The Reddit post titled “Fighting MS 2, schnell laufen in Berlin” by user glr123 chronicles a deeply personal journey of a marathon runner diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). This remarkable individual participated in the Berlin Marathon, finishing with a time of 3:08:10, while overcoming various challenges tied to their chronic illness. The post conveys a mix of triumph and disappointment, as the runner aimed for a personal best but fell just short of their A goal. Commenters on the post expressed overwhelming support and admiration, showcasing a blend of positivity and motivation stemming from the author’s resilience and accomplishments.
Summary
- The runner aimed for a personal best at the Berlin Marathon but finished just shy of the A goal.
- Faced considerable physical challenges due to Multiple Sclerosis during training and the actual race.
- Achievements celebrated by community members, highlighting the inspiring nature of the athlete’s progress.
- Continuing to pursue competitive running despite setbacks and health complications.
Celebratory Community Support
The comments section on glr123’s post serves as a testament to the supportive nature of the running community. Words of encouragement flooded in, with one user declaring, “What a tremendous achievement. I am not someone who is easily moved, but I have to say I found this deeply inspiring.” This sentiment is echoed throughout the dialogue, as many fellow Redditors not only congratulated the runner for their impressive time but also recognized the emotional and physical hurdles that come with running while managing a chronic illness. The feelings of camaraderie and admiration highlight how glr123’s story resonates beyond just time and distance; it embodies the essence of perseverance and resilience, setting an example for others facing similar challenges.
Tackling the Challenge of Marathon Training
Training for the Berlin Marathon was not a straightforward or easy journey for glr123. After initially competing in the Vermont City Marathon and gaining confidence in his running, he aimed to improve his performance. However, the impact of Multiple Sclerosis made training complicated. The author detailed the need to adapt training schedules around medical treatments and stay attuned to their body while managing symptoms like fatigue. Comments from other runners like “BOOM!!! Congratulations, run Boston with pride” strongly emphasize the communal applause for glr123’s tenacity during such a demanding training regimen. The additional challenges of injuries along the way, including Runner’s Knee and hamstring tendinopathy, posed risks to the training process. Nevertheless, this was a fighter’s struggle, and ultimately, glr123’s methodical approach allowed him to regain some lost fitness just in time for the race.
The Race Day Experience
Race day was filled with both excitement and anxiety. The post vividly describes the madness that unfolds when such a large number of runners gather, and glr123 experienced this firsthand while waiting to start the marathon. The overwhelming sea of runners proved to be both exhilarating and somewhat problematic. Getting boxed in and having to navigate around slower-paced individuals during the beginning of the race contributed to an early struggle to settle into the target pace. Yet glr123 adapted well, ultimately completing the first half within the established target time of 1:36. One poignant moment arrived at the end of the race when glr123 looked at the watch upon crossing the finish line, feeling emotional yet proud of his time despite it not being the A goal. Comments from the community reflected similar sentiments of awe, with one mentioning their own struggles and running experiences: “Really great to hear your experience; thanks for sharing.”
Looking Ahead: Future Goals
The journey doesn’t stop at the Berlin Marathon for glr123. As shared in the original post, the desire to continue running remains relentless. With aspirations to participate in the Boston Half-Marathon, the author is committed to recovery and improvement, noting, “I’d like to go sub-1:30, maybe even 1:27 or so, but we’ll see how the recovery is.” Despite testing positive for COVID-19 shortly after returning home, which understandably complicates any recovery plans, glr123’s ongoing enthusiasm serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration. Users celebrated this prowess, stating, “What a monster! Excellent work and way to go,” showcasing the community’s encouragement for further personal achievements.
Through all of this, the post by glr123 becomes an uplifting narrative of triumph over adversity, illustrating how resilience plays a crucial role beyond just completing marathons—it’s a story about the human spirit’s triumph against all odds. Participants didn’t just witness a marathon but also the strength that comes from facing one’s demons and striving for greatness, embodying what it means to be a part of the running community.