Running a marathon isn’t just about crossing the finish line — especially for Ilter Dumduz, the founder of Blys. After a long hiatus, Ilter took on the challenge of running a marathon, and his journey is nothing short of inspiring. Join us as we dive into Ilter’s marathon experience, uncover insights from his path of perseverance, and explore how it has shaped both his personal life and professional mindset.
From Half Marathons to a Full 42.2 Kilometres
Ilter’s running journey resumed more than a year and a half ago, after taking a 10-year hiatus from long-distance running. Life had become busy—between his leadership at Blys, the needs of his family, and the responsibilities of everyday life, running simply fell to the wayside. But a sense of unfinished business pulled him back to the sport.
“I used to run half marathons,” Ilter recalls, “but I hadn’t done one in about 10 years. Blys, family, life—they all took priority.” As part of his personal growth each year, Ilter sets three goals for himself: a physical goal, a financial goal, and an academic goal. For 2023, that physical challenge was clear—completing his first full marathon.
To achieve this, he joined a local running group to gain support and structure. “Being part of a group kept me motivated,” he says. “They helped me build a proper program and develop a routine that worked for my life.” With nine months to train before the Sydney Marathon, Ilter embarked on a transformative journey.
The Training Process: Sweat, Nutrition, and Sleep
Ilter’s preparation for the marathon was anything but casual. He knew the road ahead would require not just physical endurance, but mental fortitude, discipline, and serious lifestyle adjustments.
“I signed up for the Sydney Marathon in September, giving myself nine months to get into the best shape possible,” he explains. Training for a marathon wasn’t just about clocking miles—it involved a full commitment to nutrition, fitness, and recovery. Over the course of those nine months, Ilter lost 10 kilos through a combination of running, weight training, and improved nutrition.
“I developed a nutrition plan, cut back on coffee, and focused on getting enough sleep,” Ilter shares. “The changes weren’t easy, especially the reduced caffeine—I had to cut down over three months.” Saturdays and Sundays became his long-run days, while shorter runs filled his Tuesdays and Thursdays. Strength training also became a priority to maintain balance and prevent injury.
To support his recovery, Ilter incorporated Blys massages into his routine. “The massages help relieve muscle soreness and keep me flexible, allowing me to recover faster after intense training sessions,” he explains. This routine not only transformed his body but his mindset. “Running early in the morning was like forced meditation,” he says. “I’d get up at 5 am, and during those runs, I didn’t think about work. It was just me and the road.”
Balancing Work, Family, and Marathon Training
Despite the demands of marathon training, Ilter never lost sight of his responsibilities as a CEO and a family man. The balance, he admits, wasn’t always easy. “It required a lot of flexibility,” Ilter explains. “I had to shift runs to the evening sometimes, or squeeze in training when work allowed.”
Fortunately, Ilter’s family didn’t just tolerate his running obsession—they embraced it. “My wife Kristen and our kids have been incredible,” he beams. “They cheer me on at every finish line, and they’ve become my support crew.”
Ilter’s children, Nico and Zeki have their own physical goals. “Nico is passionate about surfing, and my older son, Zeki, is into rugby and skating. We set individual goals as a family, and we inspire each other.”
Kristen played a pivotal role throughout his marathon journey, especially when it came to motivation. “She’s the one telling me, ‘You’ve got this,’ when I’m dragging my feet or feeling unmotivated.” Whether it was organising post-race care, providing warm clothes and nutrition, or simply encouraging him during low points, Kristen was always there, ensuring he stayed on track.
The Mental Battle: Conquering Self-Doubt
For Ilter, running a marathon isn’t just a physical feat; it’s a mental game of resilience. Long-distance running, he says, is about managing your thoughts as much as your body. “There’s a lot of self-doubt,” Ilter admits. “It’s hard to stay positive when you’ve been running for hours, and everything in you wants to stop.”
In May, Ilter participated in a 50k ultramarathon in the Blue Mountains—an experience he describes as “surreal.” The scenic route, which took him through misty mountain trails, felt like something out of a movie. Yet despite the beauty of the landscape, the challenge was immense.
“It was one of the most mentally demanding experiences of my life,” Ilter recalls. “At some point, you start questioning everything—why you’re doing this, if you’ll even finish. But you just have to take it one step at a time.”
Another unforgettable moment came when he ran a marathon in Canberra. The cold weather presented an unexpected hurdle, and after crossing the finish line, his temperature dropped so quickly that he had to run back again just to bring up his body temperature.
The Bigger Picture: Running and Life Lessons
Ilter’s marathon journey isn’t just about achieving a personal goal; it’s about building resilience in all areas of his life. “One of the reasons I love physical challenges is that they increase my pain threshold,” he explains. “It helps me in business and in life, preparing me for tough situations.”
As the CEO of Blys, a company revolutionising on-demand wellness services, Ilter faces countless challenges. Running, he says, has given him a tool to cope with the pressures of leadership. “Running is like a reset button. It gives me clarity and focus, so when I get back to work, I’m more resilient and ready for whatever comes.”
Running has also influenced Ilter’s growth mindset, a philosophy he carries into both his business and family life. Ilter emphasises on constant improvement. Whether it’s running, work, or parenting, he looks for ways to grow and push himself further.
In November, Ilter plans to compete in a triathlon, pushing his physical limits even further. “I’m an all or nothing kind of guy,” he laughs. “When I set my mind on something, I go all in.”
The Road Ahead: What’s Next for Ilter?
With his marathon goal in sight and new challenges on the horizon, Ilter shows no signs of slowing down. Whether it’s racing through the mountains or navigating the ups and downs of running a business, he’s learned to embrace the journey.
“Running teaches you to be patient and take things step by step,” he reflects. “It’s not always about winning; it’s about showing up, putting in the effort, and learning something along the way.”
For Ilter, the finish line is never the end—it’s just the beginning of the next challenge. And with his family by his side, cheering him on, he’s ready to tackle whatever comes next—one step at a time.
Ilter’s marathon experience serves as a reminder that physical challenges can teach us invaluable lessons about life, resilience, and the power of persistence. As he prepares for the biggest Olympic-distance triathlon in the world, the Noosa Triathlon, he continues to inspire both in his personal and professional life.
