Alex Yee: The London Marathon Debrief Pt1
I still remember standing on the sidewalk as a spectator, cheering for strangers when I was just a kid. Now, to be on the other side of the fence at the London Marathon—sharing the course with 56,500 other runners—felt like an emotional homecoming. In many ways, this was an entirely different journey from my Olympic and World Champion titles. I wasn’t just chasing a position on the podium; I was testing the waters of a new frontier, searching for fresh boundaries beyond triathlon.
A Personal and Emotional Experience
It’s easy to assume that someone who’s won on the biggest stages wouldn’t need another challenge. But I learned that achieving major career milestones can sometimes leave you asking, “What’s next?” After the exhilaration of world titles, I craved a new motivation to keep me grounded and excited—something that stirred as much curiosity as it did nerves.
The marathon turned out to be exactly that. From the start line all the way through the deep discomfort that set in near the end, it stretched my limits of physical endurance and mental endurance, sparking a whole new dimension of personal growth. And yes, I wore socks. It’s funny how something so simple can get people talking, but sometimes it’s the smallest quirks that remind us how human and down-to-earth this community can be.
The 14th Place Finish—and the 2:10 Goal
Coming in 14th place was a mixture of pride and reality check. Sure, I hoped for a sub-2:10 goal, but I’m grateful to have battled through the brutality of those final kilometers. There’s a brutality in the marathon that’s unlike any triathlon I’ve done—a kind of physical decoupling where my lungs still had gas, but my legs were staging a revolt. I can’t deny feeling frustrated at times, but when I crossed the finish line, it was the gratitude that shone brightest.
“You never know how much you appreciate your own body until it’s almost taken away from you.”
I often think back to my near-career-ending crash in 2017. That brush with adversity gave me an unshakable sense of perspective—one that keeps me humble when I’m training, racing, or simply lacing up my shoes. I promised myself then: never take another step for granted.
From Triathlon to Marathon
Switching from the high-intensity triathlon regimen to more traditional running volumes was a learning curve. My triathlon identity didn’t disappear; I embraced cross-discipline sessions and wove in heavy run volumes—like 30k pace runs—to see how far I could push my body.
Even Lionel Sanders (Mr. No Limits) will tell you that an athlete’s greatest breakthroughs often come when you leave your comfort zone. And that’s exactly what this attempt felt like—an exploration of potential through daily grind and unwavering consistency. Sore legs, uncertain paces, and unexpected breakthroughs reminded me that there’s nothing quite like a fresh challenge to reignite a fire.
An Internal Mindset and Eye on the Future
Above all, I learned that internal motivation is the real game-changer. Yes, I have big dreams (LA 2028 definitely sits on the horizon), but it was the day-to-day drive that truly fueled the journey.
What motivated the athlete to participate in the London Marathon?
The athlete was motivated by a desire to explore new boundaries and maintain a sense of purpose, following his triumphs at the Olympic and World Championships. He sought a new challenge in his hometown, where he had previously watched the marathon as a spectator.
What training adjustments did the athlete make for the marathon?
The athlete modified his high-intensity triathlon regimen to include traditional running volumes alongside cross-discipline sessions. His training involved running approximately 600 kilometers per month, coupled with swimming and cycling, maintaining his triathlon identity while focusing on marathon-specific runs like 30k pace sessions.
How did the athlete view his performance despite not hitting his goal?”
Although he didn’t achieve his sub-2:10 goal, the athlete expressed gratitude and pride in his performance. He valued the marathon’s experience beyond the stopwatch, appreciating the personal and athletic growth it offered.
What lessons did the athlete learn from running the marathon?
The marathon was a profound learning journey, with the athlete gaining insights into the limits of his body and the challenge of the physical decoupling between his lungs and legs. It highlighted the importance of curiosity, internal motivation, and maintaining perspective.
How did past experiences influence the athlete’s approach to the marathon?
Past adversity, including a near-career-ending crash in 2017, contributed to the athlete’s gratitude and perspective. These experiences helped shape his mature mindset, allowing him to find fulfillment in the journey rather than just in outcome-based success.
What role did community play in the athlete's marathon experience?
The community aspect was a powerful part of the athlete’s marathon experience. Sharing the race with 56,500 others in his hometown was a deeply moving, full-circle moment that amplified his sense of connection and appreciation for the sporting community.
#MarathonJourney #AthleticGrowth
