80,000 kilometers of flight, unlocking unknown cities through marathons

I live in a leisurely small city called Zibo in Shandong, leading a routine life. On the last day of July 2014, I recorded my first run using an app, struggling to complete 3 kilometers on the track in two sessions. With no goal and no one to supervise me, this repetitive leg movement gradually became a habit. Running less than 100 kilometers a month, not knowing about stretching or recovery, and unaware of pacing, I completed my first half marathon three months later. Riding the wave of excitement, I finished my first full marathon in Xiamen on New Year's Day 2015, back when registration didn't require a lottery. Without running buddies, technical knowledge, or proper gear, the pain I endured during this period was something only I could understand.

After completing marathons in Xiamen, Beijing, and Shanghai, I realized that constantly challenging my speed and personal bests was meaningless since I wasn't a professional athlete. Why not focus on experiencing the unique charm of each city instead?

Running to see the world, to appreciate landscapes I never dared to imagine, and to live experiences only seen in movies, makes life more fulfilling and exciting. So, I planned my first international marathon—the Seoul Marathon, the closest to home.

The Seoul Marathon starts at Gwanghwamun Square (equivalent to our Tiananmen Square), with the ancient royal palace Gyeongbokgung (equivalent to the Forbidden City) behind it, and ends at Jamsil Sports Complex, the main venue of the 1988 Seoul Olympics (equivalent to our Bird's Nest). The route passes by City Hall, Dongdaemun History & Culture Park, Cheonggyecheon, Gwangjang Market, Lotte World, and crosses the Han River via Jamsil Bridge, taking you from Gangbuk to Gangnam style. If you haven't been to Seoul, running this marathon will take you through almost all the city's iconic areas. It's a very standard city marathon, showcasing both new and old buildings, modern skyscrapers, and historical red brick and blue tile structures. Running through areas usually visited for shopping and dining offers a unique flavor.

Before the trip, I prepared various travel guides and historical knowledge. One race, traversing through time—let's go! Traveling in the name of a marathon!

Since then, I've fallen in love with running in unfamiliar cities. You never see the same scenery twice; every step is fresh, like meeting a lover you've never seen before, filled with uncontrollable excitement. Running here feels exhilarating, like unlocking a new game map, full of curiosity and exploration. Every passerby you meet, whether you exchange smiles or greet them in broken English and ask for a photo, responds with NPC-like enthusiasm. Running in cities like Paris, Rome, and Vatican City fills me with respect for their historical buildings. Every building in the main city has a history of hundreds of years, and the cultural heritage is preserved as seen in history books. Every statue, square, and courtyard has its own story. Running a city marathon or a loop around the city feels like conquering it, with landmarks, squares, scenery, and historical sites all etched in your memory, becoming a lifelong treasure.

Traveling and running is also a learning process. When I meet more outstanding fellow runners, I learn from their strengths. Besides basic running techniques, I deliberately learn skills like writing, photography, video shooting, and post-production. These skills help me document my experiences more richly and completely, making my life more exciting. I'm also honored that my race reports and videos resonate with many people. Despite the various voices in the online world, I stick to my path. I believe that success is running in your own way. If marathon running is a belief, then I should go to Athens, the origin, to experience it. Four years of growth have given me the courage to go to any unfamiliar destination, even on an impromptu trip. So, I boarded another flight abroad for a long-planned pilgrimage.

At the origin of the marathon, the birthplace of the Olympics, and the romantic Santorini... Standing at the starting line of the Athens Marathon in Marathon Town, all the passionate scenes I had imagined were absent. After dozens of races over four years, I felt incredibly calm. This inner peace and mental clarity best define running, marathons, and surpassing oneself. Following the route of the ancient messenger, I reached the finish line at the Panathenaic Stadium, the venue of the first modern Olympics. I slowly enjoyed the entire stadium, taking in the historical marble and the towering architectural marvels, while also enjoying the cheers from the audience. Standing there, I savored the history and culture, and the glory of achieving my dream despite the hardships. I navigated through the crowd, climbed the marble steps to the highest point of the stadium, and unfurled the five-starred red flag, capturing an unforgettable photo.

The best growth comes from experience. Over four years, Codoon has logged over 10,000 kilometers of running and 80,000 kilometers of flying, making me incredibly strong.

Whether intense or mild; success or failure; smooth or challenging; sweet, sour, bitter, or spicy; joy, anger, sorrow, or happiness—after experiencing all this, perhaps one day when I look back on life, my figure will be in those distant dreams. Looking back, I realize I am no longer the same, yet I am still myself.

This is my marathon growth story.

I am Wildfire, running through life in my own way.