"From Start to Finish Line: Reflections on the NYC Marathon Journey"

Who would have thunk it? Two years back, I sprinted past the finish line of my first half-marathon and BOOM! It hit me like a bolt of lightning. The high I felt was beyond imaginable. Funny, because if you had asked the young, spritely version of myself, I would have laughed at the idea of me running a marathon, let alone PAYING to run one. So, how did I even get here? How did I end up registering for my very first official marathon.  

To be honest, I owe a great deal of gratitude to my therapist for inspiring me to undertake the New York City Marathon. During one of my sessions, he recounted his own experience of the race, the people he encountered and the incredible views he witnessed while traversing the boroughs. As I shared my own experiences of half-marathons, I realized that I always felt the need to do more, to prove something to myself and others. I recognized that I needed to validate myself as an athlete, trainer, and fitness enthusiast, which led me to decide to take on the NYC Marathon as my new major challenge. I also felt inspired by my own family members who have conquered a variety of endurance races and I was always in awe of their dedication and discipline. However, little did I know that training for the marathon, along with raising money for charity, would teach me more about myself than I could ever imagined. 

Training for the NYC Marathon was a profound journey of self-discovery for me. I strapped on my shoes and hit the pavements as winter chilled the air, putting my speed and stamina to the test. But just like the seasons, life has a way of changing things up. As spring blossomed, I was uprooted and diagnosed with CPTSD - a curveball that hit me hard. The resulting treatment included antidepressants, which affected my eating habits and sleep schedule. My training regimen was also disrupted, as I frequently struggled with insomnia and fluctuating energy levels. I vividly recall numerous occasions where I regained my footing only to be thrown off balance by new obstacles. During these moments, self-doubt crept in, and I questioned my motivation for the marathon, how would I raise the requisite $2,620 for my chosen charity, Team for Kids, and how I could push through longer distance. It was during the journey I realized how much of the training I had to complete on my own.

My 16-mile training long run proved to be a memorable experience for me. Initially, I was feeling apprehensive and uncomfortable about venturing out for the run, especially since it would extend into the night. The summer of 2023 in Massachusetts was marked by frequent rains, each drop holding a deeper significance to my heart’s journey. While I didn't mind running in the rain on most occasions, I was fervently hoping that it wouldn't rain this time. However, at around mile 7, it began to pour down heavily. I was overwhelmed and started crying, pondering whether to quit and head back home. Though some of my loved ones were tracking my training run and offered to pick me up, the athlete and trainer in me urged me to persevere and adhere to the training plan by maintaining an easy steady pace. Despite shedding tears for a significant part of the run, I completed the 16 miles in 3 hours and 17 minutes, feeling both cold and invigorated at the same time. 

On Sunday, November 5th, I arose with much anticipation, having spent the last six months preparing for the New York City Marathon. As my Tia would say, this marathon is a whole different BEAST, and she was correct in that the atmosphere and energy of the crowd was nothing short of exhilarating. I was humbled by the diverse pool of runners and found inspiration in their individual journeys.

I was completely absorbed in my run, entirely focused, and completely present in the moment. Then pop! I felt an oozing liquid in my foot by the time I was between mile 16 and 17. It wasn't till I decided when I cross the finish line I would find out that a blister popped and my pinky nail jammed into my skin. Resulting to majority of my pinky finger being raw and no nail. During the last 6 miles, I experienced a peculiar and painful sensation. My entire left leg and right inner thigh muscles were pulsating. I realized that not taking my antidepressant was beginning to manifest adverse effects. The emotional toll was overwhelming, but I repeatedly reminded myself that my community was tracking my progress and I couldn't let them down, but most importantly I couldn't let myself down. My determination to reach the finish line kept me going, and I was so focused that I didn't even hear my loved ones calling out to me by name.

Upon crossing the finish line, I experienced a unique blend of emotions a bittersweet blend of victory and melancholy, signifying the culmination of rigorous training and a chapter of my life. It also marked the beginning of a new phase, a time of renewal and transformation.

After reflecting on the training and race, I've come to recognize that I wasn't alone in my journey. My success was due to the unwavering support I received from an exceptional community of individuals who helped me exceed my expectations while raising funds for Team for Kids. My family, friends, clients from the studios where I work, and even familiar faces offering their words of encouragement throughout my training played a crucial role in my accomplishment. The abundance of people tracking my progress during the race only added to my motivation. The diverse group of runners I encountered, including an elderly man running with a cane, a blind woman with her visual guide, a young man with cerebral palsy in his wheelchair, and two runners assisting another with an injured knee to cross the finish line, left me in awe and truly inspired. Though I may have trained alone, I may have participated in the race alone, however, I was never abandoned, and for that, I am grateful.

For quite a while, I have heard the expression from other runners who have successfully completed a marathon, that they believe it is an experience that will change you. I have always been intrigued by this idea, but it wasn't until recently, when I crossed the finish line of my own marathon, that I truly understood the depth of its impact. The newfound strength that has blossomed within me is unlike anything I have ever felt before. It has ignited a fire within my soul, pushing me to discover even greater heights of resilience and determination. The marathon and the training has not only tested my physical limits but has also challenged me mentally and emotionally, uncovering depths of strength I never knew existed. It is this monumental feat that has forever altered my perception of what I am capable of achieving. The marathon has become more than just a race; it is a symbol of personal growth and transformation.

"What's next?" is a question I've been getting a lot lately. I will love to do another marathon, and the seed has been planted, I'm allowing the universe decide when is the right time. Right now, I'm focused on finishing my yoga instructor certification, dancing more, and getting back to full-time coaching.

xoxo, 

Ilia Maria