It's been over a week since the race, and my thigh muscles are still sore. Going down the stairs is still a bit awkward, but I've gotten quite used to walking sideways and making figure eights.

When I crossed the finish line with the encouragement of my running friends, the hardships of the previous 42.195 km seemed insignificant because...During the 42 km run, I thought about giving up 43 times, so I decided to do this after the race: become a marathon encourager!And it all starts from running back from the 42.195 km finish line...

- 40 km -

Approaching 40 km, my body and mind were in a terrible state. The thought of giving up appeared in my mind once again. When I 'dragged' myself past a fellow runner who was also struggling, I patted him on the back and said, 'Keep going!' I ran with him for a few hundred meters, telling him how to adjust his footfall. Later, he told me to go ahead, so I bid him farewell and continued forward with difficulty. Running alone was exhausting, and my pace slowed. At a little over 41 km, I could vaguely see the finish line, but my steps grew heavier, and I started to walk. The runner I had met earlier caught up with me. We encouraged each other and finally sprinted to the finish line together. I couldn't believe that despite shouting about giving up the whole way, I actually finished the race!The runner who finished with me said that my 'Keep going!' gave him strength. I wanted to tell him that I cheered him on because I was out of energy myself.

- 35 km -

After entering the second half of the 35 km mark, I seemed to hit the infamous 'wall,' the phase that runners dread, where legs become stiff, cold sweat breaks out, and it's like hearing that the Evil-Repelling Sword Manual has resurfaced, with all the bloody scenes playing out in my mind! My already extremely fatigued body could only move forward inch by inch on sheer willpower. I wanted to get on the support vehicle because from 28 to 33 km, every time I reached a supply station, I wanted to stop for water and snacks. My body wasn't dehydrated; I just wanted to rest. But reason told me: you can't stop. Once you stop, it will be hard to start running again. Fortunately, my muscles didn't cramp, thanks to the long-distance training before the race. As I passed another supply station,I gave a thumbs-up to the volunteers, earning cheers, which served as a kind of supply too.If it weren't for the cheering banners along the road saying things like 'Thinking of stopping? I think you can hold on a bit longer' and 'Always keep smiling because you paid to run,' I might have quit right then and there.The closer I got to the end of the second half, the nearer the known 'wall' phase approached. I could only keep encouraging myself to persist, persist, and persist again, kilometer by kilometer, until I finally reached 40 km.

- 22 km -

I kept a steady pace, following the goals and plans set before the race. At the supply station around 10 km, I took a cup of water.There were many cheerleading squads along the road, and their enthusiastic 'Keep going!' chants made my steps feel much lighter.According to the plan, the next supply point was at 18 km. Drinking some energy drink or eating a piece of banana would help me hold on until about 22 km, and then I could take an energy gel. I kept reminding myself not to run too fast becausefor marathon runners, the half-marathon is just the beginning of the race.If you run too hard in the first half, you might collapse in the second half.

- 8 km -

Before the starting gun, standing in the crowd, I didn't feel cold at all despite wearing short sleeves. Because it wasmy first time participating in an offline marathon, my first time gathering with so many people for a 'carnival,' and my first time seeing a real 'pacer.' Meeting the pacer was incredibly exciting!So much so that as soon as we started, I unknowingly ran faster. From the 600 pacer at 500 meters, I caught up to the 400 pacer by 5 km! Realizing I was going too fast, I slightly slowed my pace.I followed how my body felt; as long as it felt comfortable, it was okay.

- 0 km -

At 11:00 PM the night before the race, I sat by the hotel window, having packed my gear for the race, looking at the course I would run the next day.I suddenly felt like crying: after running for 1 year and 7 months, and nearly 3 months of marathon training, it was all to fulfill the wish I made when I started running: to complete a full marathon in my limited life. And when I stood on the course the next day, all the sweat and injuries condensed into that moment—thankfully, the tears didn't fall.Standing in the starting crowd, I knew: I could finish the race. There might be countless times I would want to give up, but as a strong-willed runner, I knew I could do it.

As someone who cares about all athletes, I started running, working out, and cycling from being a weak rabbit to becoming Codoon's Chief Cuteness Officer, Rabbit Strong. I understand the difficulties of the path of exercise, especially when I wanted to give up 43 times during the 42 km run. I decided that after completing the marathon, I would become a marathon encourager, which meanstraining with you seriously before the race, cheering you on along the marathon course, caring for you at supply stations, and celebrating with you at the finish line!(Click ↓ to get the Codoon Cool Marathon Encourager)

Don't be fooled by my height of 42.195 cm (yes, the same as a full marathon) and weight of 21 kg (as heavy as a half marathon). I am outwardly positive and optimistic, always ready to help, and inwardly soft and considerate.When you're feeling down, I can give you a hug. When you need comfort, I'll be by your side. I can be your pillow, your pet, or the warmth and thoughtfulness you give to a friend. Take me home; I have many secrets to share with you.(Click ↓ to take Codoon Cool home)

For us, a marathon

is a battle against ourselves,

it speaks of persistence,

repeats the ordinary,

and encourages us to be our best selves!

And I, Codoon Cool,

want to be the most special encourager among those who cheer you on~

*This article represents the author's views only and not those of Codoon; some images are from the internet. If there is any infringement, please inform us to delete them.