Julie, a former gymnast, had to stop her favourite sport because of the Covid-19 pandemic. After this long break, she decided to follow in the footsteps of her triathlete dad. But her passion for sport and running did not stop there. Three years later, her parents gave her a race bib for the Generali Geneva Marathon. More than just a race, Julie experienced it as a personal achievement. Here is her story.
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How did your Generali Geneva Marathon go?
My parents gave me a race bib for the Geneva Marathon for Christmas. For this first marathon, the goal was to finish hand in hand with my dad and
enjoy every moment.
Those 42 km went really well. We kept a very steady pace from start to finish, and I felt amazing! No leg pain, no major issues. I will always remember seeing the 30 km sign. That was when I truly realised what I was doing. Even now, I still find it hard to believe. The emotion hit me, and my mind started playing tricks on me. My dad then gave me small goals: reach the next aid station, go through the tunnel with the DJ, and he kept telling me, “Enjoy it, Juju.”
So, step by step, we kept moving forward, held the pace we had planned, and most importantly, never gave up. My dad and my loved ones, who were there along the entire course, supported me so much right up to that famous finish line. It felt so good to see them!
I was a little worried about my nutrition and hydration strategy. During my long runs, I trained my body to eat and drink every 35 to 40 minutes. For marathon day, I wondered whether I should carry a fruit purée pouch or a soft flask. In the end, I decided to trust the aid stations, and I found everything I needed. I alternated sweet cake and TUC crackers with a glass of water. By doing that, I avoided any energy slump and had no stomach issues.
I crossed the Geneva Marathon finish line with my dad in 4:12:58.
How did you manage your Generali Geneva Marathon training?
With the excitement, pressure and nerves around this distance, I started increasing my training load quite quickly without following a specific plan. I soon began feeling pain in my knee, but I did not stop straight away. In January, I ended up with knee tendinitis. I worked with a physiotherapist all the way to the marathon, focusing on strength training. I returned to running with a specific four-week comeback plan.
On 20 March, I started my marathon training plan with the RunMotion Coach app. I chose a plan with four running workouts per week, alongside swimming, cycling and S&C.
I had a major dip in energy two weeks before my goal race, but I quickly got myself back on track and arrived at the Generali Geneva Marathon in great shape.
What motivates you to run?
Above all, I run for enjoyment! I find that joy when I run with friends and family, but also when I achieve goals like this one.
How did you discover the RunMotion Coach app?
I discovered the RunMotion Coach app at the RunMotion Coach Chambéry Marathon in 2021, where I ran the half marathon.
What encouraged you to download and try the app?
I downloaded it thanks to Maxime, who works for RunMotion Coach.
What do you like most about the app?
I find the app easy to use and clear. The training programme is easy to understand, and you can quickly see how the upcoming weeks will unfold.
After the Generali Geneva Marathon, what is your next sporting challenge?
My next goal is the Paladru L-distance triathlon relay next September.
Congratulations Julie, you can be proud of yourself! Running your first marathon always has a special feeling… 🤗