Forward

I have been a casual runner for all my life doing around 40-50k a week. Max 10k a run, a few 12-16k, and a couple of 21Ks. Never joined a team, never raced, and never ran a marathon, nevertheless it was always on my mind since 2003 the first Beirut Marathon association race.

A year ago, at semiretired age 57, while having a coffee at my usual morning hangout facing the American University of Beirut watching the students full of life, energetic and looking forward for the future, I felt dissatisfied withstanding still with no purpose to look for a challenge.

That is when I decided to pursue seriously my passion for running and prepare for my first marathon. Thanks to a friend, Wissam Terro, previous director of the BMA, he introduced me to Coach Walid Kabbani founder of TeamWeLead, a community running team for all walks of life.

This was my turning point, eight months into scheduled trainings, I was able to race 10ks, 21ks and achieve personal best (PB) records, and complete my first marathon.

It has been one of my most affirming, challenging and fun life experiences which I want to pass to others of my age category stating that nothing is impossible and challenging ourselves gives us the spirit and purpose to Keep Going and stay fit.