My 42 Km Run

I just finished my 42km Marathon and yeah, at first it seemed like a brilliant idea. 

I was fueled by overconfidence and way too much caffeine, thinking, “How hard can this be?” 

Looking back now, it feels a bit like reviewing a movie where the plot twist is me questioning every single life choice that led me to that point.

The marathon was less about crossing the finish line and more about having an endless conversation with my inner critic. At various stages, I found myself deep in debate: “Is this pain really worth it?” and “Did I actually need to run up that hill?” I practically had a tumultuous relationship with my chafing shorts, and let’s not forget the uphill stretch that had me questioning if I’d somehow offended gravity.

But hey, through the sweat, the sore muscles, and the occasional existential crisis, I did it. I faced down every doubt, pushed through every mile, and emerged victorious—or at least, upright. So here’s to me, for running 42 kilometers and discovering that sometimes, the most profound reflections come when I’m too exhausted to think about anything else.

1st Kilometer: (DETERMINATION) The run starts with an invigorating burst of energy and enthusiasm. You're convinced that today, you're not just running—you're conquering the world. Reality check: your legs feel fresh, but your mind is already debating if you should’ve gone for that extra donut before the run.

2nd Kilometer: (VANITY) Ah, the joy of adjusting your gear. Mid-run, your compression shorts decide to perform a magic trick and ride up to your armpits. You stop, contort yourself into a human pretzel in front of a group of high school students, and hope they don’t notice. If they’re laughing, it’s probably just because you look like a circus act.

3rd Kilometer: (LIMITATIONS) The first hill hits, and suddenly you’re questioning your life choices. You're struggling up like a geriatric tortoise, while internally debating if you should’ve opted for a less ambitious hobby, like competitive napping. But no, you’re here, and you're going to make it, even if your legs are on strike.

4th Kilometer: (PAIN) On the flat stretch, you start to feel like your legs are hosting a full-on protest. You thought you’d escape the agony, but alas, your body is reminding you that it’s not a fan of long-distance running. The pain is a constant companion, like an annoying relative that just won’t leave.

5th Kilometer: (APHRODISIAC) You run past a water station and spot someone you know. The universe must be playing a joke—it's your least favorite person. You wave awkwardly, trying to avoid eye contact while mentally chanting, “It’s not synchronicity, it’s just bad luck!”

6th Kilometer: (DO OR DIE!) The downhill section feels like you’re riding a roller coaster, except without the safety harness. You’re trying to keep control, but your legs are screaming, “Are you kidding me?” The mantra “matay nu matay!” echoes in your mind as you dodge traffic and hope you don’t end up in the ER.

7th to 9th Kilometer: (RELAXATION) The downhill stretch finally gives you a break. You’re flying, or at least you think you are. You stop for a quick water break and grab a cigarette because, apparently, nothing says “refreshing run” like smoking. People look at you like you’ve lost your mind, but hey, it’s your run, your rules.

10th to 12th Kilometer: (DOUBTS) The uphill climb kicks in again, and you’re facing your own personal Everest. Doubts creep in like uninvited guests: “Why are you doing this?” “Isn’t there a better way to spend your weekend?” But each step forward is a victory over those nagging questions.

13th Kilometer: (HOPE) A flat stretch appears, and suddenly, hope is renewed. The pain of the past kilometers starts to feel like a distant memory. The realization dawns that the struggle is part of what makes the finish line so sweet. It’s like finding the last piece of pizza after a long day.

14th Kilometer: (BLISS) You spot familiar landmarks or faces, and for a moment, everything feels right. The doubts fade, and you bask in the simple joy of progress. It’s like catching a glimpse of a friendly face in a crowded room—comforting and encouraging.

15th Kilometer: (BASK) Running with newfound confidence, you’re cruising through like a seasoned pro. The earlier discomfort is a memory, replaced by a sense of triumph. You’re channeling your inner marathon legend, complete with a victorious stride and an imaginary fanfare.

16th to 18th Kilometer: (ENLIGHTENMENT) The final kilometers bring a deep sense of reflection. You think about how far you’ve come, both physically and mentally. It’s like the run has turned into a life lesson on resilience and perseverance. You’ve conquered your doubts and embraced the journey, ready for whatever comes next.

19th to 21st Kilometer: (RESILIENCE) Fatigue sets in, and your body feels like it’s staging a full rebellion. The hills, the miles—everything seems to conspire against you. But every step taken is a testament to your willpower. You press on, knowing that resilience is what defines the experience.

22nd to 24th Kilometer: (FOCUS) With renewed focus, you tackle each kilometer with determination. Managing your pace and energy becomes crucial. It’s like a high-stakes game of balancing act, where every stride counts and every breath matters.

25th to 28th Kilometer: (RENEWAL) Passing the halfway point, you get a second wind. The realization that you’re making progress gives you a boost. The remaining distance seems more manageable, and you’re driven by the thought of finishing strong.

29th to 32nd Kilometer: (PERSISTENCE) The final stretch is a grueling test of persistence. Every uphill battle and every aching muscle reminds you of the effort invested. You push through the fatigue, driven by the sheer will to complete what you started.

33rd to 36th Kilometer: (TRIUMPH) Approaching the end, you feel a surge of triumph. The finish line is within sight, and you’ve made it through the toughest part. The sense of achievement is palpable, and you relish in the accomplishment of completing such a demanding run.

37th to 40th Kilometer: (COMPLETION) The final kilometers are a victory lap. You’re almost there, and each step closer to the finish line brings a deeper sense of satisfaction. The run has tested every part of you, but it’s almost over, and you’ve earned every moment of this victory.

41st to 42nd Kilometer: (FINISH) Crossing the finish line is a moment of pure exhilaration. It’s the culmination of all the effort, pain, and determination. You’ve completed the 42 kilometers, and the sense of relief and accomplishment is overwhelming. The journey may have been long and challenging, but it was worth every step.