Victory Miles: My 7th Marathon – From Start to Finish
Introduction
Running a marathon is much more than a physical challenge—it’s an emotional, mental, and spiritual journey. Each step taken on the road is a testament to months (sometimes years) of preparation, sacrifice, inner battles, and relentless determination. Completing seven marathons is not just an achievement in endurance; it is a celebration of personal growth, discipline, and the never-ending pursuit of excellence.
In this blog, I take you through my 7th marathon experience in vivid detail—from training and nutrition to mindset and race-day energy. Whether you’re a seasoned runner, an aspiring athlete, or just someone who loves stories of transformation, you’re in for an inspiring ride.
Before diving into the full experience, I encourage you to check out one of my foundational health videos:
Nutrition Vs Calorie: 7 Powerful Insights into the Foundation of Healthy Eating!
It’s essential viewing for anyone interested in performance, health, and longevity.
And don’t forget to subscribe to my channel for more: RawFoodiest YouTube Channel.
Chapter 1: Why Marathon #7 Was Different
Each marathon carries its own meaning. My first was about proving I could finish. The second and third were about time goals. The fourth taught me about pain. The fifth was humbling, and the sixth reminded me that joy matters more than pace.
But the 7th? It was a convergence of everything I had learned up to this point—a spiritual and physical milestone. It was about wholeness.
What Made It Different:
- I ran it completely plant-fueled.
- I trained with minimalistic shoes.
- I focused on breathing and mindfulness.
- I tracked not only miles but also moments of gratitude.
- I embraced running as meditation in motion.
Chapter 2: Training Strategy – Building a Body That Lasts
A marathon doesn’t start on race day. It starts months before, with every intentional decision—every early morning run, every stretch, every day of rest. For this marathon, I followed an 18-week hybrid plan combining heart-rate-based running, strength training, and cross-training.
My Weekly Breakdown:
- Monday: Active Recovery (light yoga, breathwork)
- Tuesday: Intervals and Sprints
- Wednesday: Strength Training (focused on glutes, hamstrings, core)
- Thursday: Medium Distance Run (6–10 miles)
- Friday: Cross-Training (cycling or swimming)
- Saturday: Long Run (building from 12 to 22 miles)
- Sunday: Complete Rest or Nature Walks
Lessons from the Road:
- Recovery is not weakness—it’s fuel for performance.
- Strength training prevents injuries more than you realize.
- Listening to your body is a skill that improves with practice.
Chapter 3: The Role of Nutrition – Clean Fuel Only
Nutrition was a cornerstone of this marathon. I completely eliminated processed foods during training. I moved to a high-raw, plant-based diet rich in micronutrients, enzymes, hydration, and fiber.
Be sure to watch the related video for deeper understanding: [Nutrition Vs Calorie: 7 Powerful Insights into the Foundation of Healthy Eating!](Nutrition Vs Calorie: 7 Powerful Insights into the Foundation of Healthy Eating!)
What My Daily Eating Looked Like:
- Morning: Lemon water, green juice (kale, cucumber, ginger, celery), chia pudding
- Lunch: Giant raw salad with sprouts, avocado, nuts, fermented veggies
- Afternoon: Fresh fruit, herbal teas
- Dinner: Lightly steamed vegetables with quinoa or sweet potato
Marathon Week Nutrition:
- Carb-loading on raw fruit (bananas, dates, mangoes)
- Hydration with coconut water, beet juice, and sea salt-infused lemon water
- Electrolyte support using natural mineral blends
Fuel During the Race:
- Dates, soaked chia seeds, homemade electrolyte drink, watermelon slices at aid stations
Chapter 4: Mental Training – Strong Mind, Strong Legs
Running long distances isn’t just about muscle endurance—it’s about mental clarity and emotional resilience. In this marathon, I consciously prepared my mind using several techniques:
Mental Techniques I Used:
- Visualization: Seeing myself crossing the finish line every single day
- Mantras: Repeating affirmations like “I am strong,” “Every step is a gift,” “Breathe and be here”
- Breathwork: Practicing nasal breathing during all my training runs to improve oxygen efficiency and calm the nervous system
- Meditation: Daily 20-minute meditations to foster calm, focus, and mental elasticity
The mind is what carries the body after mile 20—and I had prepared mine like a warrior.
