2023 | The Marathon

This year has been a borderless learning experience of discovering who I am. It was all about running and pushing the limits to reach my "Pain Cave" and to identify the source of will when the storm came.

The journey was painful, humbling, and fulfilling.

Discover, embrace, and make space for my multiple selves

I am a dreamer, a mother, a daughter, a sister, a wife, a friend. I am a pacer and a bar raiser for the team. I am a Romanian and a global citizen in the making. I am a curious child, a swimming starter, and an amateur runner. I am a traveller and a book lover.

Marathon Runner

The "Marathon" happened to be a metaphor for the whole year, but when I started training for the 42.195 km race, I could barely run 5 km in the gym.

Another story was when I started running outside at 30℃ and an average humidity level of 80%. The brutal lesson of discipline and consistency came with a tropical climate cherry on top. I never imagined that I could wake up at 4.30 - 5.30, 3-4 times a week for a period of 6 months.

My initial thoughts were that I should be proud to finish the half marathon but I signed up for the full distance just to push myself to see what I could do. After passing 21 km, I knew my people were waiting at the finish line, and there was no turning back.

Along the way, I was inspired by elite athletes:

1. Courtney Dauwalter - The Source
2. Paula Radcliffe - The Marathon and Me
3. Mark Cavendish: Never enough
4. Alessia Zecchini - The Deepest Breath
5. Nirmal Purja - 14 Picks: Nothing is Impossible
6. Formula 1: Drive to Survive
7. Tour de France: Unchained

Be true to my introvert nature

I felt that 2023 was an inflexion year for me.

What "turned the ship around" was a patient partner, a good coach, a handful of people, and a library. I went through over 100 books and ended up finishing almost 60.

Reading Marathon

I was fascinated by people who didn’t let their past destroy them and turned adversities into superpowers:

During this year, along with traveling and professional experiences, I discovered books that helped me see the world through different lenses:

I read books that opened wounds I couldn’t grasp:

Every evening, I immersed myself in the fascinating world of children’s stories and I occasionally opened a parenting book:

As I reflect on the past and look ahead to next year, I’m feeling grateful for the people in my life. To dare to listen to my Inner Voice I need family, friends, and a job where I work on things that matter. I thank God for having all three!