Boston Marathon - 20 Years Ago
This coming Monday I’ll be standing at the starting line of the Boston Marathon, celebrating 20 years since I first took on this challenge. The first time, I ran for Dana-Farber in honor of my younger cousin who was diagnosed with a brain tumor. I’m honored to do it again for the same incredible cause this year (also to celebrate my cousin thriving without cancer for 20 years).
But beyond the fundraising and the finish line, this experience has given me a chance to reflect on how much I’ve grown—not just as a runner, but as someone who understands the role of fueling the body for performance, health, and longevity.
The last time I ran Boston (20 years ago TODAY), I didn’t fuel properly. Like many people who take on big races (or even just increase activity to lose weight), I thought less food and more exercise was the way to go. I didn’t understand the importance of nutrition beyond calorie counting.
The result?
I wound up under-fueled, under-recovered, and eventually in a cycle of disordered eating patterns that left me physically and mentally drained. My body hurt in ways it didn’t need to, and I wasn’t setting myself up for strength—I was setting myself up for struggle.
This time around, I know better. Training has been about nourishment, not depletion.
I’ve focused on fueling my body not just to get through workouts, but to perform, recover, and stay strong.
I’ve experimented with what makes me feel best, learned from mistakes, and adapted along the way.
And the truth is, I’m still learning.
Nutrition, health, and fitness training isn’t about getting it “right” one time; they’re about consistently showing up, making adjustments, and treating the process like a marathon, not a sprint.
Maybe you’re not running 26.2 miles, but managing weight, nutrition, and overall health is its own endurance event. It requires patience, strategy, and an approach that supports your body rather than punishes it. Progress doesn’t come from restriction—it comes from balance, awareness, and learning to fuel in a way that makes you feel strong.
So as I lace up for Marathon Monday, I invite you to think about your own journey:
Are you nourishing your body in a way that supports your goals?
Are you fueling to feel strong, capable, and energized—or just trying to “get through”?
Are you allowing yourself the flexibility to adjust, learn, and improve over time?
We’re all in this for the long run, and I hope this serves as a reminder that the way we treat, fuel, and care for our bodies matters far more than any number on a scale or a finish line clock.
Thank you for being part of this journey with me—I’ll be carrying these lessons (and a whole lot of snacks!) to the starting line on Monday.
Let’s keep moving forward, one step at a time.
Coach Karen | NE360Fitness