Sofico Marathon Ambassador Program

Crossing the finish line of the marathon was an incredible experience, one that will stay with me forever. The Sofico Marathon Ambassadors program has been remarkable, and I am grateful to the company for providing such a unique opportunity. The journey from the initial kickoff event to race day was demanding, but it was also deeply rewarding. The structured training, insightful tips, and support from the coach made all the difference in preparing for this challenge.

Looking back, the program was a journey of growth and learning. From the initial body scan and step analysis to adapting my training during my time in Brazil, each phase brought its own challenges and achievements. Overcoming knee pain through specific exercises and dealing with the heat and humidity during training abroad were tough moments that ultimately strengthened my resilience. Running in Porto and Brazil allowed me to see familiar places in a new light and made the entire process more enjoyable. The continuous guidance from Coach Aron, especially during the final stretch of the race, was crucial to staying focused and determined.

The support from fellow ambassadors was equally essential. Throughout the training, the camaraderie and encouragement kept me motivated. Seeing familiar faces at the marathon and receiving that final push from both the coach and colleagues was invaluable. I truly appreciate the effort Sofico put into organizing this program, which not only prepared me physically but also fostered a sense of community. This experience will always be a proud achievement and a lasting memory.

Now race day is finally coming. I totally trust in my coach Aron, as it's not the first time he's trained someone for a marathon. Yet I'm not feeling totally prepared, and sometimes, I get a bit anxious about how my body will react after kilometer 30. It will be a surprise for me (a good one, I hope). But when I start feeling nervous about it, I remember moments of me running with friends at a time when we weren't training for anything, but just running for fun. I try to see the marathon as a child's play where you don't think too much, you just start running and enjoy while the time passes.

At the end of this preparation, I went to Brazil on vacation and spent the last weeks of training there. I have to say it was extremely hard to run a few half marathons (sometimes a bit more than that) in temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius. I had forgotten how hot the Brazilian summer is! But I can't complain, I ran around beaches with astonishing views, had the amazing chance to run through the Mata Atlantica and I also had the chance to run a half marathon in my hometown, accompanied of my 12 year old brother by bike (which made me really proud of him). I also had to run from a group of angry dogs that day, until I stopped running from them and started to run after them, the only way I found to avoid getting bitten!

With the preparation getting closer to an end, I look back and realize this process would have been much harder to do alone. Thanks to the great support of the ambassadors, the talks with the coach, and, most importantly, the daily motivation of my +1 who is also running the marathon with me, this journey has been truly special. One of the best parts of this whole process, and that I'll miss, is the many good memories that were created along the way and I'm very grateful for that.

For this second update I’ll start saying something not so good but that in the end it is not a problem anymore. In the second month of training, I started feeling pain in my knees, which made the longer sessions difficult, especially combined with blisters on my feet. After discussing this with my coach, Aron, he gave me specific exercises to strengthen my knees. Over time, these exercises helped reduce the pain, making it easier to complete the longer runs as my training sessions increased in duration.

We also had a second round of tests at Golazo Labs, where my results showed improvement in both my aerobic and anaerobic thresholds, along with a slight reduction in fat mass. Following these results, my training plan was adjusted to match my new thresholds, making the sessions a bit more challenging. Additionally, I now have one gym session per week focused on strengthening my knees and legs, which has significantly reduced the pain, even during long runs where it used to be more noticeable. Nowadays I barely feel pain, what is impressive.

Currently, I am in Brazil for a while, meaning the last phase of my training is taking place here. The higher temperatures and humidity have made it harder to maintain the same pace as before. However, I see this as an opportunity to improve my endurance so that when I return to Gent, the colder weather will make running feel easier and more comfortable on marathon day.

The kickoff event for the marathon program was a well-structured and insightful experience that set the stage for this challenge. From the start, it was clear that a lot of thought had gone into making sure we had the tools and knowledge we needed. The body scan and step analysis provided valuable data about my posture, stride, and areas I could improve on, while the practical tips about running techniques and diet were straightforward and applicable. Meeting the coach was another highlight—they took the time to ask about my routine, understand my schedule, and design a training plan that fits into my daily life. The event wasn’t just about logistics; it made me feel supported and prepared, which was crucial for starting a challenge of this magnitude.

Since beginning the program, I’ve embraced the training as part of my routine, and it has been both productive and enjoyable. Running here in Porto has been an unexpected bonus of the process. The city’s landscapes, from hidden streets to stunning waterfront views, have turned my runs into opportunities for exploration. Each session feels less like a task and more like a chance to discover something new. Beyond the scenery, running consistently has had a clear impact on my well-being. It has improved my mental clarity, provided a steady boost of energy, and helped me feel more focused throughout the day. The physical benefits are complemented by the way running helps me disconnect and recharge, making it easier to manage daily responsibilities. The process has been a reminder of how small, consistent efforts lead to noticeable improvements, not just physically but in overall balance and productivity.

Being part of the ambassador group has also been a motivating factor. Even though we’re training in different locations, the sense of community is strong. Seeing others share their progress, whether through photos or updates, adds accountability. It’s encouraging to know that we’re all working toward the same goal, even if we’re not physically together. This shared effort creates an environment of mutual support and inspiration that keeps me motivated on days when running might feel like a challenge. While running is often seen as a solitary activity, being part of this group has shown me how much value there is in a collaborative approach. The shared experiences and encouragement make the entire journey more engaging, reminding me that even individual goals are more rewarding when pursued with others.