Marathon Man

F*CK'N AUTHENTIC

In this raw, explicit podcast, we interview our coworker Beto about his life-changing experience training for and completing the Chicago Marathon. Beto takes us through his journey from the moment a casual invitation planted the seed to him suddenly signing up on a whim to run his first-ever marathon. We get an inside look at the mental and physical rollercoaster of marathon training and race day as someone doing it completely on his own. Beto shares invaluable lessons on overcoming self-doubt, the struggle of commitment, why we sometimes need to lean on others when we feel most alone and how to stay focused in the present moment during an enormously grueling task. His story serves as inspiration that no matter how impossible a goal seems, taking things one step at a time can lead to crossing unimaginable finish lines.

Episode Highlights:

[1:18] Beto explains his spontaneous decision to sign up for the Chicago Marathon despite no prior running experience.

[3:30] Beto realizes the months of grueling training required and starts having doubts.

[4:10] Beto begins a 6-month training plan, fitting in solo runs before and after work.

[11:09] Beto opts to train alone instead of joining the marathon group at church.

[12:58] Beto struggles through hot summer 10+ mile training runs, reaching mental and physical breaking points.

[17:28] Beto considers quitting but persists to avoid letting down donors and finish what he started.

[21:08] Beto explains the mistake of doing a 20-mile training run downtown in the blistering heat.

[24:06] Beto’s training partner and support system unexpectedly pulls out of running the marathon.

[25:47] Beto starts the Chicago Marathon surrounded by others but realizes he'll ultimately be alone.

[31:46] On race eve, Beto’s partner confirms he is officially not running, leaving Beto emotionally devastated.

[34:09] Up to 40,000 fans lining Chicago streets contrast Beto's isolated mental state on race day.

[35:01] Beto gets a wave of pre-race adrenaline and bursts off the starting line.

[43:51] Beto remains lost in his thoughts, blocking out fatigue and hitting the wall around mile 13.

[47:42] Beto disassociates around mile 19/20, forcing his mind to focus on positivity.

[50:06] Beto passes struggling runners late in the race but stays motivated to cross the finish line.

[56:25] Beto's constant mental rollercoaster mimicking life's ongoing ups and downs.

[59:29] Beto reflects on the enormity of finishing something he previously thought impossible.

If this episode resonated with you, please rate, follow, share, and leave a review. Your support helps more people find this podcast and know they're not alone. Until next time!