A challenge that is perhaps comparable to climbing a mountain for the first time, is that of running a marathon. Ultimately, the sense of accomplishment, personal growth, and newfound self confidence that comes from completing a challenging venture for the first time, can be life changing and deeply rewarding, regardless of the specific nature of the experience.
Now let’s have a more specific look at first time marathon success stories and the triumphs that you can come to expect as you celebrate crossing the finish line for the first time. I hope these will not only inspire you but encourage you to believe in yourself more. They’re sure to encourage you to overcome trials and setbacks, until you do experience that awesome finish line moment. This will mark the culmination of all your hard work and determination.
As you’ve probably read or heard about, each marathon story is naturally unique, full of lessons learned the hard way. Below I’ve picked out a few of the many hundreds, probably thousands of examples of runners, who, so often in adversity, have their own extraordinary successes to celebrate. Some of them are first time runners and others are massively inspirational for anyone looking to run their first marathon.
Here are some of those amazing achievements:
- The fearless Celestino Martinez – Celestino Martinez, a Spanish immigrant, ran his first marathon at the age of 63 in New York City. Martinez had never run more than a few miles before, but he trained diligently and crossed the finish line to achieve his dream. His story serves as a reminder that it’s never too late to pursue a challenging goal.
- The monumental finish of Kathrine Switzer: After facing discrimination and attempts to sabotage her participation, she became the first woman to officially run the Boston Marathon in 1967. She finished the race and went on to become a pioneering advocate for women’s running, helping to pave the way for female athletes in the sport. She returned to the race in 2017 at the age of 70 and crossed the finish line once again. Her story exemplifies the power of perseverance, resilience, and the indomitable human spirit in overcoming obstacles. It’s also a reminder of the resilience and strength needed to achieve one’s dreams.
- The story of Dick and Rick Hoyt: Together, father and son duo Dick and Rick Hoyt have completed over 1,000 races, including marathons, triathlons, and Ironman competitions. Despite Rick’s cerebral palsy, which confines him to a wheelchair and relies on his father to push him through the gruelling race courses., the pair’s bond, determination and teamwork exemplify the power of love, perseverance, and overcoming obstacles to achieve monumental goals. Their story serves as an inspiration to first time marathon runners to conquer any challenges and never give up on their dreams.
- The perseverance of Dean Karnazes: Known as the “Ultramarathon Man,” Karnazes has completed some of the most gruelling endurance races on the planet, including running 50 marathons in 50 days in 50 different states. His incredible feats of endurance and mental toughness demonstrate the dedication, resilience, and sheer willpower required to accomplish challenging running goals. His story inspires first time marathon runners to push through physical and mental barriers, believing in their ability to achieve their own epic feats of endurance.
- World record holder Jessica Anderson – Jessica Anderson, a British nurse, broke the Guinness World Record for the fastest female to run a marathon in a nurse’s uniform at the 2019 London Marathon. She had never run a marathon before, but she trained hard and achieved her goal while raising money for charity. Her achievement showcases the dedication and drive of a first time marathon runner.
Gumboot running Cliff Young – Cliff Young, an Australian farmer in his 60s, became a marathon legend when he won the inaugural Sydney to Melbourne Ultramarathon in 1983.Young had no formal running training and wore gumboots during the race, but his unorthodox shuffling technique and unwavering determination helped him outrun younger, more experienced competitors. Young’s unexpected victory captured the hearts of many and proved that with determination and persistence, anything is possible in the world of marathon running.
- The triumph of Shalane Flanagan: In 2017, Flanagan became the first American woman in 40 years to win the New York City Marathon. Despite facing setbacks and injuries throughout her career, she never gave up on her goal of becoming a champion runner. Her determination and grit serve as a reminder that with hard work and perseverance, anything is possible.
- The perseverance of Eddie Izzard: Comedian and actor Eddie Izzard set out to complete 27 marathons in 27 days to raise money for Sport Relief. Despite never having run a marathon before, Izzard pushed through physical and mental exhaustion to achieve his goal and inspire others to challenge themselves and go after their dreams, no matter how daunting they may seem.
- The story of Maickel Melamed: Melamed has muscular dystrophy, a condition that severely weakens his muscles. Despite this, he completed the Chicago Marathon in 2013, crossing the finish line after 16 hours of continuous effort. His determination and unwavering spirit in the face of physical limitations serve as a powerful reminder that with perseverance and belief in oneself, anything is possible. His inspiration to so many people around the world, highlighted the power of the human spirit to overcome obstacles.
- The triumph of Joan Benoit Samuelson: Samuelson made history by winning the first ever Olympic women’s marathon at the 1984 Los Angeles Games. Despite battling injuries and setbacks leading up to the race, she overcame the odds to achieve her dream of Olympic gold. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance, hard work, and never giving up on your goals, no matter the obstacles in your path.
- Age no limit for Fauja Singh – At the age of 89, Fauja Singh became the oldest person to complete a marathon when he finished the Toronto Waterfront Marathon in 2011. Singh began running marathons in his late 80s and became an inspiration to people of all ages for his perseverance and determination.
