A Reddit post by user “hethuisje” recounts their exhilarating experience of completing their first marathon in Berlin after more than three decades of running. The marathon, held on September 29, 2024, wasn’t just a test of endurance; it was a culmination of planning, training, and overcoming challenges, including a bout with COVID-19. With a completion time of 4:27:40, they exceeded many of their original goals, finding joy in both the race itself and the lessons learned along the way. The post is peppered with humor, raw emotion, and insightful reflections, inviting readers into a community of support and inspiration.
Summary
- A long-time runner takes on their first marathon after years of avoiding the challenge.
- Despite setbacks including COVID-19 and an injury, they finish strong with a great time.
- The experience shifts their perspective on racing and personal goals.
- The community response is overwhelmingly supportive and encouraging.
The Journey of a Reluctant Marathoner
Starting with a less than enthusiastic view of marathons, the author mentions how the running culture around them valued improvement within chosen distances over the daunting prospect of increasing distance. This reluctance persisted for years, even while actively participating in the running scene. However, during the pandemic, they reevaluated this mindset, eventually embracing the long-distance challenge as an opportunity to set new goals and test their limits. As they said, “I started to think that I should give the marathon a go before I get any older. I also love Germany and hate hills, so why not Berlin?” This humorous mix of motivation and self-reflection sets the stage for their journey.
Training Trials and Triumphs
The author outlines a challenging training regimen impacted by both a COVID-19 infection and a persistent injury. Once clear of the virus, they committed to physical therapy, incorporating strength exercises that became crucial for their recovery. The initial post-COVID runs were fraught with doubt, and as they candidly admitted, they feared a heart attack during some 13-minute mile jogs. However, they stuck to the training plan, improving their distance while gradually regaining their sense of pacing. The effort paid off when they began tackling longer training runs. The resilience shown during this period is a powerful reminder of the grit required in not just marathon training but many life challenges.
The Marathon Experience: A Rollercoaster of Emotions
Race day in Berlin brought nerves and excitement. Arriving a week early gave the author time to explore and settle in. They highlighted both the enjoyment of the pre-race pasta dinner and the anxiety of waiting in line for portapotties while speaking German with fellow runners. Interestingly, one memorable part of their run was the selfish action of another runner who veered unexpectedly in front of them, creating a potential disaster. As they reflected, the bloopers of a marathon often become the highlights, as timed splits and pre-race plans transform into shared experiences. Their run was marked by surprises, including finding the day’s cooler weather a significant relief compared to their training conditions.
Reflecting on Success and Looking Ahead
Post-race emotions saw them grappling with soreness but also a sense of accomplishment that rivaled their original expectations. The author humorously described feeling floppy and disoriented after finishing; however, surrounded by camaraderie at their hotel, the post-race celebration felt like a well-deserved reward. They acknowledged the effort taken to get here and how the marathon had changed their perspective on shorter distances, stating, “that will always feel easier now.” They expressed interest in future races but also reflected on their experience with marathon tours, hinting at a desire for a more organic race experience without a guiding framework.
This inspiring journey symbolizing the power of human perseverance — from battling injuries and setbacks to ultimately conquering one of life’s great challenges — resonates profoundly with others in the running community. Comments in response to the author’s post reflect a blend of emotion, motivation, and aspiration, with several users sharing their appreciation for the shared experience. One comment summed it up: “Really enjoyable read… stories like this make me think maybe, just maybe one day…” As the author reflects on their newfound insights regarding distance running, they inspire others considering similar journeys, proving that with grit and determination, dreams of completing a marathon can evolve from mere thoughts into tangible triumphs.