The pain, the progress, the comeback: My 8-marathon journey

If you’ve ever set a goal, trained for months, made sacrifices, and then had it all taken away by injury, you’re not alone.

My marathon journey started back in 2020 with an unofficial race in Lisbon. Fast forward to today, I’ve completed eight marathons (and dropped out of one), cut more than 30 minutes off my time, and learned more about my body and mindset than I ever expected.

📈 My marathon progression

• Lisbon 2020 (unofficial) – 03:37:11
• Berlin 2021 – 03:30:57
• Paris 2022 – 03:27:17
• Chicago 2022 – DNF
• Lisbon 2023 – 03:07:50
• Valencia 2023 – 03:04:35
• London 2024 – 03:03:20
• Vienna 2025 – 03:03:15

💥 Frankfurt 2024 – The pain of a perfect prep gone wrong

In 2024, I had my eyes on Frankfurt. After four months of focused training, including a peak week of 165 km, I was fitter than ever. I could feel it: this was the race where I’d finally go sub-3.

Then, just 10 days before race day, everything stopped.

Plantar fasciitis. Left foot. No warning signs. No race.

It hit hard. Yes, it’s “just running”. But when you’ve poured your heart, energy, and countless early mornings into something, it’s not easy to walk away. It felt like all that effort had vanished overnight.

⚠️ Chicago 2022 – The mistake I swore not to repeat

One year earlier, I made the mistake that taught me a lesson I’ll never forget.

Same issue, different foot. I was injured going into Chicago, but I raced anyway. I convinced myself I could push through. I didn’t want to miss out. I told myself I’d manage.

At kilometer 28, I stopped. Not because I wanted to, because I physically couldn’t continue. I couldn’t even walk properly.

The DNF wasn’t the worst part. The regret was.

I should’ve listened to my body. I didn’t. And I learned, painfully, that starting a race when you’re not ready can cost more than it gives.

🧠 The mental side of injury

Injury doesn’t just affect the body, it messes with your mind. For weeks after Frankfurt, I didn’t run at all. I turned to CrossFit just to stay active, but it wasn’t the same. The mental strain of not being able to run was harder than the physical pain.

Today, my right foot is fully healed. My left foot still isn’t 100%. I ran the Vienna Marathon this year and finished strong, but recovery is still in progress.

I’ve tried everything: PRP injections, physio, stretching, rest. It’s better but not perfect.

🎯 What I know for sure

Even now, with the setbacks and uncertainty, one thing hasn’t changed: I’m still in this. I still believe. I’m still chasing the next mile.