Twice the Distance, Twice the Wisdom: My second Marathon Story

Most of us are tired of personal LinkedIn posts and articles, but I wanted to share my personal experience and what it brought me on a personal level. Running my second marathon taught me several valuable lessons that I believe are worth sharing.

Preparation is Key, But You'll Never Be 100% Prepared

One of the biggest lessons I learned is that preparation is crucial, but you will never be 100% prepared. Despite my best efforts, there were still unexpected challenges along the way. However, determination and tenacity helped me push through. And I would probably never had took the opportunity to run waiting for the best preparation ever. That's life lesson number one, never wait for the perfect opportunity and best preparation to try, not trying is the failure...

Running for a Cause

This time, I ran for a cause, which significantly boosted my determination. Knowing that I was running for something bigger than myself kept me motivated and focused throughout the race. Thanks to my friends and family we were able to have a small impact for a Great Cause, feel free to support them!

The Importance of a Support Team

I must admit, I had a little help this time. My sister came to the rescue with some food that helped me with cramps, and seeing my wife and little ones at the finish line gave me the final push I needed to accelerate. Having a support team is essential for success.

Muscle Memory and Experience

Last year, I ran the marathon with a poor result and finished in bad shape. This year, although my result was still not great, I felt much better. Muscle memory played a significant role, but the truth is, preparation is everything. With four kids at home, two intense careers, and no help at home, my training was more about survival than anything else. It helped me not die, because literally, a marathon can kill you...

Mental Challenges

Running a marathon is not just a physical challenge; it's a mental one as well. There were moments during the race when I felt like giving up. The mental fatigue was overwhelming, and you have to dig deep to find the strength to keep going. I reminded myself of the cause I was running for, the support from my family, and the commitment I had made to myself and the people around me. These thoughts helped me push through the mental barriers and keep moving forward.

Conclusion

In conclusion, running a marathon is not just about physical endurance; it's about mental strength, determination, and having a support system. Preparation is essential, but so is the ability to adapt and push through unexpected challenges. Running for a cause and having a support team can make all the difference. And remember, muscle memory and experience matter, but preparation, preparation, preparation is the key to success. Feel free to reach out if you need more tips!