Sofico Marathon Ambassador Program

By 1:30 PM, we took our positions, and at 2:25 PM, our wave set off. Six months of training led to this moment! I started with a good pace, feeling strong and confident. At the 5 km mark, our trainer joined us briefly, giving us a much-needed morale boost.

Running alongside 20,000 people was an incredible experience. The energy was electrifying, with enthusiastic spectators cheering from their balconies, lining the streets, and shouting words of encouragement. Kids eagerly stretch out their hands for a quick pat.

People were cheering me by name, reading it from my bib. There were energy refreshment stations at 6 km, 11 km, and 16 km, to keep us fueled as well as many kind spectators even offered Candies to help keep us going.

Everything was quite manageable until around 14 km. That’s when I started experiencing cramps and stress in my lower thighs and calf muscles. With every passing kilometer, the pain worsened, and I was not able to walk at all. But my partner was my biggest pillar of support encouraging me, motivating me, and even helping me find ways to alleviate the pain just enough to keep going. I tried my best to keep moving by walking & running. My pace slowed down, but one thing was clear, I was determined to finish no matter what.

And then, in the moment of triumph I COMPLETED MY FIRST HALF MARATHON! YES, I DID IT! All the training, sacrifices, and effort paid off. Crossing that finish line and receiving my medal was an indescribable feeling of pride and achievement.

To anyone considering a challenge like this, Go for it! It’s more than just a race.

A fun fact? Now, every time I see the roads I ran through during the race, I get goosebumps, instantly recalling the exhaustion and energy I felt at that moment. It’s a surreal feeling!

Until the next race… let’s keep running!

With just 15 days to go until race day, I’m filled with a mix of excitement, nervousness, and pride. This journey has been nothing short of transformative, and I’m amazed at how far I’ve come both physically and mentally.

One of the highlights has been sharing this journey with my husband. Training together has kept us both motivated. On days when one of us felt low or struggled to stick to the plan, the other stepped in with encouragement, reminders, or even just a simple “you’ve got this.” During tough runs when I struggled to keep pace, he helped me with tips and support that made all the difference.

Of course, there were challenges, days when low energy, illness, or poor food choices affected performance. Some sessions were tough to complete, and I even faced moments of self-doubt. But instead of giving in, I focused on building mental strength. I challenged myself with longer runs than the scheduled ones, and that boost of confidence reminded me of what I’m capable of.

I’ve also dealt with some shin and calf discomfort, which led me to focus more on core strength and recovery. At the same time, the ambassador group call offered great advice for race day nutrition, hydration, and preparation tips that I’ve already started following.

A major milestone until now was completing my first 16KM run. It was intense yet incredibly rewarding. My partner kept me going with tips on form, pacing, and mindset. During that long run, I experienced a kind of mental clarity and “empty mind” feeling where I was free of stress and worries. It reminded me that running isn’t just physical, it’s deeply emotional and empowering.

Balancing everything - training, work, family, and personal moments has been challenging, but incredibly rewarding. I’m truly proud of embracing this journey.

To anyone reading this, whether you aim to run a marathon or just start moving a few times a week, ‘just do it’. It’s a powerful way to refresh your mind, discover your strength, and invest in your health.

With the finish line in sight, I’m ready to give it my all physically, mentally, and emotionally. This is more than just a race, it’s a celebration of every step, every push, every moment that brought me here.

The countdown to 21KM has begun!

In the second month of training, I saw a gradual increase in intensity, with my runs mostly lasting 25-30 minutes, and a couple of 45-minute sessions each month. This gentle rise in duration allowed my body to adapt to the growing load. At first, I was constantly checking my watch, trying to stay in sync with the planned schedule, but soon enough, things began to feel more natural. I learned to trust the process and simply enjoy the run rather than obsessing over every detail.

To break the monotony and add a spark to my training, I began exploring different running routes. It was such a refreshing chance to experience new surroundings, and I was delighted to discover how much greenery was around. The lush landscapes not only made my runs more enjoyable but also gave me a sense of peace and connection with nature, making each run feel like a mini escape.

As the weeks passed, my training introduced another small increase in intensity of 55-60 min run, gently pushing my body to adapt to the increasing demands. There were certainly tough moments, but each run helped me build more strength and endurance. With every step, I could feel myself growing stronger, both physically and mentally. I was proud to stick to the plan, hitting every session without missing a single day for 2.5 months.

