She concluded her pre-race thoughts by emphasizing mutual support among local runners. "I'll be there to cheer them on on Saturday," said Fahie.
She looked forward to seeing her friends return the favor during her marathon performance. "And hopefully they're there on Sunday," said Fahie.
Participant Roch Pedida, 29, returned to the 10-kilometer race for the third time since taking up the sport in 2020 to rebuild his mental and physical confidence following a challenging year.
"I call it the longest conversation that you have with yourself," said Pedida.
He described the pre-race atmosphere as an initial rollercoaster of baggage checks and routines that transitions into absolute calm once runners gather inside their starting corrals.
"Essentially throughout, you just keep asking yourself, how are you feeling? What adjustments do you need to make?
Do you need to have a drink of water? Just having that conversation with yourself," said Pedida.
Pedida utilized a structured regimen featuring a running coach, weightlifting, speed paces, and weekend long runs lasting up to two and a half hours to prepare for the course.
"And in the final one to two kilometres, that's when I empty the gas tank and go for it, just knowing the finish line is almost there," said Pedida.
He highlighted the profound sense of personal accomplishment that emerges immediately after crossing the finish line and receiving the finisher's medal.
"Damn, I really did that," said Pedida.
Pedida emphasized that every athlete should feel immense satisfaction simply for enduring the demanding training required to participate.
