Training works!

Over the past 3 months I’ve been training for the biggest physical challenge I have ever undertaken — A 26.2 mile run! My first marathon.

I kicked off the training with the view that the real challenge was having the discipline to keep to my training schedule. I had a 17 week running training program. I also called up my former gym instructor as I knew I had to add strength and endurance training to my routine. My plan was to workout 5 days a week! Wake up at 4am and be on my routine by 5am.

I used the Nike Run Club coach program and did the “couch to marathon” version (btw I recommend Strava over Nike app). My program started from short easy runs and builds up. It is amazing how the body adapts and is able to take on more as you train it. 5 miles was a challenging distance when I started, now it’s nothing. 13.1 miles is nothing. The farthest I have run is 20miles.

Last week, for my last long run before race day I ran a half marathon in Lagos. Even with the heat and humidity of Lagos I set a personal best time edging out my half marathon in Vienna last year where the weather was fantastic.

I’ve also seen improvement from my strength training. I feel much stronger and my legs are ready.

Through the training I’ve had cramps pretty much everywhere and learned to deal with them. These are the bumps in the road while training. Now it’s taper time and to relax before race day.

This journey has shown me more clearly how running is a good analogy for life and business. Everyone runs their own race. No one knows how your body is reacting or the pain you are going through or the mental fortitude you need. You run your race alone — but by being prepared you have a better chance of success.

There is only one race day. There are no finish lines, only starting lines. My next starting line is on April 9th 2017 at Champs-Élysées in Paris. Wish me luck!!