From Couch to Ultra Marathon: My Running Story

This post is an example of the content I share every Friday in my Living by Experience Magazine. If you’d like your free copy, just click here.

Running has become a popular activity during the Covid-19 pandemic, as many people turned to outdoor exercise to stay healthy and active while gyms were closed. This was also the case for me, as I began running as an alternative to my usual gym routine.

At first, I could barely run for 20 minutes without feeling exhausted, but with consistent practice and dedication, I gradually built up my endurance and (after a while) started participating in races.

The 2022 Vancouver Sun Run was my first official race, where I ran 10k (6.2 miles). After that, I set my sights on a half marathon, which was initially was supposed to be the 2023 BMO marathon in downtown Vancouver. However, I ended up running the Vancouver Half Marathon (formerly known as Scotia Half) in June of that same year, only a few months instead of a year later…

My First Ultra

But I didn’t stop there. In February of this year, I challenged myself even further by running my first official marathon, a 52k (32.3 miles) ultra marathon. In all honesty, running an Ultra Marathon wasn’t necessarily a goal I had ever set for myself. The ability to join a running crew to power through this challenging experience turned out to be one of the most rewarding accomplishments of my life.

Having people around provided me with the motivation, accountability, and support that I needed to push through and keep going. They encouraged me when I felt like giving up, kept me focused when my mind started to wander, and celebrated with me when I crossed the finish line.

This weekend, I am running what was supposed to be my first half marathon, but instead, I will be running the full BMO Marathon: 42.2km (26.2 miles). After 52k, everything is easier, they say. Not sure if that’s true, but we’ll see how it plays out. Please text me and wish me luck this weekend – 604-210-8668 – the support does help 🙂

Start something new

Through my running journey, I have learned that starting something new can be intimidating, but sticking with it is crucial. Running taught me the importance of having a supportive community and pushing myself beyond my comfort zone. With patience and consistent practice, anyone can achieve their goals. However, it’s also important to recognize that running may not be for everyone, and that’s okay. Finding an activity that you are passionate about is essential for long-term success and enjoyment.

My running story is a testament to the power of dedication and hard work. It’s a reminder that starting something new can be difficult, but the results are worth it. Whether it’s running or another form of exercise, finding an activity that you enjoy and that challenges you is essential for personal growth and fulfillment.

Run safe.

P.S. Questions, comments, compliments? Text me: 604-210-8668. I’d love to hear from you.

If this post helped you, please consider buying one of my books, or checking out a more in-depth course on one of the topics I talk about. Thanks! 🙂