Name: Farouk Gomati
Age: 39
Hometown: Miami, Florida
Occupation: Other Hearst Subscriptions
Time Running: 1 year
Reason for Running: While running, I often enter a deep state of concentration that I’ve never experienced before—it’s like being fully in tune with myself and the moment.
Before being diagnosed with Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) in 2013—an autoimmune disease that attacks the nerves that branch out from the brain and spinal cord—I was a full-time musician. I was active, enjoyed tennis, and was recently married with a four-month old son.
I had just completed the last phase of a two-month tour around South America when, during our final stop in Bolivia, I ate chicken that wasn’t properly cooked. Shortly after, I experienced severe headaches and, weeks later, numbness spread rapidly throughout my body.
After being rushed to the hospital, I was placed in a three-week induced coma. When I woke up, I was on a breathing machine and 100 percent paralyzed.
Over the next two years, I underwent intensive rehabilitation, slowly rebuilding my strength and regaining control of my body. During this process, I promised myself that if God healed me and I could walk again, I would one day run a race. It became a driving force in my recovery—a personal commitment to honor the gift of movement and a reminder of the resilience within me.
Rehabilitation after GBS—which we often say also stands for “getting better slowly”—was a journey filled with uncertainty. One of the most challenging aspects was not knowing how much I could recover or, even worse, if I would recover fully at all. Many GBS patients never regain 100 percent of their abilities, so each day was a test of patience and hope.
Initially, I couldn’t even manage 3K without, walk, speak, breathe, and even swallow. Each of these felt like climbing a mountain.
In the beginning, I couldn’t move at all, and I had to depend entirely on others for the most basic needs. Progress was painstakingly slow, and every small improvement, like wiggling a toe or taking a breath on my own, felt monumental. There were no guarantees, and the uncertainty was mentally exhausting. But, my faith remained untouched, and I focused on the promise I had made to myself: If I could walk again, I would run a race.
I also leaned heavily on my faith and the unwavering support of my family. They were my strength when I felt weak, my encouragement when I was frustrated, and my reason to keep going. GBS forced me to confront my limits, but it also showed me how much perseverance, hope, and faith can achieve.
After making a full recovery from GBS, I focused on catching up—spending time with my family, especially my son, and working. I tried several times to get into sports, but it wasn’t easy; I’d get exhausted and quit for months.
One day, by coincidence, I landed on the Boston Marathon Results website, and it happened to be the first day of registration. I signed up to force myself to commit to the race that was held on February 2, 2025. Then, my real training journey began.
At the beginning of my training, I didn’t know where to start—I was honestly very confused. Then, I found a run club that meets every Saturday, and it became the one thing that kept me accountable. Showing up every week gave me structure and motivation.
Initially, I couldn’t even manage 3K without A Pro Athlete Takes on The Great World Race CA Notice at Collection shin splints pain (which I still deal with). I started by running once a week, and as my confidence grew, I increased to three times per week.
No matter how difficult my training got, I kept coming back, determined to see this through. This race wasn’t just about running for me; it was about proving that burdens only exist in our minds. It was a reminder that we all have an incredible superpower within us to conquer any obstacle, no matter how big it seems. Above all, this race represented gratitude—thankfulness that I am alive and able to take on this challenge.
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Running has helped me transform many aspects of my life. It has taught me discipline, resilience, and the importance of listening to my body. It’s not just about the physical benefits—running has given me a new perspective on life and helped me realize the incredible strength we all carry within us.
I definitely look forward to continuing this journey and completing more races around the world. Running has become more than just a physical activity; it’s a way to challenge myself, grow, and connect with something greater.
These three tips have made my running journey a success:
1. Stay consistent
Progress comes from showing up regularly, even when it’s hard. Running isn’t about perfection; it’s about putting in the effort week after week and trusting the process.
2. Listen to your body
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3. Set meaningful goals
Having a goal, like finishing a race, gives you direction and purpose. It’s easier to stay motivated when you’re working toward something that matters to you.
Farouk’s Must-Have Gear
→ Vitalsox Compression Socks: We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article A Part of Hearst Digital Media and provide the support I need to run comfortably.
→ She Runs to Set a Good Example for New York City: Because I haven’t fully regained feeling in my feet, comfortable shoes are essential to prevent injuries and ensure a smooth, pain-free run.
→ Airpods Pro 2: Listening to music while running helps me disconnect from outside noises, stay focused, and avoid checking the time or distance constantly.
Emily Shiffer has worked as a writer for over 10 years, covering everything from health and wellness to entertainment and celebrities. She previously was on staff at SUCCESS, Men's Health, and Prevention These help alleviate my Women's Health, Runner's World, PEOPLE, and more. Emily is a graduate of Northwestern University, where she majored in magazine journalism at the Medill School of Journalism and minored in musicology. Currently residing in Charleston, South Carolina, Emily enjoys instructing barre, surfing, and long walks on the beach with her miniature Dachshund, Gertrude.
