2023 Berlin Marathon ➡️ 2:27
Just this once, I’m making an exception to the rule I’ve set for myself to discuss only professional topics here. But my mind is still in Berlin 🇩🇪, so talking about anything else would feel out of place.
Deep down, it’s not a problem, because this race says something about the person I am, and I’m not a different person at work and outside of work. I strive to demonstrate the same qualities at all times.
In this case, preparing for a marathon requires a serious commitment, since it involves running 4,000 to 5,000 km per year, and during the specific training phase for this distance, up to 10 training sessions and 150 km per week. So, it’s about “volume,” but also “quality.” I particularly remember a recent session of 10 x 400 m in 1’13’’ followed by 10 x 800 m in 2’30’’, a grueling session that, thankfully, we did as a team.
Because, yes, we might not realize it, but being part of a group (Team Lenglen Athletic Club 💙) makes a big difference, even in running. Camaraderie, solidarity, and support really come into play during the tough sessions. Long-distance running is an individual sport that’s practiced as a team.
More obvious, however, is the role of the coach: Mohammed El Yamani (world record holder in the half marathon at 1:10:14 and ranked second in the world in the marathon with a time of 2:26:57 in the 55–59 age group). Needless to say, this guy knows what he’s talking about. Beyond being an exceptional athlete, he is a generous, attentive man who cares deeply about his athletes. We thank him for that 🙏
Aside from the women’s world record (Tigist Assefa in 2:11:53), what I take away from that day is one aspect of my own race that I’m particularly pleased with: running a negative split (the second half of the marathon was 1 minute faster than the first: 1h14’10’’ ➡️ 1h13’08’’), and the joy of passing several runners after the 30-kilometer mark who had started out a bit too fast, despite their experience.
And finally, a few factual elements: this time corresponds to 42 km run at a speed of 17.2 km/h. 147th out of 48,000 in the overall standings, 6th among French runners 🇫🇷, and, for the first time in my career, a national-level performance (N4), the year I turned 40.
That’s actually what I’ve taken away from it: progress takes time. Time spent on physical training, of course, but also time spent on mental training. Our barriers are, above all, mental. Running has taught me about myself and changed me more than any other discipline.
I thought I’d keep it short today, but here I am, rambling on 😊