Chapter 1: A Race Like No Other

Running has a unique ability to alter our perception of time. Ascending steep hills makes every second feel prolonged, while glimpsing the finish line quickens our pace. In September 2023, I participated in my tenth marathon. Unfortunately, my running partner had to withdraw unexpectedly, and I found myself missing the start by 25 minutes, all while being unacquainted with my own pace.

Despite clocking one of my slowest times, it transformed into one of my most enjoyable experiences. Here’s my story.

Section 1.1: The Morning of the Race

My friend and I were supposed to start the Montreal Marathon together, sharing the first 13 kilometers as she ran the half marathon before supporting me at the finish line. However, I received a message as I traveled to the event: she was suffering from a severe migraine and couldn’t participate. While I was disappointed, I understood her need to rest.

In that moment, I reminded myself that my performance depended solely on me. While on the metro, surrounded by fellow runners, I closed my eyes and sent my friend positive thoughts, hoping for her swift recovery.

With my focus redirected to the race itself, I felt ready to tackle the challenge ahead.

Section 1.2: Missing the Start

Initially, I aimed to join the 3:40 pace group. If I struggled, my backup plan was to align with the 3:50 group. However, my plan unraveled when I missed the starting gun by 25 minutes due to a chaotic bag check process. Observing the long lines, it was evident that we wouldn’t make it on time.

Faced with a choice to stress or remain relaxed, I opted for the latter. As the national anthem played and the start gun fired for the first marathon wave, I shared a laugh with my fellow runners at our predicament. Eventually, I managed to check my bag and joined the eighth half marathon corral.

While my pace group was long gone, I found my rhythm and embraced the experience, overtaking half marathoners and back-of-the-pack marathoners along the way.

Chapter 2: Running Without a Watch

In the lead-up to the marathon, I fluctuated between aspirations of a personal record and the reality of my inconsistent training. Without a functional watch since spring, I had been running without real-time data. It was liberating to focus solely on how my body felt, relying on the physical cues of my training and past race experiences.

My strategy was to treat the first 30 kilometers as a warm-up and to refuel early. I listened to my body, my breath, and the rhythm of my strides, accepting that my finish time might not align with my expectations.

I ultimately finished with a time of 3:53, far from my goal, but it felt fitting considering my training. I didn’t discover my official time until after the race when I retrieved my phone, exhausted yet content from the experience.

Dickens-to-Go: Reflections on the Best of Times and the Worst of Times - This video explores the themes of resilience and reflection.

Despite the race not unfolding as planned, the joy I felt was undeniable. Each race photo captured me beaming with happiness, affirming that this was one of my best experiences yet.

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times - A Tale of Two Cities - A look into how contrasting experiences can lead to profound reflections.

In conclusion, although I set out with specific goals, the journey itself brought unexpected joy. I may not have achieved a personal best, but the experience left me with a grin that lasted the entire 42.2 kilometers.

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