Story by Kenneth Evers
My Unexpected Journey into Running
If you had told me six years ago that I’d be running marathons and competing in Ironman triathlons, I would have laughed and probably asked if you were confusing me with someone else. My life before 2018 was anything but active. Sport was never my thing. In fact, I went out of my way to avoid it. But life has a funny way of leading you down paths you never expected to take, and that’s exactly what happened to me.
The Beginning of Running Journey
My journey into running started almost accidentally. It was 2018, and I was at a family birthdayparty when my wife received a text from a friend. The friend was asking if she wanted to join her in running the Copenhagen Half Marathon later that year—just for fun. My wife, who had never run more than 10 kilometers before, immediately declined, saying the 21 kilometers of a half marathon seemed far too daunting.
That’s when I, in a moment of cockiness, blurted out, “Come on, anyone can run a half marathon!” My wife quickly turned the tables on me and said, “Well then, why don’t you do it?” Not one to back down from a challenge, I found myself signing up for the race.
Here’s the kicker: I hadn’t run since high school, and even then, it was only because I was forced to in gym class—a subject I hated. Reasonably, you’d think I’d start training for the race right away. But I’m not always the most reasonable person when it comes to these things, so I didn’t train at all. In fact, I didn’t even own a pair of running shoes.
The First Race: A Wake-Up Call
As race day approached, I realized I couldn’t show up in my everyday sneakers, so I went to the local convenience store and bought the cheapest pair of running shoes I could find. I also picked up a basic shirt and shorts, thinking that would be enough. On the morning of the race, I unboxed the shoes—I hadn’t even tried them on before—and headed to the race venue.
When I arrived, the sheer size of the event overwhelmed me. There were about 15,000 participants that year, and as I looked around, I felt completely out of my depth. Everyone seemed like they knew what they were doing, while I felt like an imposter. But the gun went off,
and there was no turning back.
I started running, one foot in front of the other, and to my surprise, I was actually able to keep going. Kilometer by kilometer, I pushed forward, and by the time I reached the 10-kilometer mark, I was amazed at myself. “This isn’t as hard as I thought,” I remember thinking. But, as with most things in life, I had been a bit naive.
At the 16-kilometer mark, I hit the wall—hard. My legs cramped up, and every step became a struggle. The last five kilometers felt like they would never end. But I remembered my cocky statement from months before, “Anyone can run a half marathon,” and knew I had to finish, if only to prove myself right. With sheer willpower and determination, I kept moving, and after 2 hours and 47 minutes, I crossed the finish line.
Another kicker: Because of my lack of training and the sheer effort I put my body through, I almost couldn’t walk after crossing the finish line. I took the train back home but had to drive my car from the train station the last stretch home. The problem? Stairs.
At the train station, I had to walk up a set of stairs to reach the parking lot, but I simply couldn’t manage it. Driving the car would have been irresponsible, so I had to phone my wife to come get me. She laughed the entire way, pointing out my non-working legs. She was proud of me, of course, but couldn’t hold back her laughter. It took several days before I was able to walk almost normally again.
But those struggles only reinforced the significance of what I had accomplished. Despite the pain and exhaustion, the pride I felt overshadowed everything else. It was a hard-earned victory, not just over the course, but over my own doubts and limitations. That race ignited something inside me—a desire to see how much further I could push myself, what other “impossible” goals I could achieve.
The Turning Point: From a One-Time Thing to a Lifestyle
Crossing that finish line was one of the most emotional moments of my life. I was in tears—happy tears. I couldn’t believe that I had just completed a half marathon. That medal meant the world to me because it was a physical token of what I had achieved, something I never thought possible.
I was hooked. Almost immediately after the race, I signed up for the same event the following year. But this time, I knew I had to train. I started running more consistently, following a training plan from April onward, and when the 2019 race rolled around, I was much better prepared. I finished in 2:00:58, nearly 47 minutes faster than my previous time.
That’s when my journey truly began. I started signing up for more races, gradually increasing the distance and difficulty. Running became something I genuinely enjoyed, not just for the physical benefits but also for the sense of accomplishment it gave me. Each race was a new challenge, a new opportunity to push myself further than I thought possible.
The Role of Community: Finding My Tribe
As I became more involved in running, I discovered the incredible community that comes with it. I started following other runners on Instagram, many of whom I began meeting at various events. This community quickly became a big motivator for me. The friendships I’ve formed through running are some of the most meaningful relationships in my life today.
We support each other, share our successes and setbacks, and motivate each other to keep going. The running community is one of the most welcoming and encouraging groups of people I’ve ever encountered. It’s no exaggeration to say that these connections have played a significant role in my continued passion for the sport.
From Marathons to Ironman: Pushing the Limits
Since that first half marathon in 2018, I’ve completed over 25 marathons, several ultramarathons, and, in 2021, I became an Ironman finisher at Ironman Copenhagen. The journey from a casual half marathon to completing an Ironman is something I never could have imagined, but it has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.
Ironman Copenhagen was particularly special. The race consists of a 3.8 km swim, a 180 km bike ride, and a full marathon (42.2 km) to finish it off. It was, without a doubt, the most physically and mentally challenging event I’ve ever participated in. But crossing that finish line after 14 hours of continuous effort was an indescribable feeling. It was the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and the belief that I could do more than I ever thought possible.
Setting New Goals: The Six Majors and Beyond
Today, my running journey continues. I’ve set a new goal for myself: to complete all six of the World Marathon Majors—Berlin, Chicago, New York, London, Tokyo, and Boston. So far, I’ve completed Berlin and Chicago, and I’m excited to tackle the remaining four. It will likely take several more years to achieve this, but that’s part of the appeal. Setting big goals and working towards them is what keeps me motivated.
In addition to the marathons, I’ve also signed up for another Ironman in 2025. This time, I’m aiming to beat my previous finish time. It won’t be easy, but I’m confident that with the right training and mindset, I can do it.
The Impact of Running on My Life
Running has become a cornerstone of my life. It’s more than just a hobby; it’s a way to unwind, clear my mind, and stay physically and mentally healthy. But perhaps most importantly, it’s taught me that nothing is impossible if you set your mind to it. The journey from a non-athlete to an Ironman finisher has been incredible, and I’m continually amazed at what I’ve been able to achieve.
Looking back, I’m so thankful that I took that first step into running. It has enriched my life in ways I never could have anticipated. The friendships I’ve made, the challenges I’ve overcome, and the goals I’ve achieved have all contributed to a sense of fulfillment and joy that I didn’t know was missing from my life before.
Conclusion: The Journey Continues
As I continue on this journey, I’m excited to see where it will take me next. Whether it’s completing the Six Majors, tackling another Ironman, or simply enjoying a run with friends, I know that running will remain a central part of my life. And if my story can inspire even one person to take up running or to push beyond their perceived limits, then it’s all been worth it.
Thanks for taking the time to read my story. I hope it inspires you to set your own goals and chase after them with everything you’ve got. Remember, it’s never too late to start something new, and with determination and hard work, anything is possible.