26.2 miles, a journey so wide,
Each step forward builds strength inside.
Every challenge holds a story to share,
A marathon is a journey beyond compare.
What does running a marathon, 26.2 miles (42.195 kilometers) have to do with life? A lot more than you might imagine.
Before we begin, let me take you back to an ancient story from 490 BCE, i.e. around 2,535 years back in a small town in Greece called Marathon. At that time, the mighty Persian army was preparing to attack Athens. The Athenians, though vastly outnumbered, needed urgent help to defend their city.
This is where Pheidippides, a messenger known for his endurance, came in. He was sent on an important mission to run nearly 150 miles (around 242 km) from Athens to Sparta to ask for reinforcements or any sort of help. Through tough terrain and exhaustion, Pheidippides reached Sparta in two days, but the Spartans couldn’t join the fight right away.”
The undettered Athenians fought bravely at Marathon and won a surprising victory against the Persians. Now the people in Athens needed to hear the good news quickly. Once again, Pheidippides was given the task.
He ran from Marathon to Athens, covering around 25 miles(40.3 km) without stopping. Upon reaching the city, he delivered the message of victory: “We’ve won!” They say that Pheidippides collapsed from exhaustion right after delivering the news and passed away.
Centuries later, this legendary run inspired the modern marathon race. When the Olympic Games were revived in 1896 in Athens, the marathon became a key event. The first marathon was won by Spyridon Louis, a Greek runner, and it brought great excitement to the Games.
The distance we run today, 26.2 miles, was set later during the 1908 London Olympics to include a special route passing through the royal family’s viewing area.
The marathon is more than just a race. It’s a symbol of courage, endurance, and the human spirit.
Life, like a marathon, isn’t just about how quickly you reach the finish line. It’s about the determination to keep going, the strength to face the uphill climbs, and the wisdom to cherish every step along the way.
Every marathon starts with one small yet significant step – the decision to take part. That step is often the hardest—filled with hesitation, fear, and self-doubt. I remember the first time I decided to run in a mini-marathon. I was feeling shy and unsure of myself, questioning if I could handle it.
But here’s what I learned: Taking the first step is an act of courage. It is the most crucial part. It’s a commitment to yourself, a promise to try despite the uncertainty. This brings to mind the inspiring story of Kathrine Switzer, the first woman to officially run the Boston Marathon in 1967. Back then, women were not allowed to compete in marathons, as it was widely believed they couldn’t handle the physical strain. Determined to challenge those assumptions, Kathrine entered the race under the name “K.V. Switzer” to hide her gender.
During the race, an official spotted her and tried to physically pull her off the course. But Kathrine didn’t stop. She kept running, surrounded by supportive fellow runners, and crossed the finish line. Her courage and determination not only made history but also opened doors for women to participate in marathons around the world. Today, she’s celebrated as a pioneer who helped change the face of running forever.
Whether it’s beginning a new career, starting a fitness journey, or pursuing a lifelong dream, that first step opens the door to transformation. So, what’s holding you back? Take that step today—because the journey only begins when you do.”
Every marathon has a tough moment—hitting ‘the wall.’ That’s when your energy runs out, your body feels heavy, and your mind starts telling you to quit. It’s not just about physical exhaustion or tiredness; it’s a mental battle too.
But this doesn’t just happen in running—it happens in life as well. Whether it’s managing a regular boring job, a busy schedule, chasing your goals, or dealing with relationships, parenting, and setbacks, we all face moments where it feels impossible to keep going. Just like in a marathon, the key is to keep pushing forward, one step at a time. Just focus on the single step you take forward. Those small efforts add up, and eventually, you realize you’re stronger than you thought.
Here’s the truth: “The wall” or that difficult moment or situation isn’t the end; it’s a chance to dig deep and find your inner strength. Take Terry Fox, for example. Terry Fox was a Canadian athlete who started his “Marathon of Hope” with a prosthetic leg to raise money for cancer research. Despite facing incredible physical challenges, he ran over 5,000 kilometers across Canada and inspired millions. Though he couldn’t finish his journey because of his illness, his story still impacts lives today.
When you push past the wall of difficulty, you uncover resilience you didn’t know you had. Challenges aren’t obstacles—they’re opportunities for growth and strength.
One of the greatest lessons marathons teach us is the value of pacing. Start too fast, and you’ll burn out may be you will not able to complete your; If go too slow, you might miss the opportunity to achieve your best. Striking the right balance is key.
Life works the same way. Whether you’re managing responsibilities at work, caring for loved ones, or chasing personal goals, finding your rhythm is crucial. Fauja Singh, who is now 113 years old, the Indian-British centenarian (a person who lives a hundred or more years ), completed marathons well into his 100s. His mantra to do so is a positive mindset, a simple diet, and steady pacing. He reminds us that it’s not about speed but about consistency.
Finding your rhythm isn’t about doing everything perfectly or all at once. It’s about making consistent, meaningful progress. Life is a marathon, not a sprint—pace yourself wisely, and you’ll enjoy the journey while reaching your destination.
In a marathon, there are milestones along the way that remind you how far you’ve come. Whether it’s the halfway point or the final mile or km, these moments are important because they fuel your motivation to keep going.
Life offers similar milestones. Here is the fascinating story of Shizo Kanakuri, a Japanese runner who started the 1912 Olympic marathon but couldn’t finish. Fifty-four years later, he returned to complete the race. His time? 54 years, 8 months, and 6 days—a humorous yet profound reminder that it’s never too late to finish what you start.
Celebrating milestones, big or small, is essential. They remind us to acknowledge progress and find joy in the journey.
As we close today’s episode, here’s a thought to carry with you: A marathon is not just about finishing—it’s about how you run the race. It’s about the strength you build, the lessons you learn, and the memories you create along the way.
Life is the same. Embrace the journey, cherish the milestones, and don’t be afraid to face the challenges. I’d love to hear your stories about overcoming challenges or celebrating victories in your own marathon of life.
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