Frozen, injured, and still a PB: My Vienna marathon surprise

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. This one had it all.

🔙 Let’s rewind

I had been battling plantar fasciitis in my left foot for months. As a result, training started later than planned. Physio sessions in October and November 2024 helped me get back on track. By December, I cautiously began short runs.

In January, I built a marathon plan. I knew I was behind schedule, and my only real goal was simple: don’t make the injury worse.

The pain was manageable, but still present. My post-run ritual became second nature: foot massages, anti-inflammatory cream, TENS machine, and daily stretching. I still follow that routine today.

🔄 New plan, new mindset

In February, I ran a half marathon to test my fitness. 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. I had designed my own plans for years. But this time, I needed help. The risk of overtraining was real, especially with my injury history.

Vienna came too soon to benefit fully from coaching. Still, the decision felt right. Better late than never.

📉 Smarter training, not more

I topped out at 90 km per week, far less than I used to run. But this cycle was never about volume. It was about staying in one piece. After missing Frankfurt 2024, I wasn’t taking any chances.

🌍 Arrival in Vienna

My wife and I arrived in Vienna two days before the race. The weather was perfect: sunny, about 20°C. I love the heat, even if most runners don’t.

Bib pickup was easy. The expo was small but efficient. Everything felt well-organized.

🌬️ Race day shift: a cold surprise

Then race day arrived – and the weather flipped.

Zero degrees. “Feels like” -8°C. Relentless wind.

At the start line, I was shivering. I debated removing a layer but kept it all: two thermal shirts, a singlet, gloves, a hat, and a neck warmer. I didn’t take anything off during the race.

⚔️ Fighting the cold and the doubts

The race became a mental fight. Against the cold. Against the wind. Against the voice in my head saying, “Why didn’t you stay in bed with a coffee?”

The final kilometers were brutal. I felt myself fading. At that point, I let go of any thought of a PB. It just didn’t feel possible.

⏱️ Five seconds

And yet, somehow, I crossed the finish line five seconds faster than my previous best.

Five seconds.
In -8°C wind. Wearing half my wardrobe.

I still don’t know how it happened. It wasn’t a perfect race. But it was one of the most rewarding I’ve ever run.

It gave me back something I’d lost: confidence.

🗺️ Next stop: Amsterdam

The next race is already in sight: Amsterdam – October 19, 2025.

Fewer layers. Less wind. Hopefully.