A dream, a plan, and the right guidance: running my first marathon in my home city
For some, running a marathon is a spontaneous decision. For others, it’s a dream that lives quietly in the back of their mind for years. For Margo, an sporty woman from Leuven, that dream first took shape back in 2017. Unfortunately, a knee injury forced her to cancel her entry, and the marathon goal was put on hold.
After that setback, she focused on recovery, gradually rebuilding her running through half marathons and staying injury-free. Slowly but surely, the dream returned.
Eight years later, Margo finally stood on the start line of her very first marathon at the European Running Championships with her sisters by her side, thousands of supporters along the course, and an unforgettable finish in her own city of Leuven.
“Crossing the finish line is something you do on your own, on your own strength,” she says. “That our bodies are capable of this, is a real gift.”
A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity at home
Margo had already run several half marathons, both in Belgium and abroad. But a full marathon? That challenge kept calling her. When she discovered that the European Running Championships would finish in Leuven, and that her sisters wanted to take part as well, she didn’t hesitate for a second.
“It felt like the perfect moment,” she explains. “A major running event finishing in my home city, surrounded by family and friends. Opportunities like that don’t come around often.”
“Consistency is key”
Margo’s marathon journey didn’t start with a rigid training plan. It started years earlier, with learning to listen to her body. She gradually built up her running volume, dealt with minor injuries along the way, and gained a deep understanding of her own limits and strengths. “In 2017 I had already signed up for a marathon, but injury stopped me,” she says. “I let the idea go for a while. But by staying consistent, taking small steps and trusting my body, that dream eventually came back.”
When she felt physically ready again, Margo knew she wanted to approach things differently this time, with experience, and with professional guidance. She found that guidance with Golazo Energy coach Thijs Dekiere, who helped her build a long-term plan with clear intermediate goals.
Measuring progress: the power of testing
Margo completed her first effort test with Golazo Energy several years ago and immediately saw its value. “I love numbers,” she laughs. “A test shows you, black on white, that you’re making progress. It gave me confidence and a real boost to keep training.”
Two years later, at the start of her marathon journey, she returned to coach Thijs for a fully personalised training plan. “By then, Thijs already knew me as a runner. That personal approach makes a huge difference. We checked in every week to adjust the training based on how I was feeling.”
Racing smart, growing mentally
Marathon day felt like the crowning moment of something Margo had been working towards for months, and in reality, for years. Not only physically, but mentally as well. She had learned to trust herself, push her limits, and stay calm under pressure. Thanks to the race strategy prepared by her coach, she approached the 42.2 kilometres with confidence.
“The infamous ‘wall’? Luckily, I didn’t meet it,” she smiles. “Thijs had prepared me well to avoid it. The final kilometres were tough, of course, but with family and friends cheering, and even a friend who spontaneously ran a few kilometres with me, it became a day I’ll never forget.”
“As a sports doctor, I know how important a well-thought-out approach is,” Margo adds. “That’s exactly why this guidance mattered so much. You need someone with expertise who looks at the bigger picture: your pacing, your risks, your progression. Thijs did that. And thanks to him, I finished with pride, without injuries, and with genuine enjoyment.”
A story that keeps moving
Margo remains motivated to take on new sporting challenges, at her own pace, and with the same enthusiasm she had for her first marathon. “Maybe there’ll be a second one someday. Who knows? But one thing is certain: it would be with the guidance of Golazo Energy.”
DO YOU HAVE A RUNNING EVENT COMING UP?
Train with expert guidance and a personalised plan based on scientific testing. Not only will you increase your chances of success, you’ll enjoy the journey a whole lot more, too.
Discover our coaching services