The Secrets of Running a Marathon

When I was selected for the Beirut542 program, the first thing that crossed my mind was my early running days. Though I was – and still I am – a sportsperson, my connection with running began when I participated in a relay race eight years ago. From that point, I had started a new chapter in my life.

It was year 2007, and I was living in a country where entertainment options were limited. There was an announcement regarding an upcoming relay race; shortly after the announcement, I registered. I had to run one leg (Leg – three-kilometers). To my surprise after three months of training, I was chosen to be part of the “Pearl Team”, a top team that belongs to the company I worked for. I managed to run two legs, and my team was the 8th overall of 275 teams from all around the area.

I returned to Lebanon in 2008; unfortunately, it was too late for me to join and participate in the forthcoming marathon. However, the idea and the love of running were already instilled in my mind. The first thing I did in the 2009 marathon’s season was call the Beirut Marathon Association, whom – thankfully – introduced me to the running group that is preparing for the marathon.

In short, during that time I was only considering running once, I did not think I would keep running after the race ends. I ran the 10-kilometer race in 2009, I joined the trainings in the last three weeks and I was able to do it. In 2010, I said to myself: “OK, you’ll do the marathon, and that’s it”. I had a lot of feelings during that moment, enthusiasm mixed with fear and love for the adventure I was about to embark on. I was afraid that I will not be able to reach the finish line, but I was eager to discover the secrets of the marathon. Why do people wait for such an event? Why put so much effort into participating in a single run, that could cause so much pain?

Up to this moment, I have run five marathons and am currently preparing for the sixth, more than 10 half marathons and countless races ranging between 5-16 kilometers.

What I like most about the Beirut542 program is that it revived the passion of running in me, or in other words, it was revitalized again. With each new program participant, I see the same enthusiasm, passion, fear, and eagerness to discover the secrets of the marathon. This is a secret that I will not reveal as each runner deserves that opportunity, and after a few months from now, they will get their chance.


                                        Published by Beirut Marathon Association on August, 17th, 2015
                            http://www.beirutmarathonblog.com/the-secrets-of-running-a-marathon/