Overcoming the Wall

Running has always taught me that I’m capable of so much more than I ever imagined. It’s a constant challenge, an endless test of willpower, discipline, and determination, and my recent marathon in Punta del Este, Uruguay, was no exception. It was my first international marathon, and while I knew it would push me to my limits, I had no idea just how much it would transform me.

Punta del Este was the perfect location for my first international marathon. With stunning coastal views and an exciting new course ahead of me, I had set my sights on a personal best. My training was going well; after months of disciplined preparation, I felt ready—until disaster struck during the final weeks of my marathon cycle.

My left knee. The same injury I had dealt with before came back to haunt me at the worst possible time. Instead of focusing on my final training sessions, I found myself in physiotherapy, consulting with an orthopedist, asking the hard question: Will I be able to run? Will I even make it to Punta del Este?

The uncertainty was draining. But when the answer finally came back as “Yes, you can run,” I dedicated myself fully to the physiotherapy sessions, especially focusing on strengthening my legs and quadriceps. I traded intervals and long runs for resistance bands and stability exercises, determined to do everything I could to make it to the starting line. That took not only determination but immense discipline—doing the less glamorous work of rehab when all I wanted to do was run.

The Punta del Este Marathon wasn’t just about me. I was lucky enough to run alongside the best: my friends from the Cia dos Cavalos squad (or "The Horse Co." in English), my trusted sports consultancy team. The race wasn’t just an individual challenge; it was a shared mission. Our goal as a squad wasn’t just to cross the finish line—it was to get our teammate to the very top of the women’s overall podium.

She had trained just as hard as anyone, and together, we ran with purpose, driven by our collective goal. It wasn’t just about individual records; it was about helping her become the champion of the Punta del Este Marathon. Every stride we took together pushed us toward that goal, sharing pacing, encouragement, and disciplined focus. And guess what? We did it. Not only did she reach the podium, but she also stood at the very top. She was crowned the champion of the women’s category.

Everything changed at kilometer 26 (around mile 16). That invisible force every marathoner dreads—the Wall. My legs, which had been feeling strong, suddenly felt heavy and unresponsive. My left knee started reminding me of the injury, adding another layer of discomfort to the fatigue that had taken over my entire body.

I slowed to a painful shuffle, my mind waging an internal battle: Was I done? Could I actually finish this race? I had been here before, but this time it felt different. The combination of exhaustion and injury weighed heavily on me, and for a brief moment, I questioned if I could push through.

But then, that familiar thought echoed in my mind: Running teaches me that I am capable of so much more than I ever imagined. This was what all those weeks of disciplined therapy, all those painful strengthening exercises had been for. My body was tired, yes—but I was still moving. Never give up.

I slowed down, focused on my breathing, and started to pull myself together. Step by step, I found a new rhythm. It wasn’t fast, but it was forward motion. Other runners passed me, but I stayed focused on my race, blocking out the pain and focusing on the kilometers ahead.

Somewhere after kilometer 30 (about 18 miles), I felt a shift. My legs found a new, if slower, pace. My knee was sore, but it wasn’t stopping me. I was pushing past the discomfort, determined to finish strong. With each step, the finish line grew closer, and I realized that despite everything, I still had a chance to beat my previous time.

As I approached the final stretch, something incredible happened: the crowd’s cheers and the sight of the finish line gave me a surge of energy. I pushed harder, my legs protesting with every step, but my mind was stronger. Crossing that line was a moment of triumph—3 hours, 17 minutes, and 51 seconds. I had beaten my previous time by nearly 5 minutes, even after hitting the wall and dealing with the knee injury.

It wasn’t just the final time that made this marathon special—it was everything leading up to it. The doubt, the injury, the physio sessions, and the months of disciplined preparation all came together in one unforgettable race. I had been broken at kilometer 26, but I had found the strength to keep going, to finish the race, and to set a new personal best.

The Punta del Este Marathon was a race I will never forget. It wasn’t just about crossing the finish line; it was about overcoming physical setbacks, mental barriers, and the moment when doubt could have won. I hit the wall hard, but I kept moving, and in the end, I proved to myself that I am capable of more than I ever thought possible.

But what made this race truly special was not just my personal achievement, but the camaraderie I experienced along the way. Running alongside my Cia dos Cavalos squad and helping our teammate to the top of the podium reminded me of one of my favorite quotes from Christopher McDougall’s Born to Run:

“The reason we race isn't so much to beat each other... but to be with each other.”

In those moments of exhaustion, it wasn’t competition that kept me going—it was the shared purpose, the collective energy, and the mutual support. Together, we proved that the strength of a team can overcome any obstacle.

As McDougall beautifully writes, “We were born to run; we were born to discover what we are made of, to continually test our limits, and to find strength in the support and camaraderie of those who share our journey.” This race was exactly that—a test of limits and a discovery of the true strength we find when we run together.

Punta del Este wasn’t just another marathon for me; it was a journey of self-discovery, of friendship, and of proving that with discipline, determination, and the support of others, we are capable of much more than we ever thought possible.