Completing a marathon is an achievement that goes beyond race day itself. After finishing the Apple Series Kelowna Marathon on Sunday, September 29th, 2024, I’ve gained a deep appreciation for the endurance and resilience that marathon training demands.

In this month’s post:

The Marathon Experience: A Journey of Resilience and Gratitude
Marathon Preparation: The Crucial Months Leading Up to Race Day
9 Marathon Lessons of Resilience and Growth

The Marathon Experience: A Journey of Resilience and Gratitude

Marathon training is unlike anything else I’ve experienced. Preparing for months, only to give your all in a few hours, is humbling. After pouring countless hours into my preparation, I realized the truth behind the saying: medals are earned in training but handed out on race day. The challenge wasn’t just the event—it was every single run, every recovery day, every ounce of effort leading up to it.

The first 15 kilometres of the race felt strong and fast, almost too fast. As my speed exceeded my usual pace, I quickly realized the toll it was taking on my legs. My hip flexors were the first to fatigue, followed by my quads, calves, and ankles. The notorious "pain cave" set in by the 26-kilometre mark, where mental toughness took precedence over physical strength. My body was exhausted, but my mind was determined to keep going.

One aspect of the race not many people saw was the additional challenge I faced due to my Spinal Cord Injury. I spent 20-30 minutes at aid stations because of bowel complications. Since my injury, bodily functions have been unpredictable, and running a marathon only intensified these challenges. Yet, overcoming these difficulties made crossing the finish line all the more rewarding.

In the end, the soreness and stiffness I GET to feel are reminders of what my body is capable of. Gratitude flows through me, and I celebrate every ache as a mark of what I've achieved.

Marathon Preparation: The Crucial Months Leading Up to Race Day

Training for a marathon, especially with a disability, is a monumental undertaking. Compared to any training I’ve done in my life—whether for skiing, rugby, or general strength—the last four months of marathon preparation were gruelling, humbling, and transformative.

Marathon preparation requires not only time and energy but also mental endurance. It teaches you patience, consistency, and how to listen to your body. Even when training felt draining, I recognized that each run was a gift—each step pushing me closer to my goal.

Preparation symbolizes something much greater: all that’s truly valued is eagerly sought. No matter what your goal is, the reward of race day is earned through months of dedication. While my focused training lasted four months, the truth is, I’ve been preparing for this marathon for the last ten years since my neck injury. Every step of the way has been about pushing my limits and discovering new layers of resilience.

Big goals like running a marathon forces you to grow and adapt. With enough preparation and persistence, you can overcome even the greatest adversity.

9 Marathon Lessons on Resilience and Growth:

Just start – The first step toward any goal is simply beginning.
Face the unknown – You won’t know all the challenges upfront, but you’ll figure it out as you go.
Prioritize recovery – Rest and recovery are essential parts of growth.
Mindful movement – Running without music allowed me to focus, creating a meditative experience.
Preparation and performance are intertwined – How you train determines how you perform.
You can push through – When things get tough, remember you’ve got it within you to persevere.
Embrace the uphill climbs – Growth happens when you tackle life’s challenges head-on.
Shift your mindset – I GET to run, I don’t have to. Gratitude transforms effort into joy.
Believe in your potential – You’re capable of more than you think, so act like success is inevitable.

A Quote:

“All that is truly valued is eagerly sought.”
- unknown

A Thought:

To become more resilient, you must do hard things.

Gratitude in the Journey

Crossing the finish line of my marathon wasn't just about finishing a race—it was a celebration of resilience, preparation, and gratitude. Every kilometre taught me more about my body’s capabilities and the strength of the human spirit. Whether you’re preparing for a marathon or any other significant challenge, remember that the journey is just as important as the destination. With each step, you get closer to discovering how powerful you really are.

I’m grateful to my running partners, supporters, family, and friends. Achieving big goals validates the support from those who build us up. Thanks for reading this far. If this post resonates, share it with someone you know who is tackling a big goal—maybe even a marathon!

Gratefully,

Mike Shaw

Running a Marathon: 4 Months of Preparation for one 4-Hour Performance