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| Meet the Ambassadors 2024
Hani Gabr
Program: marathon
"Running a full marathon is not just a race; it's a journey that tests your limits, fuels your spirit, and reveals the strength within."
| Training updates
Follow Hani's journey
March 18, 2024
The Final Stretch: Reflections on My Marathon Journey
With the marathon drawing near, I'm filled with excitement and anticipation. However, a setback in February, when I fell ill and couldn't run for a short period, had a more significant impact on my progress than I anticipated. Despite my longest run being 20 kilometers in January, after recovering from my illness, it felt like I was starting over. Pushing myself during training, my longest run since then has been 16 kilometers. This made me question my ability to complete the full marathon. Consequently, I made the difficult decision to downgrade my registration to a half marathon. While it was a tough choice, I believe it's more responsible to run a half marathon with sufficient training than to risk running a full marathon without adequate preparation.
Nevertheless, I'm excited about the half marathon, as it will be my first attempt at this distance. I'm looking forward to the challenge and the sense of accomplishment it will bring. This experience has taught me a lot about my physical capabilities and the best practices for training. I hope to attempt the full marathon in the future, perhaps in Ghent in 2025.
I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to my wife and son for their unwavering support. The extensive training sessions took a toll on our family time, and I'm truly grateful for their understanding and encouragement.
I look forward to meeting you at the finish line! Let's do this!
January 26, 2024
Countdown to Marathon Day!
With just 9 weeks to go until Marathon Day, the intensity of my running sessions has increased since January, now at 4 times a week, with the shortest run being 40 minutes. Managing the schedule is a real challenge, but the progress is evident—I've successfully completed an 18 KM run.
However, there was a setback a couple of weeks ago when I bruised my knee playing football. Thankfully, it only affected my running for 4 days, and I was able to resume afterward.
Feeling positive about the improvements, but there's still work to be done for me to conquer the Full Marathon. Wish me luck!
December 15, 2023
From Novice to Ambassador
Embarking on the challenging journey of preparing for a full marathon requires dedication, resilience, and a bit of the unexpected. As an ambassador for Sofico, my marathon training began on the 19th of October in the Netherlands. This blog captures the essence of my preparation, guided by Energy Lab, amidst the joys of new fatherhood, work commitments, and the unpredictable Dutch weather.
The Beginnings
Being a first-time marathon runner without a running background made this endeavor particularly daunting. Seeking guidance from Energy Lab, Laura meticulously planned my training sessions, which occur three times a week. Navigating through pacing, heart rate management, and various running techniques, her expertise has been invaluable in shaping my journey.
Life's Surprises
Just as I embraced the challenges of marathon training, life surprised me with the joyous chaos of parenthood. On the 3rd of November, I welcomed a baby boy into my life. Balancing the responsibilities of a new parent while preparing for a marathon added an unexpected layer of complexity to my already challenging journey.
Work Commitments
Navigating work commitments at Sofico alongside rigorous training required meticulous planning and unwavering dedication. Sofico's support as both a sponsor and employer has been a driving force, turning challenges into stepping stones toward success.
The Weather Factor
Training in the Netherlands, known for its unpredictable weather, brought its own set of challenges. Cold and rainy days became frequent companions during my runs, testing my commitment and determination. Overcoming the temptation to stay indoors, I embraced the elements, recognizing that every rainy mile brought me one step closer to my goal.
Finding Joy in the Run
Despite the challenges, I discovered an unexpected joy in running. Early morning sessions, especially when blessed with good weather, became a source of positivity and energy for the day. The sense of accomplishment after each run became a powerful motivator, transforming the physical exertion into a rewarding experience.
Acknowledging the Uncertainty
Taking on the marathon challenge, I find myself standing at the intersection of determination and uncertainty. While I am committed to giving my best, the journey ahead holds an element of unknown. I embrace the challenge with the awareness that the path to success may be filled with obstacles, and the finish line is not guaranteed.
As the Ghent marathon date approaches, I reflect on the transformative journey I've undertaken. From a novice runner to Sofico's ambassador, the challenges have been numerous, but the rewards have been equally profound. Whether facing the demands of parenthood, work commitments, or the unpredictable Dutch weather, each obstacle has become an opportunity for growth. I eagerly anticipate the 24th of March, ready to face the ultimate challenge and represent Sofico proudly, recognizing that the journey itself is a victory.
