Marathon

Why 26.2 Miles?

The marathon wasn’t always 26.2 miles. Its origin traces back to 490 BCE, when the Greek soldier Pheidippides ran from the battlefield of Marathon to Athens- about 25 miles-to announce victory over the Persians.

When the first modern Olympics were held in Athens in 1896, organizers set the marathon distance at about 24.85 miles (40 km) to honor that historic run. For years after, marathon races varied in length- some just over 24 miles, some closer to 26.

The distance we know today- 26 miles 385 yards (42.195 km)- was set during the 1908 London Olympics. The organizers wanted the race to start at Windsor Castle so the royal children could watch the start, and end right in front of Queen Alexandra’s royal box. That odd adjustment locked the marathon forever at 26.2 miles.

By 1921, the International Amateur Athletic Federation made it the official distance for all marathons worldwide.

My Marathon Story

And now here I am- just 31 days away from the New York City Marathon, one of the greatest stages in the running world.

If I’m honest, I’m not trained the way I dreamed I would be. My long runs have been scattered, my mileage has fallen short, and I’ve questioned more than once if I belong at that start line.

But here’s the truth: running has never been about perfection for me. It’s always been about faith.

The marathon itself is a story of endurance- of carrying messages, of pushing beyond limits, of finishing something bigger than yourself. And this year, I step into that story not because I feel perfectly prepared, but because I believe in showing up with the heart of faith.

How I Keep Bouncing Back

One thing that has carried me through injury, setbacks, and exhaustion has been GoodyPaks- the blends of herbs I created during my own health battles.

I’ve lived with chronic inflammation, fatigue, and setbacks that nearly stopped me from running at all. But these teas- rooted in Chinese medicine and designed for recovery- have helped me calm inflammation, restore balance, and bounce back when I thought I couldn’t.

Every time I sip them after a long run or a hard day, I’m reminded that healing isn’t quick, but it’s possible with consistency, ritual, and care. That’s why I built GoodyPaks- not just for myself, but for every runner, every dreamer, every person who needs a reset.

The Finish Line Ahead

On November 2, I will run through all five boroughs of this city- 26.2 miles set in history, now becoming part of my own. Not by strength alone, but by trust, courage, herbs that heal, and God’s grace carrying me every step.

Because the marathon, like life, is about rising again and again- body, mind, and spirit.