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Here we are again, approaching marathon number 17. You’d think by now, I’d be ok with this. After all, I’ve done the training. The early mornings, the long runs, the physio appointments, the promise of foam rolling, and the endless carbs. I know the drill. I have done this before.

But as the big day approaches, I can’t shake the nerves. The marathon is the party, the moment where all the work is supposed to pay off. And yet, here I am, again, overthinking every step.

As a marathoner, I’ve been here before. I’ve crossed finish lines and felt the runner’s high. I know what it takes to push through the tough km. But no matter how many races I run, I can’t help but feel that little jolt of anxiety before each one. Will I make it? Have I done enough? Is there some unexpected hill I haven’t prepared for?

Runners will want to weave into any conversation that they run. And relate it to what they are currently doing. This my friend, is no exception.

Marathon running reminds me a lot of parenting teens.

The unknown, the questioning, the second guessing – that is parenting teens.

I’ve been through the stages of parenting before. I’ve navigated the toddler tantrums, the first days of school, the homework battles, and all the in-betweens. But parenting a teenager- it’s like stepping up to the start line all over again. You’ve put in the work (years and years of it), but when the stakes feel higher, so do the nerves.

Parenting teens, much like running a marathon, requires a mix of careful preparation and handling the unexpected. Sure, you’ve laid the foundation – given them the tools, the advice, the guidance they need. But life can throw in its share of unexpected twists and turns. Some days, parenting feels like a breeze, and other days, you’re wondering why on earth you signed up for this.

And yet, we keep going. We lace up our shoes, show up for our kids, and do our best to navigate those tricky kms – whether that means negotiating curfew with a teenager or pushing through kilometre 35 with legs that feel like lead.

We push through, as we know the finish line is worth it.

Training for a marathon (have I mentioned it is number 17) has taught me that no matter how prepared you are, doubt will creep in. But that’s part of the journey – and in many ways, that’s what makes the end so rewarding.

The same goes for parenting. We may not always feel ready for what’s coming, but we’ve built the strength over time. We’ve trained for the challenges, even if they show up in ways we didn’t expect.

So here’s to the big party – both in marathons and in raising teens. The nervousness, the excitement, the uncertainty – it’s all part of the process. At the end of the day, whether it’s crossing the 42.2km finish line or watching your child reach their next milestone in life, both are achievements that make every bit of effort worthwhile.

Let’s face it – if we can get a conversation out of a teenager after school, we can handle anything.

Including marathon number 17.