Running the Valencia Marathon on December 1st, 2024, was an experience I’ll never forget. It was, in equal parts, the worst and the best marathon of my life so far. This race wasn’t just about the 42.2 kilometers on race day—it represented a culmination of months of change, adaptation, and lessons learned.
A New Chapter in Life and Training
2024 was a year of monumental changes for me: moving to Dubai, changing careers, and adapting to a completely different environment. These shifts didn’t just alter my day-to-day life—they fundamentally impacted my marathon training.
Training in Dubai’s summer meant navigating relentless heat and humidity. Outdoor runs were limited, and many of my key sessions were done on the treadmill. While it allowed me to maintain controlled paces, treadmill training can’t fully replicate the demands of long runs on the road. On top of that, balancing hydration, nutrition, and sleep amidst life’s upheaval made this marathon prep one of my most challenging yet.
Travel and Pre-Race Adjustments
Despite the relatively short three-hour time difference between Dubai and Valencia, the travel still added an extra layer of fatigue. I underestimated how much the journey would take out of me, both physically and mentally. By the time race day came, I felt ready—but not as sharp as I’d hoped to be.
The Race: A Tale of Two Halves
The race itself started strong. For the first 15–20 kilometers, I was on pace to match my personal best. The course was stunning, the atmosphere electric, and I felt in control. However, I couldn’t shake the sense that something was missing—a lack of the deep focus and flow I’ve felt in my best races.
By the time I hit 30 kilometers, the plan was to assess how I felt and push on. At 32 kilometers, I tried to pick up the pace, but it was as if my body had hit a wall. My legs felt flat, and the energy just wasn’t there. Mentally, I was ready to fight, but physically, I couldn’t summon the power I needed to finish strong.
Reflections on Training and Adaptation
Looking back, it’s clear this race was a product of the circumstances leading up to it. The Dubai summer had limited my ability to build long-distance endurance. The heat and humidity made long runs outdoors nearly impossible, and the treadmill, while useful, couldn’t fully replicate race-day conditions.
Nutrition, hydration, and sleep were all areas impacted by the significant life changes I went through this year. It’s a reminder that training isn’t just about the miles you log—it’s about the holistic preparation of your body and mind.
Gratitude and Moving Forward
Despite the challenges and setbacks, I’m incredibly grateful for the experience. The Valencia Marathon wasn’t just about race day—it was about everything that led up to it. The changes I went through this year—moving to a new country, starting a new job, adapting to a new environment—were essential for my growth.
In many ways, I needed to experience the tough parts: the disrupted sleep, the inconsistent routines, the challenges with nutrition and hydration, and the feeling of being unprepared at times. These struggles forced me to reflect deeply on how I approach training and life as a whole.
This marathon taught me that it’s not enough to simply train hard; I need to have systems and processes in place to support every aspect of my preparation. Whether it’s creating a consistent routine, prioritizing better sleep, or refining my nutrition and hydration strategies, these are areas I now know I must address more intentionally next time.
It was a tough lesson to learn, but it’s one I’m grateful for. This experience has given me a clearer understanding of what it takes to perform at my best—not just as a runner but as someone juggling the complexities of life, work, and training.
The Valencia Marathon was both humbling and motivating. It’s a stepping stone in my journey, a reminder that every race—good or bad—helps shape the runner and coach I’m becoming.
Daniel Bagley | Running Coach 