- The perseverance of Amy Palmiero-Winters: Palmiero-Winters is a below the knee amputee who has completed numerous marathons and ultramarathons, including the prestigious Badwater Ultramarathon, known as one of the toughest races in the world. Her resilience, courage, and determination to push past her physical limitations serve as an inspiration to all who face adversity and challenges in pursuit of their dreams.
- A little closer to my home are the emotion evoking feats of Kevin Sinfield: A former international rugby league player, who has undertaken several significant marathon challenges to raise funds in support of his best friend Rob Burrow( a former team mate), who has been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease. Some of the notable marathon challenges that Kevin has completed include: The 7 in 7 challenge, running seven marathons in seven days to raise money for the MND Association. The gruelling challenge involved running over 183 miles in a week, pushing him to his physical and mental limits. Kevin’s commitment to helping his best mate and raising awareness about MND serves as an inspiring example of friendship, solidarity, and the power of individuals coming together to make a difference in the face of adversity.
No doubt you’ll have seen images and footage of marathon runners, at times, really struggling as they contemplate passing the next mile marker. This is likely to happen as you get deeper into the run but don’t be too concerned as this isn’t unusual and the real focal point should be on how to overcome such issues.
When running a marathon, facing the notorious ‘wall’, maintaining a strong mindset, and drawing strength from the cheering crowd are essential elements for achieving success.
Here are some strategies and tips to tackle these challenges:
Dealing with the ‘wall’:
- Pace yourself: Start at a comfortable pace and avoid going out too fast, as it can lead to early fatigue and hitting the ‘wall’.
- Break the race into segments: Focus on reaching the next mile marker or aid station rather than thinking about the full distance ahead. Breaking the marathon into smaller, manageable segments can prevent feeling overwhelmed by the distance.
- Fuel and hydrate: Proper nutrition and hydration are crucial for maintaining energy levels throughout the race. Stay well fueled with a combination of carbohydrates, electrolytes, and water to prevent hitting the wall due to depletion of glycogen stores.
- Stay mentally focused: When you feel the onset of the ‘wall’, remind yourself of your training, visualise crossing the finish line, and repeat positive affirmations to keep yourself motivated and mentally strong.
Maintaining a strong mindset:
- Set realistic goals: Have a clear goal in mind, whether it’s finishing the race, achieving a personal best time, or simply enjoying the experience. Stay focused on your goal and use it as motivation to keep pushing forward.
- Practice positive self-talk: Replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations and mantras. Encourage yourself, stay present in the moment, and remind yourself of your strength and capabilities to overcome challenges.
- Embrace the discomfort: Accept that running a marathon is a physically and mentally demanding challenge. Understand that discomfort is a part of the process, and push through it by staying resilient, determined, and focused on your goal.
Drawing strength from the cheering crowd:
Feed off the energy: Allow the energy and enthusiasm of the spectators to fuel your motivation and push you through tough moments during the race. Acknowledge their encouragement to boost your spirits.- Create a mental boost playlist: Listen to upbeat music or motivational podcasts to distract yourself from physical fatigue and draw inspiration from the sounds around you. Music has the power to energize and elevate your mood, helping you get through challenging moments.
- Engage with the crowd: Make eye contact, wave, or give a thumbs up to the cheering spectators lining the course. Their support and cheers can provide a significant morale boost, creating a sense of camaraderie and connection that propels you forward with more purpose.
Once you cross the finish line the exhilaration and realisation that you actually did it can be really overwhelming. Unanimously, first time marathoners talk about a sense of accomplishment that can’t be matched.
I hope you’ve taken sufficient note of the many inspiring tips and personal stories, as you consider what mindset is needed to complete your marathon to the best of your ability. Whether you’re a first time competitor or seasoned campaigner, your mental application is key to getting you ‘home’.
And remember, your journey doesn’t have to mimic anyone else’s. It’s your uniquely personal strides that create inspirational memories, urging others to lace up and start their own marathon journeys.
Beyond the Finish Line: Embracing the Journey Ahead
I would like to think that running your first marathon really is a success and a seed is sewn that will bring you back time after time. You should treat it as a launching pad for the adventures that await you. Choosing to run a marathon, training for it, and crossing that finish line has already proven that you can tackle immense challenges.
It’s quite normal to have thoughts of, that’s enough for me I’ve done it now, but for many it’s just the first chapter. You’ll have amassed invaluable experience from this marathon, some things that you loved and others not so much. There will no doubt be plenty of ‘note to self’ moments so it may pay to reflect on these as they are your signals for future progression.
Why don’t you consider setting new goals. They don’t have to be bigger races or faster times. It could mean running for fun, for charity, or just to feel the sun on your face on a trail far from the roar of a crowd.
A lot is happening very quickly in your body and mind after your first marathon. You’re going to find out what recovery and self care really mean to you, so embrace it. It’s not just your physical recovery, your mental health is equally important. Give yourself the space to heal and celebrate.
Finally, I really hope that you share your story. Whether it’s with a running group, on social media, or with friends and family, your journey can inspire others to set out to achieve their own ‘marathon,’ whatever that may be. Your experience can contribute to the wider community, encouraging and empowering new runners to take the plunge.
Thanks for stepping into the marathon world, and I hope to see you en route!
I hope you enjoyed reading this post and if have any questions or comments, then please drop me a line in the box below.