Sporty Stay at Koru: Between Running and Recovery

Sporty Stay at Koru: Between Running and Recovery

Whether you’re a passionate runner or simply seeking an inspiring place to train, Hôtel Koru offers the perfect balance between effort and recovery. Located just steps from the Ravel 142 – an ideal route for joggers and cyclists – our hotel is a true haven of peace for athletes seeking performance… without sacrificing well-being.

 

The Perfect Playground for Runners

One of Koru’s greatest assets is its environment. As soon as you step outside the hotel, you’re on the Ravel – a fantastic route for running:

• Flat and safe terrain, perfect for long runs and endurance training.
• A peaceful, natural setting, far from urban noise and stress.
• Varied routes, adaptable to your level and training goals.

Whether you’re into early morning jogs at sunrise or more intense sessions to work on your speed, the Ravel is an exceptional training ground.

Recovery and Well-Being: The Other Side of Performance

After effort comes rest – and that’s where Koru truly stands out. Inspired by wellness traditions from Asia and New Zealand, the hotel is designed to help you let go of pressure and optimize muscle recovery.

A Calming Environment

• Comfortable, quiet rooms for restorative sleep.
• A peaceful garden, perfect for stretching or simply enjoying the stillness after a challenging run.

Tailored Treatments for Athletes

Our massages and private spa are designed to relieve muscle tension and boost recovery:

• Deep, relaxing massages – ideal after long training sessions.
• Oil or balm massages inspired by Asian techniques, to ease both body and mind.

Balanced, Energizing Nutrition

Nutrition is key to performance and recovery. At Koru, we focus on healthy, delicious meals:

• Runner-friendly breakfasts, rich in nutrients to fuel your day.
• Balanced meals made with fresh, local ingredients – perfect for replenishing energy.

 

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A Stay Where Sports and Relaxation Come Together

Staying at Koru means giving yourself a timeless break – where every runner can train in optimal conditions while enjoying a setting designed for recovery.

Whether you’re preparing for a marathon, love recreational running, or want to combine fitness with relaxation, Koru is the perfect place to care for both body and mind.

Ready to lace up and experience a sporty getaway like no other?

 

From Training to Marathon: My Year of Preparation

Running a marathon. 42.195 km. A mythical distance, a personal challenge, a journey that’s as much mental as it is physical.

In November 2024, we took part in the New York Marathon after a full year of preparation. Twelve months of early morning runs, doubts, highs, learning, and endurance. We started running this marathon long before reaching the starting line. It all began on the Ravel 142 trail, right in front of Hôtel Koru, where every step brought me closer to my goal.

Today, I’d love to share that journey with you—part personal story, part inspiration for those dreaming of pinning a race bib on their shirt someday.

It All Starts with a Decision

I remember clearly the moment I decided to run a marathon.
The idea had been in my head for a while, especially during a trip with my friend Bettina to New York in November 2019, but it always seemed distant.
Until I asked myself: Why not me?

Running a marathon is first and foremost a mental adventure. Before even starting the training, you need to be ready to commit, to leave your comfort zone, to accept that some days will be tough—but the finish line will be worth it.

My tip:
Set a clear goal and give it meaning. Whether it’s to push your limits, experience something unique, or prove to yourself that you can do it—find your why and hold onto it.

The Training Plan: Structure and Gradual Progression

Once the goal was set, I needed a plan. I followed a structure of four 3-month training blocks, gradually increasing the load:

1. Phase 1: Aerobic base – lots of easy runs to build endurance without fatigue.
2. Phase 2: Strength – hill sessions and intervals to improve power and speed.
3. Phase 3: Marathon simulation – long runs up to 30-35 km to prepare body and mind. My longest run went from the hotel to the main square in Namur.
4. Phase 4: Tapering – reducing volume to stay fresh for race day.

The Ravel trail was my main training ground—flat and perfect for mileage. I also varied surfaces and terrain to build strength and resilience.

My tip:
Consistency is everything. Three steady sessions per week beat random runs. A marathon is built on the gradual accumulation of kilometers.

Dealing with Highs and Lows

A year of training is never a straight line. Some weeks you feel unstoppable, others, doubt creeps in.

I had fatigue, minor injuries, days when putting on my shoes felt impossible. But I also had magical runs where everything flowed.

My tip:
Listen to your body. If it’s tired, take a day off—it’s better than risking injury. Learn to tell the difference between normal tiredness and real fatigue.

Recovery and Nutrition: Game Changers

The marathon isn’t only about running—it’s also about recovery and nutrition. I took these very seriously:

• Sports massages after big sessions to release tension and avoid soreness
• Active rest with gentle walks on the Ravel
• Targeted meals, with carbs before long runs and protein for muscle repair

My tip:
Treat your recovery with as much care as your training. A well-rested, well-nourished body improves faster and stays injury-free.

Race Day: An Unforgettable Experience

Then came the big day—New York. The vibe, the energy of thousands of runners, the cheering crowds on every corner… it’s indescribable.

The first kilometers flew by. Adrenaline, excitement. Then I settled into my pace. Around kilometer 30, I hit the classic “wall,” when your body starts to protest. But I knew that feeling already, from my long runs on the Ravel—and I managed it.

The final stretch was tough, but pure joy. Crossing the finish line was an emotional wave—pride, relief, accomplishment.

My tip:
Don’t go out too fast. A marathon is won in the second half. Pace yourself, stay hydrated, and most of all—enjoy the moment.

And After?

They say the post-marathon is just as important. Rest, yes—but also look ahead.

I still run those same Ravel trails, day after day. This journey taught me so much—about endurance, perseverance, pushing my limits.

And above all, it made me want to share this passion—with others who love running and seek a place to train while also caring for body and mind.

If you dream of running a marathon or simply want to enjoy an immersive fitness experience, Hôtel Koru is made for you.
Here, we run, we breathe, we grow… and we recover in peace.

So, ready to take the leap?