Riyadh Marathon
Riyadh Marathon 2023 Logo
The first annual International Riyadh Marathon was held in March 2022. Over 10,000 people participated from all over the world. It had four different races. A full marathon (42k), a half marathon (21k), a 10K and a 4k for children and families. It was a successful event. Lots of family friendly activities and fun. Unfortunately, I didn’t hear about the marathon until after it took place. I was very busy with a major renovation at home so I probably wouldn’t have been able to participate anyway. I did however decide that I was definitely participating next year. Fast forward to months of dizziness for unknow reasons and I wasn’t sure that was going to be possible. I focused on getting better before I made any decisions about the marathon. I figured I had time. Anything was possible.
On the 20th of December, I decided I was fit enough to participate. I registered and started focusing my cardio on walking/running. I started writing my times walking on the treadmill or outside. I slowly started increasing my pace. It felt great! I also did resistance exercises three times a week with my personal trainer.
I found a group of women that walked and exercised together. (RWG) I joined them for the first time on Jan 12th. I may have arrived late & at the wrong location, but I managed 2.6k and walked half way with them. They are such a fun, multinational, diverse group of women! I’ve met with them two more times since and done the complete walk. Its about 4.5 k. we get together at a café afterwards for coffee and/or breakfast. It’s nice!
I do have minor issues with my knees and went to see my orthopedic doctor for my now annual knee injections. He suggested I run less and focus on resistance training to gain strength because I was complaining of shin pain. I’m ok with that.
I did have to put training on hold for ten days while I was sick with a horrible cough. (seasonal asthma cough, I’ve been getting for three years around this time but, this year was the worse.) I started feeling better Tuesday and went for a walk with the RWG group on Thursday morning. My pace may have been slow and I’m grateful to the two lovely ladies who stayed back and walked with me. It was a beautiful morning and I enjoyed the walk. I’m planning on training gently this week and giving myself a couple of days of rest before the marathon. I’m confident I’m fit enough to complete 10k. I don’t need to be the fastest I just need to make it to the finish line. I’m grateful I found the RWG group. When I signed up for the marathon I honestly thought I’d be doing it on my own. I’m grateful we will be doing it together.
As I look back at the past year leading to the marathon, I realize how motivating it was for me to get through all my health issues to be able to participate. I’m looking forward to next Saturday. I can’t wait to cross the finish line!
Follow me on Instagram to see my preparations for the marathon this week and complete my first 10k inshallah!