraved in my memory as a celebration of overcoming obstacles and embracing the beauty of life's journey.