A marathon momentFits, form, function
How do you go from casual 5k runner to marathon-ready? For Berlin’s Cool Runnings Club, all it takes is being part of a collective of like-minded people who help each other stay on track.
16 September 2024 · 4 min read
When Tithey Schulz started the Cool Runnings Club in 2023 with Yannic Akinyosoye, the aim was to create an inclusive and active way to socialise that didn’t involve going to Berlin’s bars or clubs. It was, he tells us, “sparked by the desire to spend time with friends and like-minded people outside of nightlife and partying, and connect through sports. We wanted to build a community and empower other people to live a healthier lifestyle.”
In just over a year, CRC has grown from only “doing casual runs, to preparing for races” — like the marathon coming up in September — “and achieving individual goals, while training as a collective.” They work together to boost moods, enhance performance, and perhaps most importantly, “create an environment where people feel safe.”
Creating that inclusive safe space has paid off — literally. “We participated in the Berlin Half Marathon and raised 1,500€ for charity. It was beautiful to see how some of the group evolved from running barely 5k to finishing a half marathon.”
Now, as they reach the final stages of training for the Berlin Marathon, we catch up with three other members of the CRC — Claudia, Emmanuel, and Kawian — to find out how being part of a running community has helped them across the finish line.
Gear for the grind
“It’s vulnerable and humbling what we do together.”
- Claudia
How does a sense of community help you with your workout experience?
Claudia: When I’m low on sleep and overwhelmed by work, community is everything. Just being with the group puts me in a good mood, it’s comforting that we’re in it together. My loyalty to everyone has me turning up on days that I’d no doubt skip if I was training alone. There’s also the challenge of trying to keep up with faster runners and holding a faster pace on long runs. I get so much more out of myself when I’m with the group.
Kawian: It definitely motivates me to go harder. We push ourselves so that everyone can get the best out of themselves and grow.
What’s your go-to running song?
Emmanuel: “Euphoria” by Kendrick Lamar for more intense runs.
Kawian: I prefer not to listen to music, especially when running in nature. I love to listen to my environment, my steps, my breath and my thoughts. If I had to choose one, I would go with “Last Breath“ by Future.
Tithey: It depends on the pace that I am aiming for. If it’s fast, then I love house music between 120-145 bpm — “My Barn, My Rules” by MCR-T and horsegiirL, for example. If it’s just floating vibes it can be bossa nova, like Bossacucanova’s “Deixa pra Lá.”
Fits, form, function
“Start slow. Improve step by step. Stick to the plan. You got this. ”
- Tithey
How does this group support its members beyond running together?
Claudia: It’s quite vulnerable and humbling what we do together, pausing our daily lives and spending slow, hard-working hours pursuing seemingly invisible running progress. It naturally feels like much more than just running together.
Emmanuel: Events outside of the running context bring members closer together, and wearing similar gear means you really act as a unit. Also having free healthy ginger shots or protein shakes after the runs really makes a difference.
Do you have any pre-run rituals?
Claudia: No real superstitions here. I’m just concerned with making sure I’m hydrated and have eaten enough.
Emmanuel: I stretch and most of the time, I use a nice chilled bike ride as my warm-up.
Kawian: I have beetroot juice and a ginger root dipped in honey before my workout.
How do you support and uplift each other when you feel unmotivated?
Claudia: It motivates me to see the others doing their best, and vice versa. We show up, we work hard and repeat. It’s voluntary, and it’s also a privilege. I think the energy in the group reflects this.
Emmanuel: I’m motivated most of the time, to be honest. But when I’m not, just thinking about the group gets me going again.
Kawian: We try to motivate each other and just go through it together. Also, Tithey often adds a stretching/yoga session to the end of our training, which lifts the mood and is very calming so that every unmotivated day ends in a releasing and positive way.
Make your mark
“A minor step back can lead to a major comeback.”
- Emmanuel
What’s the biggest challenge when it comes to marathon training?
Claudia: I ran Berlin and Cologne back-to-back in 2018. That was before I had my daughter so I had more time for everything, particularly recovery. It’s a whole different game this time. She’s the dream but the logistics are much more complex.
Emmanuel: For me, I see it as I see life; it’s about consistency. It’s about the long-term focus, the right preparation, overcoming obstacles and being in the right mindset. A minor step back can lead to a major comeback.
Kawian: The biggest challenge is to trust the process.
**Do you have any advice to people who want to get into running but don’t know where to start? **
Tithey: Start slow and take it easy. Improve step by step. Even if it’s just 1k in the beginning, that’s better than nothing.
And what’s your key advice for preparing for marathon season?
Tithey: Stick to the plan. You got this.