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ChiCago Marathon

10 lessons learned from my 26.2 debut

Competing had defined my teenage years. I grew up playing soccer and running track and then, like so many former athletes, I let it slip away in college. Life got busy, priorities shifted, and that part of me went slowed down.
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Fast forward to April 2024. In an effort to deepen my professional connections as a remote worker and push my career forward, I joined an exciting new project designing for an AI-first product. It was a dream opportunity, but it came with a cost: two years of relentless travel. Four days in Tampa, three days in Chicago, week after week. Living out of a suitcase and longs days in office followed by nights out for dinner with the team slowly chipped away at my relationships, my mental clarity, and my physical health. I felt disconnected—from my home, my people, and myself.
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Then my brother ran his first marathon in 2024. Witnessing the comradery and pure determination displayed by my brother accomplishing his goals.
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Like many, the marathon journey is challenging but extremely rewarding. For me, Chicago changed me unlocking new perspectives on life and what I am capable of.

What's next for me?

Philly Marathon then Boston qualification (loading...) but more importantly, a better, healthier self.
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Here are 10 lessons I learned along the way.

• Sacrifice is required.
• There's always something better on the other side, push through.
• Trust the process, trust the work.
• There are no shortcuts. To reach your goals and achieve great things, consistency, grit, and belief are required.
• In moments where you forget to how to believe in yourself, the people around you and the crowd believes in you.
• We are blessed to have bodies and good health. Treat it with care.
• Be present for the journey and grateful for the outcome.
• In the face of pressure, stress, and tiredness be adaptible.
• I did that... 26.2 in under 3 hours
• Self belief. I am mentally and physically stronger than I thought.