40 Kilometers of Grit: Lessons from the marathon I couldn’t finish 

Pain stopped me at 40km, but the lessons will carry me far beyond 42.2km!

The past couple of months have been some of the most challenging of my life. 

In May, after taking on the Miway Wally Hayward half marathon, I summoned the courage to sign up for my first full marathon. Upon my decision to sign up, I spent time reading about full marathon training programmes. I learned quickly that a marathon requires not only 18 weeks of structured training but also discipline in nutrition, rest and recovery.  

I checked my calendar, registered and boldly stepped  into my training season. My decision was driven by a burning desire to test my limits. As an endurance runner, every race or half marathon I had run left me stronger and that strength demanded a new challenge–42km. Deep down, I also knew that my ultimate dream is the ultimate human race in 2027: Comrades Marathon 

What they don’t tell you about marathon training is that it feels like a full-time job. Scheduled weekend long runs, strength training, easy runs, progression runs or tempo runs to mention a few. Every day has its assignment that requires you to complete and tick off. Then comes the unexpected injuries: aches, pains on your body and whispers of imposter syndrome. There are days where you just want to give up and yes those days come. 

But running teaches patience. You learn to start slow, find your breathing and settle into rhythm. I call this “my rhythm space”–a space where my mind, body and breath work together. 

I use this space to monitor my breathing, tap into my comfortable pace and relax my nerves.

From there, my mental game plan begins: breaking kilometers into manageable chunks, tackling them one at a time–every kilometer is gradually mapped out carefully and tells a story of my next move. That’s where my grit takes over– pushing through pain and trusting my heavy legs to lead me to glory.

On the 14th September 2025, I  summoned my grit at 25km. But at 27km, everything changed.

A sharp hamstring pain struck and I fought to walk it off, hoping it would disappear. At 29km, I tried to run again, but the pain wouldn’t let go. I slowed down, adjusted my pace and kept moving.  My body was ready to fight but I battled to run with my grit pace. By  40km I had to surrender. I called for help. My first full marathon ended there.

But here’s the truth: giving up is not defeat. Sometimes, stepping back is the bravest choice, especially when recovery is the key to running again.

In running an injury that has not fully recovered can have lifelong consequences. I don’t see my first attempt as failure– it was the beginning of something beautiful.  

I stuck to 18 weeks of disciplined training. I ran on cold days. I ate differently.  I showed up when I didn’t feel like it. That commitment revealed a version of myself I didn’t know existed. That’s not failure–that’s victory. 

Running is not just about the streets. It’s about discipline, resilience and endurance–qualities that make us unstoppable in life, too.

I am deeply grateful to my family, always cheering at every finish line and my friends and running community for their unwavering support. 

And yes–I’ve  already signed up for my next full marathon. This story isn’t over.  We will meet at the finish line.

Yours in running.

Phiwe Mncwabe is a pan-African storyteller, blogger and founder of Botlhale Hub Afrika.

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