Where I come from

You always hear coaches talk about goals and training programs. We hear their advice, related to preparation and food. All this in connection with an ultimate goal, an end and a finish line. But don't you make the mistake of forgetting too quickly where you are starting from?

I often ask myself, "Why am I doing this?" Whether it's after training, before a workout, after a marathon, or any strenuous outing. For years, we've been hearing about all the benefits of physical activity for mental health. We're bombarded with studies proving we're right to continue on the path to that famous goal. We're bombarded with inspiring quotes from athletes we admire, generation after generation. #cotontige We eat well, we sleep well, we run, we set an example for our friends and children. We CANNOT deviate from the path that leads to the goal.

Then one morning, you exhale harder and longer than usual, closing your eyes. With your eyes closed for five seconds, you go limp. It's long enough to see yourself on a podium in the desert, as if in a dream. Long enough to feel your feet trapped in the magnetic, sucking sand that tickles and scratches your ankles and calves. Afraid of collapsing up to your knees in this micro-dream , alone and disoriented. Nothing around to hold onto, nothing to save you. You're hot and trembling. Panic. The verb and the word "PANIC." It's a far cry from what you've read about visualization… The more you panic, the hotter you get and the more you tremble.

It is by opening our eyes that we make an important decision. We decide to forget our goal for a while and instead remember where we came from. 

I think, think back to my latest first exit. 12 years ago, I took the money I was given on my birthday to go buy myself a motorcycle pair of shoes in a specialized store. I remember going around the store at least 3 times, touching everything, dreaming and listening to customers left and right asking questions on all kinds of stuff and topics. I hear a young woman discussing with an employee about the last 10 kilometers of her marathon in relation to her choice of clothing and equipment. I feel like an impostor. I feel like a neophyte. I feel like a little bird nestled on his shoulder, curious and listening. A dream takes shape, that of lose 20 pounds do a marathon.

Here are portraits of some marathon runners in connection with specific moments in their life. The morning they made the decision to start the run.

Eric, 43 years old, father of 2 children
Where I'm from ... I'm 25 pounds overweight. I eat badly and too much. I eat anytime and sleep little. I've never run and I don't think I like it. I promised my family that I was going to run a marathon, but I'm scared. I'm afraid of not succeeding.

Manon, 38, accountant
Where I come from… It hurts all over, I'm depressed. I lost my mother to cancer 3 years ago and I am afraid of the disease until insomnia. I'm ugly, but everyone thinks I'm pretty. They tell me out of pity, I guess. The confidence I had in myself left me at the same time as my mother Lucie. 

Martin, 42, dad of a 13-year-old girl, entrepreneur
Where I'm from… I work 75 hours a week. I eat 5 times a week in restaurants. I don't have time to go see my daughter play volleyball. Yet she is one of the best in her school. I feel guilty. I often vape with a colleague. Even on vacation, I work. I obviously don't have time to train. I envy those who have time for it.

Stéphanie, 34, mom at home
Where I come from… I gave life to a child 3 months ago, for the third time in 6 years. My boyfriend works all the time. He often plays poker with his boyfriends on Friday nights. I'm alone at home, with Tristan, Magalie and Laurie (our 3 beautiful children). Everyone tells me that I am lucky, and that I am living the dream of every woman in the world. I am not allowed to complain, but I often cry in secret. My mother-in-law is still here to help me. I'm going crazy. I collapse. I feel alone. I'm exhausted. I feel like I'm useless.

Thomas, 16
Where I am from… I was chosen in my school's elite soccer team. I don't have cardio. I feel worse than the others. I finished last in the group in the beep endurance test (Luc Léger). It's embarassing. Émilie knew about it. I'm in love with her. She doesn't know. I will do everything to be among the best in 6 months. I know, it's stupid… But I want to impress her.

Diane, 68 years old
Where I come from ... My retirement allows me to throw my schedule in the trash. I like the peace and I love spending time with my friends. I still have the impression that life is too short and that time flies too quickly. I would like to live longer. I have been a Grandma for 1 month.

And you, where are you from?

Hugo clermont

- For Tréma marketing; - Passionate runner, certified trainer and 4x marathon runner.

See Full Bio