Chris Coaching

About dreams

At the age of 41, I achieved a significant milestone by completing the Valencia Marathon in an impressive time of 2.58 hours. Reflecting on my journey, I recalled being just 17 years old when I harbored the ambition to run my first marathon in Duisburg, Germany, aiming for a sub-3-hour finish. Despite possessing the physical capacity, various factors such as mental strength, specific training, suitable footwear, and proper race fueling were lacking. Consequently, I completed the marathon in 3 hours and 9 minutes, facing a challenging moment at kilometer 35.

In the subsequent years, at 19, I intensified my training, achieving a notable time of 3 hours and 1 minute in another marathon but still struggling in the last 10 kilometers. Eventually, I retired from marathon running, shifting my focus to football due to the demanding and solitary nature of long-distance running as a teenager.

Fast forward 24 years and 20 marathons later, with five attempts at fast flat city marathons, I realized that the key to breaking the 3-hour barrier lay in a crucial aspect: my body weight and diet. After years of analysis, I identified mistakes and made a significant change—losing 7 kg by cutting out sugar and alcohol, adopting a low-carb, whole-grain diet, reducing portion sizes, and adjusting the order of nutrients. Surprisingly, these changes didn't compromise my training; instead, I gradually shed weight while increasing my weekly mileage from 70 km to 90 km.

With newfound confidence after testing my race pace in various training sessions, I embarked on the Valencia Marathon fully prepared. Everything went according to plan, and I maintained my kilometer split times. Despite some side stitches from energy gels, the race felt remarkably easy, with no dreaded "wall" in sight. Around kilometer 35, I encountered a minor setback as my left calf threatened to cramp. Adapting my pace and running form, I navigated the final kilometers with determination.

As the crowded streets of Valencia cheered me on, I experienced a surge of pride and gratitude. With only 400 meters to go, I triumphantly approached the blue ramp, expressing my elation to the crowd. The journey had taken 24 years, but I had finally realized a dream that had lingered in my mind for decades.

Some dreams indeed take time.

i did 1000+ races including 30+ marathons/ultras. the went straight to the top10. from the reception in the beautiful town of Bitola in the south of North Macedonia to the challenging but amazing trail ultra to the farewell, the whole crew behind the race truly over-delivered for their first major event. i discovered how friendly, supportive, and humorous the Macedons were throughout these hours and days before and after the race even though they were all working so hard to make the event outstanding. the race course is quickly described: 3 massive mountains needed to be conquered in the pelister national park. beautiful nature on nice trails on technical terrain but overall there was always this one problem. the climb seemed endless - and also the descent. i was extremely happy that i had a running partner, Ivan, who pulled me up all 3 mountain peaks. after 6.5 hours we were awaited at the finish line with a noise and hundreds of smiling faces i hardly ever had at a finish line. and everyone received it - the crew seemed to have unlimited energy and happiness. also, I like to mention and thank who i was hanging out with for many hours before and after the race and who never complained about my never-ending questions about running. now the show must go on and everyone in this world is invited to the second edition next year on the 23./24. June 2023. check out https://www.pelisterultra.run/ one thing is for sure. it will be bigger and better. why? because we are dealing with the best. ps: thanks Nenad and Violeta for the invite - you are my heroes leading the crew.

Boot it time!!!

The board looks like that when you tackle 1000 burpees in 2h. Thanks pike for joining me!