I HATED RUNNING. NOW I RUN MARATHONS. | My Running Story

Summary

In this video, the speaker shares their journey from hating running to embracing it as a form of personal growth and escape. Initially struggling with an eating disorder and the end of their soccer career, running became a new avenue for structure and mental clarity. Over time, consistent training led to progress, including completing marathons and achieving new personal records. Now, they’re preparing for their third marathon in Eugene, Oregon, aiming for a 2:50 finish. The video documents their preparation process, inspiring viewers with lessons of perseverance, commitment, and pushing beyond mental boundaries.

Takeaways

• 🏃‍♂️ Running isn't about breaking records, but about personal growth and self-discovery.
• ⏳ Months of training are just as important as crossing the finish line in a marathon.
• 🧘‍♂️ Running has become an escape, offering time for reflection, pushing limits, and growth.
• 💪 Achieving a sub-3-hour marathon took five months of consistent and dedicated training.
• 🎯 After reaching previous goals, new targets must be set to continue growing.
• ⚽ Childhood was filled with soccer, where running was seen as a punishment rather than something to enjoy.
• 🏋️‍♂️ Running filled the void left by soccer after an eating disorder ended the user’s soccer career in college.
• 📈 Consistency in running gradually led to improved fitness and eventually a love for the sport.
• 🎓 The user is training for a 2:50 marathon in Eugene, Oregon, after consistently running 35-40 miles weekly post-Chicago Marathon.
• 📹 The user is documenting their journey, excited to inspire others and reach new personal milestones after graduating college.

Q & A

Why does the speaker run marathons?

The speaker runs marathons because running has become an escape, a time for self-reflection, and a way to challenge and push himself. He enjoys the months of preparation and the personal growth that comes with the process, rather than just crossing the finish line.

What was the speaker's relationship with running before he started marathons?

The speaker initially hated running and viewed it as a punishment, especially in soccer. He didn’t understand why anyone would run just for the sake of running, as he only associated running with moving the ball down the field in soccer.

What role did soccer play in the speaker's life?

Soccer was a significant part of the speaker's life growing up, providing structure, a sense of competition, and a way to stay physically and mentally fit. However, an eating disorder ended his competitive soccer career after his freshman year in college.

How did the speaker get into running longer distances?

The speaker began running as a way to stay in shape after struggling with an eating disorder. While he initially hated it, he stayed consistent and unintentionally improved, which led to a growing desire to push his limits and eventually run marathons.

How did the speaker’s view of running change over time?

The speaker’s view of running changed as he began to notice that with consistency, it became easier. Over time, he grew to enjoy it and saw it as a way to challenge himself, push past mental boundaries, and experience personal growth.

What life lessons does the speaker believe running teaches?

The speaker believes that running teaches important life lessons, such as perseverance, committing to goals, working hard even when no one is watching, and pushing past mental boundaries.

What is the speaker's current goal in running?

The speaker’s current goal is to complete a marathon in under 2 hours and 50 minutes at the Eugene, Oregon marathon on April 28th, after already achieving a sub-3-hour marathon in the past.

How has the speaker been preparing for his next marathon?

The speaker has been consistently running 35-40 miles per week for the past 12 to 14 weeks, which has built a strong base of fitness. He plans to work with his coach to reach the next level of performance and achieve his goal of a 2:50 marathon.

How did the speaker feel about running his first marathon?

The speaker was excited and driven by the challenge of his first marathon. The experience motivated him to continue running and set new goals, leading him to compete in multiple marathons and half marathons.

What does the speaker enjoy about creating videos related to his running journey?

The speaker enjoys documenting his training process, sharing both the ups and downs of his journey, and inspiring others. He values the feedback from his viewers, reads comments, and tries to engage with his audience.