Have you ever ventured so far outside your comfort zone that even your own shadow seems unsure of what lies ahead? That pretty much describes my debut into marathon pacing. I've tackled plenty of 10Ks, 5Ks, and even 12-kilometer races, but stepping up to help pace a 2:08 marathon group and aiming to hit 64 minutes at the halfway mark feels like setting off for uncharted waters—exciting, nerve-racking, and brimming with possibility.

The Big Leap: From 12K to a Half Marathon

I’ve spent years flirting with shorter distances, working on speed, and focusing on technique. Heading beyond that 12-kilometer barrier, though, still feels new—which is precisely why I love it. Much like the exponential growth we see when we invest in ourselves (or finances), this marathon training mindset challenges both the body and the brain in unfamiliar ways. If you’ve followed legendary athletes like Lionel Sanders (who, in my eyes, is Mr. No Limits), you know that pushing boundaries is the key to personal growth.

Training with Alex: The Power of Teamwork

Enter Alex: my training partner and fellow explorer in the land of long-distance running. We synced up for some seriously demanding sessions—10x1 mile workouts and 15x1K workouts. Each interval felt like taking a step deeper into unknown territory, but we discovered that the secret sauce to success is often simple: teamwork. There’s power in having someone around to motivate you when your legs are screaming, “No more!” and your mind is teetering on the edge of giving up.

The Mental and Physical Challenge

If there’s one thing that stands out, it’s the unpredictability of marathon pacing. No matter how meticulously you plan, the race has a mind of its own. That’s where this entire transition becomes a true test of grit and resilience. That extra mileage invites new levels of physical and mental preparation. You’re no longer just training to cross a finish line; you’re also learning to navigate your body’s signals and doubts in real time. It’s the practical definition of venturing outside your comfort zone: uncertain, thrilling, and transformative all at once.

Pacing Now, Dreaming of the Full Marathon Later

While pacing in the TCS London Marathon this year is my main task, there’s no hiding the fact that I’m already imagining running the full 26.2 miles down the line. The day will come when I’ll shift from a supporting role to being center stage myself. Until then, I’m savoring this hands-on learning experience—because sometimes one of the best ways to prepare for your future goals is to immerse yourself in the process of helping others reach theirs.

Embrace the Unknown

Yes, it’s intimidating to see how Alex, or even I, will respond to those final miles. That’s the beauty of it: growth happens when you say yes to the stuff that scares you. Stepping up, challenging yourself, and supporting someone else in the process turns what might have been a lonely battle of endurance into an inspiring journey of athlete collaboration.

Final Thoughts

As the big day approaches, I’m reminded that triumph in a marathon doesn’t just belong to those who cross first—it also belongs to those who keep showing up, keep putting in the miles, and keep believing that there’s something extraordinary waiting beyond their comfort zone. Here’s to the spirit of pacing, training, and tackling the unknown. Bring on that halfway split at 64 minutes, because this is only the beginning of something greater to come.