A Shared Path to the Marathon

Aleix is a trail runner and works in the running industry. Passionate about outdoor activities, he started running over 12 years ago. It was through working at Overland Running Provisions, a store specializing in running and outdoor sports in Girona, that he decided to start creating community run groups for Overland Running Provisions. Currently, they have three weekly runs, including one exclusively for women. 

Rachel, a Londoner based in Girona, discovered running during the lockdown as a complement to her triathlon training. What started as a simple way to stay active became a passion, fuelled by the camaraderie of the Overland community. “The reason I signed up for my first marathon in Barcelona was because all my Overland friends were doing it,” she says. The long training runs, the conversations, and the shared struggles have made the journey much more enjoyable. 

For Rajiv, a veteran runner, the transition from trail running to road marathons was about pushing his limits. What’s the biggest challenge? The impact of the asphalt on his legs. “I’m not too worried,” he admits, “but we’ll see on race day!” 

The Overland community has been a cornerstone of Rajiv and Rachel’s preparation. Rachel explains that she’s only done about 1% of her runs alone, and training with her friends helps her push through every day. “Training with a group helps you surpass your limits without realizing it; it makes long runs feel shorter.” 

Aleix echoes this sentiment, explaining how training with others fosters a sense of accountability. “When you’re tired, you remind yourself that everyone else is pushing hard too. This shared struggle keeps me focused and motivated.” 

For Rajiv, the community training aspect is one of fun and support. “It’s not just your legs that hurt; you know everyone else’s do too,” he jokes. It’s this shared experience that makes tough days bearable and good days even better. 

Training for a marathon comes with many challenges: injuries, mental fatigue, and nutrition issues. For Rachel, her biggest obstacle has been keeping up with the demands of training. “I can’t eat or sleep enough!” she laughs. 

Aleix, with his experience in trail running, has had to adapt his training to focus more on speed on the asphalt. “The transition has been challenging but rewarding.” 

Meanwhile, Rajiv is focusing on mental strength. “Running is more mental than physical,” he says. His goal is to stay strong past the 30-kilometer mark, where most runners face the infamous “wall.” 

Each runner has different expectations for marathon day. Rachel hopes to finish strong and with a smile, while Aleix has a time goal in mind: to maintain a pace of 3:50 per kilometre. Rajiv, on the other hand, is focusing on finishing strong rather than obsessing over the clock. 

Beyond the numbers, as the three of them tell us, the real victory is the journey itself: the shared kilometres, the friendships formed, and the personal growth that comes with stepping out of your comfort zone. 

So, if you’re thinking about running a marathon, find a community, lace up your shoes, and start running. Because at the end of the day, every step is easier when you’re not doing it alone.