Then, a new challenge emerged, traveling to India for a vacation. Long travel, jet lag, and overall fatigue made it difficult to keep up with my scheduled runs. Despite my best efforts, I missed a few sessions. My body also had to adjust to a completely different climate, lifestyle, and food habits. At times, my legs felt heavy at the start of each run.

With all these hurdles, it became incredibly tough to maintain my training routine. The heaviness in my legs persisted, so I began taking magnesium supplements to support my recovery and help my body manage the added stress.

Despite these challenges, the variations in my training mixing high intensity runs with slower paced sessions kept my body ready for whatever came next. Now that I’m back in Europe, settling into my routine, I’m gradually returning to my planned runs and gearing up for longer distances with even more frequent variations.

With only 2 months left to achieve my goal, there’s still plenty of work ahead. It will take focus, enthusiasm, and a commitment to enjoy the journey, no matter the obstacles. The finish line is in sight, and I’m more motivated than ever to embrace the challenges, push forward, and give it my all.

A Journey Begins

Running a marathon has long been on my bucket list, but I’ve always wanted to pursue it in a healthy, well-guided way. If my journey can inspire even a few others to begin their own running adventures, that would make this experience even more rewarding. A few years back, I started running and reached a solid 10 km, but life pulled me away for a while. When I came across the SOFICO Ambassador Program, it felt like the perfect opportunity to return to my routine and finally work toward my goal of completing a marathon.

Starting with Insight and Analysis

Our journey kicked off with an inspiring day in Ghent, hosted by Golazo Energy. This initial event reawakened a sense of purpose and enthusiasm for the challenge ahead. We began with a comprehensive body analysis, knowing that the better we understand our physical limits, strengths, and potential, the more effective our training will be. The assessments - effort tests, fitness evaluations, and body composition scans provided invaluable insights into key aspects of fitness, such as bone density and overall body muscle distribution. This thorough analysis gave each of us a strong foundation to measure our progress and set clear, personalized goals. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that my bone density was particularly impressive, which was a huge boost to my confidence. The energy and excitement that day were contagious, making it an unforgettable start to our shared journey.

We also received a detailed foot analysis, which helped us select the right footwear for training and, eventually, the marathon itself. In addition to effort tests, we gained insight into our VO2 max, and a DEXA scan provided an accurate view of our body composition. These scientific assessments offered well-founded advice and set us up for a focused and effective training path.

Structured Training: Pacing and Persistence

Our six-month training program is designed not only to improve our physical endurance but also to build mental resilience. Each week, we run specific distances within target heart rate zones, helping us develop stamina in a safe, structured way. I’ve found this program especially beneficial, as it allows me to track my progress and focus on pacing and heart rate management. I follow a consistent pre-run warm-up and end each session with stretching exercises, which help prevent injuries and keep my muscles relaxed. The routine is paying off, and I’ve already noticed improvements in my heart rate, which fuels my motivation.

We also share our progress on Strava, where we’ve set up a club for everyone working toward the same goal. Giving and receiving kudos, sharing photos, and exchanging tips with teammates has added a sense of camaraderie and makes training more enjoyable. Knowing we’re all in this together has been a huge source of encouragement.

Reflecting on the Initial Weeks of Training

The first weeks of training have brought both challenges and rewards. So far, I’ve been running between 3 and 4.5 km, maintaining an average heart rate of 143-157 over 20-30 minutes. This measured pace is a purposeful strategy, based on the initial effort tests we completed in Ghent, and it’s helping us gradually build a stable foundation for marathon distance.

While some days are more challenging than others, our trainer’s support is invaluable, especially when motivation dips. I’ve had to manage minor issues like calf inflammation and foot pain, but tools like a foot massage ball have been great for recovery. To keep things interesting, I seek out new running paths that offer peaceful surroundings, which adds variety and keeps me engaged.

Looking Forward: Growing Stronger Together

Though this journey is just beginning, I’m already noticing positive changes in my body and mindset. The physical strength I’m building gives me a reason to start each day on a positive note before settling into work. Knowing that I’m progressing toward a meaningful goal keeps me motivated through every run.

| Meet the Ambassadors 2025

Deepti Sahu

| Training updates

Follow Deepti's journey

Crossing the finish line

Final stretch: let's conquer the half marathon

The marathon journey continues...

Every step is a victory