Kieran's Marathon Journey

When did you join healthy habit and why? 

I joined Healthy Habit in March 2024. I joined to add some cross training for the NY marathon in November 2024. But more importantly I joined to help my mental health. I had been training on my own for a long time after covid. It was important for me to integrate back into a training group. I feel very fortunate to be part of a group of such lovely people who have brought a lot of lost happiness back to me.

What made you want to run a marathon? 

My first marathon was in the Gold Coast in 2013. I had completed a few half marathons and decide to take up the challenge of the marathon. I was running solo back then and made ever mistake a first-time marathoner could make. I didn’t just hit the wall; I got buried underneath it, but I finished, and I am proud of that

What were your highs and lows during the training or on the day? 

The low in training for the Sydney marathon 2025 was the Winter weather.

 I remember two distinct training days. One was when I was running through cooks river at 6am in the pitch dark and my hands were frozen. And the second day was running home after the City2Surf in the torrential rain.

The high in the marathon training was training with the HHF group, sharing thoughts and positivity around the event. And checking the weather forecast the week of the event and seeing no rain!!

The high in the marathon itself was crossing the finish line. No matter how well things are going, there are no guarantees that the last KMs after 30kms will go well. I’ve had some very mixed experiences during this stretch, and I never take for granted the feeling of happiness and relief crossing the finish line.

What goes to your mind when you’re running a marathon? 

I could fall down a very large rabbit hole here in terms of all the things that have gone through my head over the years while running a marathon. The important thing for me is to stay relaxed and think positive, happy thoughts. I tend to let my mind wander to occasions where I was happy and think about the people who matter most to me in my life.

What’s next? 

Spell check.

What advice would you give to anyone who is considering a half marathon or marathon?

Surround yourself with positive, happy people and train in a group.

Be patient. The reward for patience is patience. There will be inevitable setbacks. This happens to everyone. Keep going………..!

Be kind to yourself.

It takes a lot of courage to give something challenging a go and a lot of perseverance to keep going. If you can do this, you have succeeded no matter what your result in the race itself.

P.S. Be kind to yourself.

If you are keen to start running in a group then try out our Run Club at Sydney Park. We have a Beginners Group and an Intermediate - Advanced Group. Click for more info here.