April 6th, 2025. Vienna. My 8th marathon. The race where I nearly froze solid, questioned all my life choices at the starting line, and somehow still managed a personal best. Yep, this one had it all.
Let’s rewind.
After battling plantar fasciitis in my left foot for months, I started training later than planned. Physio sessions in October and November 2024 helped me get back on track, and by December, I cautiously began short runs.
In January, I built a marathon plan knowing full well I was behind schedule. My only real goal: don’t make the injury worse. I was still in mild pain, managing it like a part-time job: foot massages, anti-inflammatory cream, TENS machine, and stretching exercises. It became a post-run ritual, and to this day, it’s one I still follow religiously.
In February, I ran a half marathon to check my fitness. Surprisingly, I didn’t collapse, and the injury didn’t worsen. That was enough of a green light to keep going.
Around this time, I decided to work with a coach. After designing my own marathon plans for several races, I knew I needed guidance to avoid overtraining, especially when it came to weekly mileage. Vienna came too soon to see the full benefits of a coached plan, but hey, better late than never.
Training topped out at 90 km per week, far less than what I used to do but the focus this time was staying in one piece. I had already missed Frankfurt 2024 and wasn’t about to repeat that heartbreak.
My wife and I arrived in Vienna two days before the race. The weather was perfect for me – sunny and about 20°C. A dream. I love the heat, even if most runners don’t. Bib pickup was quick, and the expo was small but efficient.
Then race day arrived. Surprise! The temperature had dropped to zero, with a “feels like” of –8°C. And the wind? Relentless.
I stood at the start line, teeth chattering, debating whether to ditch a layer. I kept on two thermal shirts, a singlet, gloves, a hat, and a neck warmer. I didn’t take a single thing off for the entire race.
The race turned into a battle against the cold, the wind, and the voice in my head yelling, “Why didn’t you just stay in bed with a coffee?“
The final miles were rough. I was struggling more than I had in any recent marathon. I stopped thinking about a PB. In those conditions, it felt impossible.
And yet, somehow, I crossed the finish line 5 seconds faster than my previous best.
Five seconds.
In –8°C wind. Wearing half my wardrobe.
Honestly, I’m still not sure how it happened. It wasn’t a perfect race but it was one of the most rewarding.
It gave me back my confidence.
Next stop: Amsterdam — October 19, 2025.
Hopefully less wind. And fewer layers.
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