05/09/2026
We’ve had a few people recently pull out of upcoming marathons due to injury or illness. They’re understandably devastated, disappointed and wondering, *“Is this it for me?”*
I want to remind them—and anyone else facing a setback—that **this is not the end of your running journey.**
In 2020, I was one of the first people in Australia to contract COVID-19. I became extremely unwell with double pneumonia, followed by long COVID and a diagnosis of narcolepsy. It was an incredibly difficult time and significantly affected my ability to exercise and train.
For a while, I honestly wondered whether I would ever feel like myself again. But I didn’t give up. I focused on recovering, listened to my body and took things one day at a time. Eventually, I found my way back and went on to finish the 2022 TCS New York City Marathon in **3:43:56**.
In 2023, after the death of my mother, I ran the Paris Marathon in **3:40**. Later that year, I ran the Berlin Marathon in **3:40** too.
Sometimes, you can’t truly appreciate how strong you are until life puts you through something difficult. My journey reminded me that setbacks can change your timeline, but they don’t have to define your future.
If you’ve had to withdraw from a marathon, it’s okay to grieve the disappointment. Be sad. Be frustrated. But please don’t mistake a pause for the end.
Your health comes first. The race can wait. With patience, the right support and time, you can come back stronger—not by rushing back, but by taking the next small step when you’re ready.
You are stronger than you think, and you will get through this.
**This is not the end. It’s just one chapter.** 💛🏃♀️
