Sofico Marathon Ambassador Program

I woke up on race day telling myself, “It’s just another Sunday long run.” I had already completed 16 km during training, so 21.1 km didn’t feel too far off. The plan was simple: run smart, run happy, and enjoy every moment.

But there was one challenge, I was already carrying an injury. My runner’s knee had been troubling me for weeks, and I knew that running in this condition could make recovery worse. Still, after six months of training, dedication, and preparation, there was no way I was sitting this one out. My mindset? Adapt, don’t quit.

Adding to my motivation was Deepti, my wife, who was also running the half marathon. Seeing her push her limits reminded me that I, too, could exceed mine.

Pre-Race: Preparing for the Big Moment

The day before the race, Ghent was buzzing with energy. Seeing Sofico’s name everywhere in the city made me proud to be a part of this journey.

With a 1:30 PM start time, I had plenty of time in the morning to fuel up. My meal plan was strategic, white bread with jam, pasta, cereals with yogurt, and plenty of water. I avoided fiber, protein, and fats to ensure easy digestion. No one wants a heavy stomach, or an empty one, before a long run!

When we arrived at the city sports center, we were welcomed into the VIP ambassador zone. It was a perfect place to relax, hydrate, and mentally prepare. Before heading to the start line, we did a collective warm-up session to get race-ready.

I had also bought a knee cap strap to help with my injury. Did it really work? I have no idea but it definitely boosted my confidence.

Strangely, before even starting, my knee was already hurting. With zero warm-up, zero running, it was there, nagging at me. But I reminded myself, "Once I start running, it’ll settle down."

A Strong Start

The race began, and I settled into a comfortable pace of 6:00 min/km. As expected, my knee pain started fading away as I found my rhythm.

Running in a crowd of thousands was an entirely new experience. At first, I worried it would be hard to move through the pack, but before I even realized it, I hit the 5 km mark, at my personal best pace!

My race strategy was to start slow (around 7:00 min/km) and gradually increase my speed. Everything was going perfectly, until the 12 km mark.

At 12 km, my knee pain returned, and this time, it wasn’t fading away. My pace started slowing, and doubts crept in. I was on track for a 2:20 finish, but now I wasn’t so sure.

I focused on staying in motion, even if it meant slowing down. I stuck to my hydration plan, drinking isotonic water and taking energy gels at 45, 90, and 120 minutes. The goal was not to stop.

The last 3 km were a rollercoaster of emotions. Fatigue was setting in, but the energy from the crowd was unreal. Spectators were cheering, calling out my name, and pushing me forward.

Every time someone cheered, I found the strength to speed up.

Crossing the Finish Line

I did it! Despite the pain, despite the struggle, I finished my first half marathon and experienced something truly incredible.

Was it what I expected? It was even better.

This race wasn’t just about running 21.1 km. It was about pushing past limits, fighting through pain, and proving to myself that I am stronger than I ever imagined.

And as I crossed that finish line, one thought stayed with me:

“It’s just another Sunday long run.” 😉

Hakuna Matata! 🎉🏅

So, here we are, our final lap of training! Or should I say, training done and dusted? 😊

With just 14 days left until race day, it’s time to reflect on the journey, the lessons learned, and all the little tips and tricks that have shaped my running over the last five months. This is the moment to trust the process and get mentally ready for the big day!

How My Running Has Evolved

Since my last update in January, my running style has changed a lot. I’ve focused on:
✅ Cadence & Vertical Oscillation – Making my steps quicker and reducing unnecessary up-and-down movement.
✅ Mental Strength – Training my mind to push through the urge to stop and stay focused.
✅ Uphill & Downhill Running – Taking longer strides uphill and using gravity downhill to my advantage.
✅ Mind Over Matter – Learning that comfort comes from gear, but success comes from courage, determination, and mindset.
✅ Lactate Management – Keeping my body relaxed to avoid early fatigue and run longer without stopping.

