Life is the Marathon: Grief, Grit, and the Miles Between

If you’d told me two years ago that I’d be running the LA Marathon, I’d have called you crazy.

My name is Tréz. I’m 32 years old, born in Baltimore, Maryland—and I’m a runner.

I started running in February 2023, just to get in shape for the summer. At first, it was 30 seconds walking, 30 seconds running. Slowly, I increased my time until I could run without stopping—and something just clicked.

In July 2024, I joined A Tribe Called Run. My first run with them was a long run—5 miles—and I loved it. That’s when I learned about their Monday runs, which had an even bigger turnout. I came the following Monday and immediately fell in love with the group. Before each run, they cover the route, go over housekeeping and run etiquette, but what really stuck with me was the weekly land acknowledgment. It’s rooted in unity, solidarity with Palestine, and a reminder that no matter our differences, we run as one. I thought that was beautiful.

In October, I ran my first half marathon with Tribe. Soon after, talk of the LA Marathon came up. At first, I said, “No way,” but something told me to go for it. Will, the group leader, encouraged us to start training while details were still being finalized. I committed to the plan before I even knew if I was going.

Then, in December, my grandfather passed away. I didn’t run for two weeks. I felt numb. The thing that brought me the most joy—running—suddenly wasn’t enough. I felt like I’d failed him. But I also felt like I’d fail him more if I didn’t follow through with the marathon. When I found out I was officially going, something reignited in me. I got back to work, adjusted my plan, and made up for lost time.

As the marathon approached, people kept checking in—“How are you feeling? Are you ready?” And honestly, I didn’t know. I was still navigating grief, just trying to keep it together. Then suddenly, I was in LA. We had a big group dinner the night before, loaded up, and got our minds right. I barely slept—I was so anxious—but before I knew it, it was 4 AM and time to go.

We met up at Dodger Stadium. The sun started rising, the energy was electric. I wasn’t scared anymore—I was excited. We walked to the start line, hit our watches, and 26.2 miles later… I was a marathoner.

Around mile 21 or 22, I hit the wall. I wanted to quit. But I kept thinking about my “why.” I started talking to my Pop in my head. I could hear him say, “I never lose, son—I either win or I learn.” I repeated that out loud for the last four miles. I thought about the group runs, the post-run talks, the cheer squads, the land acknowledgment. And I pushed through.

When I finished, I found the group and broke down. They told me to take it all in—and I did. I cried. This whole experience has been incredible.

Tribe is an amazing group. I’ll say it a million times. The way they show up and show out for their people is unreal. There are so many folks in this group doing amazing, even barrier-breaking things—and I’m a fan of them all.

I’m beyond grateful for this opportunity. I want to run for as long as I can, and I want to do it with Tribe. Thank you for letting me be part of this. Thank you, Tribe. Thank you, ASICS.