Enzo, a 31-year-old from the Monts d'Or region, took up running a year ago after a decade away from sports. His motivation came from turning 30 and wanting to lose weight—he had reached 119 kg and was concerned about his health. He will run his first half-marathon in Lyon on Sunday, joining nearly 36,000 other participants. Enzo, who previously worked in construction, had not been involved in sports for ten years before returning to running. He received support from family and friends, including a cousin who is a doctor, a friend who is a coach, and a friend who is a dietician. Together, they helped him create a training program tailored to his body type, designed over a year to prepare for the half-marathon.
To prepare, Enzo had to make significant lifestyle changes. He quit smoking after ten years of consuming two packs a day, reduced his alcohol consumption, and started going to bed earlier to ensure he could run the next day. He began with two runs per week, alternating between walking and running, and now has four to five training sessions per week. He has already completed two timed races, including the 10 km Adidas race in Paris, which he finished in under 1 hour and 10 minutes. However, his participation in races this summer led to injuries, including a stress fracture and a periostitis, which may affect his goal of completing the half-marathon in two hours.
To help with his injuries, Enzo has started participating in Hyrox and Crossfit at a gym in Genas. He has also had to invest in running gear, including shoes specifically designed for heavier individuals. Finding such gear was challenging and expensive, as they wear out quickly due to his weight. He has purchased multiple sets of gear, including his third jacket, second watch, and fifth pair of shoes. Enzo has also worked on his posture to avoid pain and protect his knees. Hydration is important for him, as he loses a significant amount of water while running, requiring at least one liter for a 5 km run. He also monitors his heart rate, which can reach up to 200 beats per minute when he pushes himself.
Running has provided Enzo with mental balance and a sense of accomplishment, especially since he started from zero. He feels a bit stressed before his first half-marathon, having never run more than 13 km before. He will have his family and support team with him, and the event is symbolic for him as he is from Lyon. Enzo aims to run a marathon in a year and eventually the SaintéLyon race.
Local Man Completes First Half-Marathon After Major Life Changes
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