One of the biggest revelations? Slow running gives me more injuries than fast running! I never paid much attention to minor pains, but over time, I realized they were actual injuries like runner’s knee, jumper’s knee, posterior shin splints, plantar fasciitis, the whole package! The good part? I’ve tackled and overcome them all over the past few months.

Fine-Tuning for Race Day

Lately, my focus has been cadence. After knee pain during my 14.5K run, I shifted gears towards injury prevention and posture correction. Increasing my cadence from 155 SPM to 167–170 SPM has been a game changer! I wish I had worked on this earlier, but hey, better late than never.

I’ve also been experimenting with isotonic water and energy gels during my runs at 45, 90, and 120-minute marks to see how my body reacts. Race-day fueling is key, and I don’t want any surprises!

Marathon Day Goals & Unknowns

🏁 Target finish time → 2 hours 10 minutes
🏃‍♂️ Best training run → 16K at 2 hours 4 minutes (felt amazing!)’

There are still some unknowns:

How much water will I actually need?
How do I navigate through a crowd of 10,000 runners?
Will I be able to coordinate with pacers?

Honestly? I have no idea. And I’m okay with that.

Instead of overthinking, I’ll run this race just like any other run. No pressure, no over-planning, just pure running joy. After all, this is my first half marathon experience, and I want to soak it all in!

Final Thoughts

Two weeks from now, I’ll be at the starting line, ready to give it my all. It’s been an amazing journey so far, and no matter what happens on race day, I know I’ve come a long way.

"Hakuna Matata! All the best to all fellow runners 🏃‍♂️🔥

Current progress

When I started, running even a few kilometers felt daunting. However, with consistent training, unwavering dedication, and incredible support from my trainers, I’ve made significant progress. Today, I can run 7 kilometers without stopping, a milestone that once seemed unattainable. It’s remarkable to witness how the body adapts and evolves with discipline and the right guidance.

Following a structured training schedule, running on alternate days and focusing on core strength on non-running days has been instrumental in my progress. Although I faced a setback in January due to health issues and couldn’t run as much, I’m now gradually regaining my endurance and working to surpass my earlier capacity. Through this journey, I’ve learned to pace myself better, control my breathing, and, most importantly, find joy in running.

Tackling challenges and learning techniques

This phase of training has not been without its challenges. I’ve dealt with shin splints and occasional abdominal cramps, but the insights I gained during the kick-off event have been invaluable. Guidance on proper running posture and techniques, along with personalized advice from my coach, has helped me address the root causes of these discomforts. Some of the tips that have made a significant difference include:

Wearing compression socks or sleeves for added support.
Massaging my shins and using a massage ball to strengthen my feet.
Focusing on the correct stride technique (I’m a forefoot runner).
Adopting the “heel lock” lacing technique, which has been an absolute game-changer!

These small but essential adjustments in my form, warm-up routines, and recovery practices have transformed my running experience. Now, I ensure a proper 15-minute warm-up before every run and make stretching a non-negotiable part of my post-run routine.

Another game-changer has been investing in the right pair of running shoes. Thanks to the Runner’s Lab foot analysis during the kick-off event, I discovered shoes perfectly suited to my needs. With different widths in my right and left feet, I’ve learned to balance the pressure by wearing different socks. This simple yet effective solution has significantly improved my comfort and reduced strain during runs.

The power of community

The ambassador community continues to be a tremendous source of motivation. Regular check-ins with fellow runners remind me that I’m not alone in this journey. Even small gestures, like receiving “likes” on Strava, uplift my spirits. I’ve also started learning from some of the best runners in our Sofico group, observing their techniques and incorporating their insights into my own training.

Looking ahead

As I step into the next phase of training, my focus is on building stamina and refining my technique. My immediate goal is to cross the 10-kilometer mark in the coming weeks. To achieve this, I’ve started incorporating interval training to enhance both speed and endurance.

