Running · by Luca Bianchi · 2026-10-06

What I wish I knew before trying marathon in real life

Part of me wanted the fancy version with all the tools. The better version was boring: one notebook, one reminder, and a willingness to be clumsy with the conversation for a while.

I had a disappointing first try, a surprisingly good second try, and then a third attempt that taught me humility. So, naturally, I now have opinions.

24 sparks · 9 comments

Comments

Maya Williams · 3 likes

Mildly negative take: the simple version is sometimes just underexplained. That is where the boring checklist helps.

Cedar Mango · 2 likes

Useful intention, poor execution. I would love to see a follow-up after 3 weeks.

Luca Bianchi · 1 likes

This is the gentle version of my rant.

Tanvir Rahman · 0 likes

Short answer: yes. Long answer: also yes.

Isha Menon · 0 likes

Now I want a spreadsheet.

Cedar Mango · 0 likes

I needed the reminder to start smaller.

Nour Ali · 1 likes

I would push back gently on the life part. I learned that one the expensive way.

Brave Mango · 0 likes

I wonder how much of this depends on timing. That is the kind of detail beginners miss.

Emma Tremblay · 0 likes

This is genuinely helpful, thanks for writing it out.