We can’t deny that running has become more than just a simple workout—it’s now a movement and a lifestyle, with some even calling it a new “era.”

You’ll find enthusiasts lacing up their shoes and tracking their distance every so often. They’ll be around villages, business districts, parks, bridges, and just about anywhere! Can you blame them, though? Running has serious physical and mental benefits. It can elevate your fitness game, be a form of therapy and escape, or even be a path to self-discovery!

A few months back, I probably won’t identify as someone who likes road running

I think I’ve been pretty vocal about this to my friends. I only run because it helps with my sport (Obstacle Course Race), but don’t get me wrong—I don’t hate it. It’s just that there are other activities I enjoy more. Weirdly enough, if you ask me about trail running, I’ll tell you straight up that I like it. Probably because I’m a sucker for nature.

It’s been that way for about two years, but things have shifted since I started training for my first marathon.

Caution, long read ahead. 😆

Signing up for a marathon started as a silly joke

“We don’t have any future races yet. Are you game for 42k?”

At the time, we completed almost all of the Spartan events plotted in our calendar and were looking for another event to add to our plans.

ALSO READ: A Recap of My 2024 Spartan Race Year (We Went International!)

It just so happened that we have other friends who were already talking about The Bull Runner or TBR. 😁 I learned that this specific race was designed for people who are running their first or second marathon — and yes, it’s open to runners with different levels of experience.

While this isn’t exactly my first endurance event, I still think it’s a completely different challenge. I know better than to underestimate a race.

It also helps to remember the words from TBR: You ARE a winner whether you come in first or last. The goal is simply to finish. Plus, they guide you through a 20-week program from Day 1 to Marathon Day — which is pretty cool.

Anyway, I remember signing up feeling confident since I knew the slots were limited and applications would still be reviewed. My mindset was: “I’ll only train for the grueling distance if I’m selected.” Haha.

And as fate would have it, I was selected!

The Overload Principle is key if you’re training to become a marathoner

I’m fortunate enough to be surrounded by people who are very much into fitness, so I picked up a lot of useful tips.

Just don’t forget — TBR has structured programs too (yes, programs, because there’s one for beginners and another one for more advanced runners). Every Dreamer (that’s what participants are called) gets a detailed plan in the Welcome Kit Handbook.

My Day 1 was ideally scheduled for the last week of September, but work (and life) got in the way. I stuck to my usual calisthenics routine and only started marathon training a month later. It wasn’t wasted time since I still focused on strength and technique, but if I could redo it, I’d definitely start earlier.

The program emphasized gradual increments — increasing intensity, building strength, and endurance week after week — and honestly, it’s amazing how your body adapts. It really does get easier as you go from 5 km to 42 km. There are a minimum of three runs per week: one long run on the weekend and two shorter ones during the week.

I also followed the 4:1 run-walk intervals – a mix of running bursts and short walk breaks. They work different muscle groups, so it helped build up to the target distance more efficiently while reducing injury risk. My long runs felt light… like I wasn’t tired at all. Btw, recovery and cross-training form part of the program.

Competitive or ambitious results will, all things being equal, require you to run longer distances. Just make sure to still listen to your body. Please, please, please don’t log needless additional kilometers that could derail your health and goal.

Looking back, I’m lucky I had my friends’ support during training

Think about how many runs you need to log throughout training. It’s obviously more than the race distance itself.

Motivation only lasts for so long, and when it runs out, discipline has to take over. But some days are just harder than others, which is why having support makes all the difference. I’m lucky I had friends who gave me that extra boost. They knew how I was (sometimes too lazy to run), so they’d remind, encourage, and even force me to get moving. Lol. 🤣

Night runs after work became a habit, while Saturday mornings were reserved for LSDs. I have friends who could run twice as fast and twice as far still stick with me.

There were Bull Circles (running talks) that educated runners on proper technique, hydration and optimal nutrition, essential gear, strategy, course etiquette, and what to expect. Meanwhile, Bull Sessions (run clinics) allowed us to run with fellow Dreamers.