Beyond the physical aspect, this journey has profoundly impacted my mindset. Running has become more than just a goal; it’s evolving into a lifestyle. It is teaching me patience, resilience, and the importance of showing up consistently, even on tough days.

Three months in, I feel more motivated than ever to continue this journey. I hope my story inspires others who may be contemplating a similar challenge to take that leap of faith. If I, someone who once struggled to run even 2 kilometers, can come this far, so can you.

When I first saw the email inviting me to join the Sofico Ghent half marathon ambassador program, I felt both curious and uncertain. Growing up, my sports were football, basketball, and badminton—activities that kept me fit but didn’t require long-distance running. Running just wasn’t something I’d pursued seriously, and the idea of covering more than a couple of kilometers felt intimidating. Yet, something about this opportunity sparked my interest. The thought of embracing a new challenge, learning the art of long-distance running, and joining a supportive community gave me the nudge I needed to jump in.

Taking the first steps: the kick-off event

The journey began on October 3 with a kick-off event that introduced us to the program’s essentials and set the stage for what lay ahead. Meeting the other ambassadors was inspiring; we each brought a unique story and motivation. The day was packed with workshops covering core stability, running fundamentals, and detailed fitness assessments, including DXA scans, effort tests, and REV screenings. These gave me invaluable insights into my current fitness level, helping me understand exactly where I was starting. This set a strong foundation, making the road ahead feel both tangible and exciting.

One highlight of the kick-off day was the session on running techniques and body posture. I learned how to maintain an optimal posture and minimize discomfort—key advice that I could apply right away. I also received guidance on addressing common discomforts, like shin splints and abdominal cramps. With every tip and adjustment, I could see my form improving and felt more confident in my running journey. The event even included a personalized foot analysis at Runner’s Lab, where I found the best shoes to support my unique running style. It was a great start to a journey focused not just on distance but also on building a solid, sustainable running practice.

Building a routine: my training experience

For someone like me, who was new to running longer distances, the structured training schedule was both demanding and incredibly rewarding. I started by running every other day, with core exercises on alternate days. At first, it was tough, and I doubted I could keep up. But with every session, I felt myself getting stronger. The encouragement and guidance from the trainers made all the difference, allowing me to test new running techniques, improve my form, and find what worked best for my body.

After only a month of following this regimen, I was thrilled to see the progress—I could run for longer distances without stopping, and for the first time, I managed to complete a 5 km run non-stop. Now, I’m not only training to go further but also working to run efficiently and avoid early fatigue. Exploring my limits in this way has given me a renewed understanding of my body and mind’s resilience.

A motivating community: the ambassador group

The ambassador program has introduced me to an incredible community, a support system that has been instrumental in keeping me motivated. The camaraderie within our group has made every run feel like a shared journey, even on tough days. Knowing that we’ll have follow-up sessions and another check-in in January to assess our progress keeps me driven to improve and makes the experience even more meaningful. There’s an added sense of accountability, knowing we’re all working towards a common goal, cheering each other on along the way. It’s been invaluable to have people who understand the ups and downs and keep pushing you forward.

Moving forward: embracing running as a lifestyle

Looking ahead, my goal has grown beyond simply finishing the half marathon. This journey has reshaped my perspective on fitness, and I want running to become a regular part of my life. Each run is a step toward building endurance, and every lesson learned is a tool for improving. I find myself motivated to return to sports like football, combining my new skills with old passions. I want to continue exploring my physical limits and seeing where this journey will take me.

Most importantly, I hope to inspire others who may think they’re not “runners” or feel like it’s too late to start. Whether you’re just beginning or looking to improve, there’s always room for growth. Starting small and gradually increasing your distance, as I did, can make a world of difference. If I, someone who was initially unsure about running even a few kilometers, can do this, then anyone with the right drive and willingness to learn can, too.

| Meet the Ambassadors 2025

Ashutosh Sahu

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