Travel with Mia!

Happy 2025 to all! My new year’s resolution is to get caught up on blog posts…

On November 10, 2024, I ran the Authentic Athens Marathon. And I know what you’re thinking: Mia was planning on running a marathon? The answer is no, I was not. In early September, the Fulbright cohort was offered a few spots in the 5k, 10k, and full-length marathon race. Given that my best friend (Lani) was coming to Athens to run it, I figured I couldn’t pass up the chance to do it with her. So, in the company of a few other Fulbrighters, we started our 2-month training countdown to the Athens Marathon.

Though un-anticipated, training ended up being a great way to get to know my neighborhood and beyond.

Upper left: a faded sign from the 2004 Olympics, seen on my first long run. Upper middle: another Fulbrighter/marathoner, Thomas, on our long run in northern Greece. Upper right: the view of Athens from Mt. Hymettus (what I would call the “Forest Park” of Athens), a popular running destination. Bottom left: selfie! of me running in the Athens Olympic Sports Center, open to runners and other athletes to use recreationally. Bottom right: a neighborhood run at sunset.

The marathon day was full of many feelings: excitement, nerves, pain (in my knees, starting around mile 16), relief, exhaustion, and joy. The course was beautiful, with the route starting in the town of Marathon and ending in the Olympic Stadium.

This route is significant in Greek history: it is believed that, after the Battle of Marathon, a Greek messenger ran this exact route to alert the Athenians that they won the war. According to the legend, this messenger collapsed and died after announcing the news. I can attest that this is believable, as that is exactly how I felt after crossing the finish line.

The route was very hilly, but the weather was incredible. Crowds lined the streets throughout, handing out olive branches and high fives to the runners. I feel so grateful to have had the opportunity to experience my new home in this new and exciting way.

Upper left: the Fulbrighters came out to cheer us on! Upper right: Lani, Thomas and I biting our medals. Bottom left: Lani and I in our ponchos before starting the race. Bottom left middle: Me at the finish line! Bottom right middle: Lani at the marathon expo. Bottom right: Lani posing in front of the acropolis (in the distance) while we watched the 5k.

After finishing the marathon, we ate an incredible pizza from Tre Sorelle Pizza in the Pangrati Neighborhood of Athens, near the Olympic Stadium. I highly recommend their margarita pizza (though I don’t have any pictures because my phone died).

This was such an incredible experience, and I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to run the Athens Marathon while living here!