Chasing Goals And Catching Sunrises In El Medano.
In 2023, Yoni decided to dust off his running shoes and tackle a marathon.
Talk about ambitious! To keep himself accountable, he signed up for the Tenerife Marathon—nine months in advance. Yikes!
It had been 15 years since his last marathon, a grueling New York City adventure.
He knew he needed professional help this time around. After a few mountain runs, he realized he couldn’t do this alone.
Enter Mark, a former army trainer turned personal coach. With four early morning workouts a week and long weekend runs, Yoni’s life transformed overnight.
For someone who used to have breakfast around 1:00 pm, transforming into a person who got up at 6:00 am five times a week was a massive shift.
The challenge was not just physical; it changed his entire daily routine.
Gone were the days of leisurely mornings. Now, he had a strict schedule, a rigorous training regime, and a burning goal.
Inspired by Yoni’s dedication to his health and goal, I decided to join him.
Not in running a marathon, but in my own way, by walking.
For several months, our weekends began at 5:30 am to reach El Medano, the nearest beach, before sunrise.
While Yoni did his morning run, I walked along the beach or hiked up Montana Roja, the Red Mountain, enjoying the sunrise from its peak.
At first, this new routine felt refreshing. The cool morning breeze, the sound of waves crashing, and the sky painted in hues of pink and orange made every early wake-up call worth it. It was a beautiful way to start the day.
We shared quiet moments, cheered each other on, and even made friends with a few early risers who frequented the beach.
But as Yoni’s training intensified, El Medano’s charm couldn’t keep up with the demands. When his runs stretched to 30-35 kilometers, we had to switch to the Las Americas promenade. The change of scenery was less romantic and inviting, but it was necessary for Yoni’s progress. I still supported him by waking up early, and hey, at least I got some exercise and saw some incredible sunrises.
