This morning marked the first long run of my marathon training bloc—and with it, a quiet but powerful reminder of what this journey is really about.

They say the race itself is a celebration of all the miles that came before it. Today, that sentiment felt real. As the sun rose and my feet found rhythm on the pavement, I wasn’t just running—I was beginning a commitment to 675 miles of preparation, grit, and growth. All for one glorious 26.2-mile celebration in London.

Marathon training isn’t just about endurance. It’s about showing up when it’s cold, when it’s early, when it’s hard. It’s about building something invisible but strong—mile by mile, run by run. And this morning, with the first long run behind me, I felt the quiet pride of starting something big.

Here’s to the journey ahead. To every early alarm, every recovery snack, every mile logged. Because come race day, I won’t just be running 26.2—I’ll be celebrating 675.

Participating in the 2025 Marine Corps Marathon was more than just a race—it was a personal challenge, a test of endurance, and a celebration of perseverance. From the early-morning chill to the final uphill push, this experience was packed with memorable highs, humbling lows, and everything in between.

🎯 Setting the Goal

My mission was clear: finish the marathon in under five hours. With months of training behind me and a solid strategy in place, I felt ready to take on the 26.2 miles winding through Washington, D.C. The weather was cooperative, and I started injury-free—two major wins right off the bat.

🏁 The Race Begins

The first half of the race went smoothly. I maintained a steady pace through the initial 13–14 miles, buoyed by fresh legs and the cool morning air. The largest hills appeared early, within the first 2–3 miles, but they were manageable thanks to the adrenaline and favorable conditions.

However, things took a turn after I ate mid-race. Digestive discomfort led to several bathroom breaks, which chipped away at my time and momentum. By the halfway mark, I was trailing my goal pace by nearly two minutes, and I knew the second half would require a serious push.

💪 The Final Stretch

Despite the setbacks, I pressed on. The temperature rose slightly during the final mile, adding to the challenge. The last 0.2 miles featured a steep incline that forced me to walk briefly—but I crossed the finish line with a time of 5:10. Ten minutes over my target, but still a finish I’m proud of.

🧊 Post-Race Realities

The post-race area was packed, making it tough to unwind or grab refreshments. Announcements urged runners to keep moving, so I didn’t linger long. Fortunately, my hotel was just steps away from the finisher zone. A hot shower and a quiet celebration were the perfect way to wrap up the day.

🙏 Final Thoughts

Running the Marine Corps Marathon was a powerful reminder that goals are important—but so is the journey. I may not have hit my time target, but I gained something even more valuable: resilience, perspective, and a story worth sharing.

Every mile taught me something. Every step was worth it. #marinecorpsmarathon #MCM2025 #MarathonJourney #RunnerLife #FinishLineFeels

I just finished Suzie Chan’s book and the last 2 minutes was probably my favorite part of the book and sums up the question- “Why do you run?”

Some days I run for fun, but other days it is a chore.

Running is going thru emotions, blank them, think about them, to avoid them,

Run to take yourself away from life

Run to numb feelings

Run to make yourself feel alive

Run to feel part of something

Run to feel spending isolation

It strips you down, builds you up, humbles you, it gives you confidence,

Running lifts you up, and breaks your heart,

Running expects nothing of you

Why do I run…  I run because I can

It is ongoing.  It changes with you and gives you back what you put in.