With this level of support, they weren’t kidding when they said they’d provide all the information and skills to help you cross the finish line.

I can’t pinpoint when it happened, but the marathon training changed me

It’s amazing how humans learn, grow, and push the limits further every time they commit to something. For me, that something was the marathon. Who would’ve freaking guessed…?

At some point during training, I didn’t even need an alarm anymore — I’d wake up naturally, ready to go. (Yes, even if it’s 3:30 am!!) Weekend runs had me grinning ear to ear because it was the highlight of my week. One day, I was running 15km. Then 24k. Then 28k. Then 32k.

Whatever they say about marathon training being all about suffering, don’t believe it! While it’s tough, there are moments of pure bliss. I can honestly say it made me enjoy running more — and THAT is something I couldn’t have said confidently in the past.

From skipping runs to being the first to schedule training sessions. As a Gen Z girlie would say, who is she?

This transformation took me by surprise, but in a way, it felt inevitable. After all, fitness is a journey.

If I think back to the starting line, I wouldn’t say I was nervous

Endurance-wise, I knew I was prepared. I had put in the work, and I was ready to take on the distance.

The strongest emotion I felt was probably eagerness. I was excited to put myself out there and to “be in that experience.” My head was filled with questions: What would the race feel like? When will I need to push myself more? And, if I’m being honest, I was also really looking forward to the food stops along the way. 😆

A minute before the race, we all turned to the person next to us and exchanged “Good luck.” We were in it for the same reason—to cross that finish line backed by whatever motivation we had in our hearts, and join the world’s 1%. Only about a million people run a marathon each year. That realization alone filled me with excitement.

The timer counted down to 00:00. Then, we took off.

So this is what 42k feels like…

It’s amazing!

I had a race plan in mind – all that was left was to execute it. The first half of the marathon was smooth sailing. I was on pace, feeling strong. Then the fatigue and knee pain crept in. My legs got heavier, and my pace started to slip. At some point, I knew I wasn’t going to hit my goal. AAANDDD I’m not gonna lie… I felt frustrated because I was almost sure I could do it.

But is this race only about the time? It’s not. It’s about finishing strong.

That’s when I shifted to Plan B because I wasn’t about to let a self-imposed time limit ruin this marathon. Bleh. I started focusing on the race itself. I soaked in the cheers from the crowd, and the rhythm of my steps. I rested when my body told me to. I tried the snacks and fruits the support crew oh-so-generously offered me. I had magnesium spray and hydration stops. I cheered on fellow runners who I made eye contact with. Beyond the pace, this was a whole journey I could embrace!

And can I just say that as someone who used to rely only on myself for my other races, TBR was a breath of fresh air? The chasers, pacers, and support crew were nothing short of amazing. The energy was so electric; it was simply unmatched! It felt like everyone was literally pushing me toward the finish line with their cheers.

I was also amused by the funny banners I saw along the way:

“You run better than the government.”
“You decided to join this, so you better finish this.”
“Don’t worry! At least you don’t have to run tomorrow.”
“You don’t sweat, you sparkle.”
“Run like your ex is behind you!”

and so much more.

There were high-fives from strangers, shouts of “You got this!”, and random spectators calling out my name. I always felt empowered. It was basically impossible not to smile, even when my legs and hips were SCREAMING.

From taking it one kilometer at a time, now here I am!

Ya girl is finally a marathoner!! 🥳

I’m very privileged to have experienced this journey — to be surrounded by such supportive people, to have the time to train, the food to fuel my body, and a program that built my strength.

I have zero regrets taking on the “silly challenge” to run a 42k, and I’m so glad that my first marathon was with The Bull Runner. My strategy didn’t work out as planned, but hey — there’s always room for a redemption arc. 😎

If you told me a year ago that I’d be a marathoner, I would’ve scoffed and replied “As if.”

But thank goodness I was pushed to my full capability, because not only did it officially turn me into a long-distance runner, but it also helped me change how I see running forever.

And if it’s not yet obvious – it’s for the better. 🖤