Chapter 5: Gear and Minimalism
One of the most overlooked aspects of endurance performance is gear—not in having more, but in choosing less. I embraced minimalism this time around:
My Gear List:
- Shoes: Minimalist zero-drop running shoes
- Clothing: Lightweight, moisture-wicking shirt and shorts
- Accessories: Handheld water bottle, biodegradable energy gels, sun visor
- Tracker: GPS watch to monitor distance, heart rate, and cadence
Why Minimalism Works:
- Less distraction = More focus
- Less gear = Lighter body
- More connection to the ground and breath
Chapter 6: Race Day – The Journey Begins
Pre-Race Morning:
- Woke up at 4:30 AM
- 10-minute guided meditation
- Hydrated with lemon water + electrolytes
- Light breakfast: bananas and chia gel
- Arrived at the start line with excitement and peace
The crowd was electric. The air crisp. The sun began its slow rise. Then the countdown began…
The Race in Sections:
Miles 1–6: Finding Rhythm
The adrenaline is high, and you want to surge—but I held back, focused on pace, and felt the joy of movement. I practiced smiling through every mile.
Miles 7–13: The Flow
Now I was warm, my pace steady, and my breathing synced. My body felt aligned and responsive. I noticed nature, spectators, and the sound of shoes hitting pavement.
Miles 14–20: The Grind
Fatigue started setting in. Legs tightened, doubts surfaced. I sipped electrolytes and repeated mantras. “This is what you trained for.”
Miles 21–26.2: The Breakthrough
Everything hurt—and everything felt alive. I was present with the pain, and somehow, I felt peace. The crowd got louder. My heart grew lighter. And when I saw the finish line…
I sprinted.
I cried.
I conquered.
Chapter 7: Post-Race Recovery – Healing the Temple
Recovery began the moment I crossed that finish line.
First 24 Hours:
- Hydration with coconut water and rehydration salts
- Gentle movement: walking, stretching
- Anti-inflammatory foods: turmeric shots, blueberries, raw greens
- Sleep and silence
The Week After:
- Daily yoga and breathwork
- Light cycling
- Epsom salt baths
- Journaling reflections
- No guilt about resting—a vital part of longevity
Chapter 8: Reflections – What the 7th Marathon Taught Me
Each marathon teaches something new. Here are the takeaways that stayed with me:
- Discipline is a daily decision. Not glamorous, but powerful.
- Pain is not the enemy—resistance is. Embrace the experience.
- The body listens to the soul. When your spirit is aligned, your steps are too.
- Fuel is everything. Nutrition isn’t about calories—it’s about information. It tells your cells how to behave.
- Joy is the secret weapon. When you run with joy, you run forever.
Chapter 9: Inspiring Others – Why I Share My Journey
Why do I document marathons? Because somewhere out there, someone believes they can’t. And maybe my story helps them believe otherwise.
I don’t run for medals. I run for connection—to self, to nature, to the infinite strength within all of us. If my 7th marathon inspires even one person to move, to nourish themselves better, or to reconnect with their purpose, it’s worth every mile.
Final Thoughts: You Have a Marathon in You
You don’t have to run 26.2 miles to run your life with intention. Whether it’s a marathon of healing, learning, building, or parenting—every long road is walked one step at a time.
The question isn’t whether it will be hard. It will. The question is: Will you rise anyway?
I hope this blog has given you insight, inspiration, and a spark to begin—or continue—your own journey.
Check out the video that complements this journey:
Nutrition Vs Calorie: 7 Powerful Insights into the Foundation of Healthy Eating!
And don’t forget to subscribe to the RawFoodiest channel for more epic, raw, and real-life transformations: https://www.youtube.com/@RawFoodiest/featured.
Here’s to your next victory mile.
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