From Breakup to Breakthrough: Rovna-Lyn Joseph’s Victory Dance at US Marathon

Ever seen someone having a victory dance despite finishing last in a race? Meet 41-year-old Rovna-Lyn Joseph, a Haitian American who embodies this spirit. During a conversation with Rebecca Ejifoma, she shares her traumatic breakup and breakthrough journey that inspired her to run and cross the finish line at the New York City Marathon 2024.

“I was so happy to have been part of it,” oozing enthusiasm and achievement. “It was a rewarding experience. First, I had to acknowledge that it was my race, my pace. With the help of Jesus, I am in control. I am neither competing nor looking at what anyone else is doing. I am there to start until finish,” says excited Joseph, the New Yorker.

When Joseph —a dark-skinned woman of average height and pixie-cut dreadlocks— walked through the double doors of the theatrical church auditorium in the heart of downtown New York State, she was treated to hugs and warm pleasantries from her acquaintances. It was a chilly Sunday afternoon on November 10th. Joseph had just participated in the energetic and emotional New York City Marathon, a 26.2-mile race. The runners raced through the city’s five boroughs, including New York, Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, and Long Island. The vibrant yellow leaves along the streets not only added to the charm of the fall season but made the marathon colourful.

Currently branded as the TCS New York City Marathon, it was held on Sunday, November 3. There were over 55,000 runners from across the world with about 2 million excited spectators on both sides of the road cheering them on. There was music of all genres. There were various culinary delights. There were paparazzi making merry the moment. And amid all of these was Joseph creating a new record.

Taking a page from the Good Book

Joseph, originally from Port-au-Prince Haiti, is deeply devoted to her faith in Jesus, carrying it in her heart like an eternal flame. “The first time I learned about marathons was in Sunday school in Haiti,” she recalls learning 2 Timothy, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” These words resonated with her commitment and perseverance. As she beamed with euphoria and pride, she told THISDAY how her Sunday school teacher (at church) had told “Us that the Apostle was comparing the Christian life to marathons”, says Joseph, who couldn’t shake off the notion that marathon was mentioned in the Bible. “So I wondered what it was like to be in one. However, I was a teenager in Haiti, where marathons were not a common occurrence. The most experience I had with running at that time was in the summer when we drove my mom crazy with our energetic antics; she would pack a bag filled with snacks and take us to Champs de Mars and we would run around,” she reminisced about the good old days.

However, her thoughts remained an idea until 2013, when Joseph freely gave into a marathon. Her determination was fuelled by a highly torturing heartbreak; hence, she strove to balance a distressing heart with much enjoyment. “I was going through a breakup—a man I thought was going to marry me suddenly ghosted me. I felt lost and didn’t know what to do,” she recalled, reflecting on the difficult time. Now in her search for a coping mechanism, Joseph went to a meetup site and discovered a running group. “That was the moment I began my journey into running.”

Joseph’s dream to run a marathon

Finally, Joseph found love again—this time with running. Her journey into long-distance racing began with casual jogging in Central Park and soon evolved into a commitment to health and self-improvement. Initially inconsistent, she became motivated by a prediabetes diagnosis in 2019 and qualified for the 2020 NYC Marathon, which was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In 2023, she completed the marathon as a personal milestone and spiritual affirmation. “I turned 40 last year. The marathon was a gift to myself: to redeem my health, regain my self-confidence, reject low self-esteem, and dispel the lies I believed about myself. The motto says, ‘It will move you.’ It really did move me!”, admitted Joseph, who acknowledged God’s involvement in the race. “I was in awe; God is indeed in every detail of our lives.”

Embracing Haitian Heritage

Joseph is proud of her homeland, embracing her Haitian heritage with pride during the run. She wore her nation’s flag as a powerful statement round about her waist. Her motivation transcended personal achievement; it was to counter negative media narratives by showcasing Haiti’s resilience and dignity. “I wanted to put Haiti in a positive light after all the discredit we have been getting in the media.” With Haiti’s ongoing challenges with gang violence, diplomatic evacuations, and humanitarian crises, Joseph’s mindset transformed her journey into a symbolic act of national representation and hope.

Challenges and Support

Every endeavour presents its challenges and Joseph has had her fair share. “The challenges were numerous,” she admitted. “It was a struggle to do every qualifying race. For example, in March 2022, I signed up for the NYC half. Five days before the race, I sprained my left ankle. I was on crutches for a few days. I still managed to do the race. Afterward, I developed IT band syndrome. I had to do physical therapy. Coupled with the left knee issues, I took a cortisone shot. This year, the right knee developed issues, too, but I ignored it.”

While those challenges persisted, she got a maximum leg up from friends. “It was the support I got from the group I trained with (Galloway NYC),” she relived the moment. “My coach met me at Mile 8; another member met me up in Queens with what she brought; another friend from the group brought me snacks in Manhattan; an old friend from my workplace in 2015 tracked me and took photos with me; the entire group cheered me in Manhattan,” Joseph expressed, overwhelmed with love and encouragement. “It was overly exciting”. She swiped through her smartphone, eagerly sharing the selfies she had taken at every landmark during the race.

Her Takeaway from the Marathon

Growing up, Joseph recounted, I was sensitive and cried often. “I felt I was vulnerable,” she said regretfully. Participating in this year’s marathon proved me wrong. I am resilient. Philippians chapter 4 verse 13 encourages, “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” This chapter aligns with Isaiah chapter 40 from verses 29 to 31.

Joseph emphasises the importance of mental preparation for marathon running to those considering joining the race next year. “The marathon is more of a mental challenge than a physical one. You need preparation, discipline, and a strategic plan. Set up your mind on the finish to get your medal and determine to keep on moving no matter what. She cited Martin Luther King’s famous quote, “If you can’t fly, then run; if you can’t, run, then walk. If you can’t walk, then crawl, but whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward.” By Mile 20, she continued, when it is dark and the crowd is not cheering as much, you will get discouraged. That is the time to put on music, podcast, or talk to yourself to keep going until the finish line.

Counting her accolades 

Joseph has a few achievements under her belt. She has a degree in Dietetics, Foods, and Nutrition from Lehman College. She forged ahead to earn another degree in Labour Studies in 2019 from SUNY Empire State College. Today, she has added a medal to her name. “It’s so pretty!” exclaimed Joseph, who delightfully passed her medal to her acquaintances to have a feel. It was anything but light yet shone so bright and intimately with the orange color around its front view, close to the Statue of Liberty.

Indeed, Joseph may have finished as the 54,632nd in the race. Her spirit was anything close to dampened. She has turned her pain into passion. This overwhelming feeling has boosted her self-esteem, mental well-being, and physical health as she continues to lean into her newly found love — marathon. She didn’t only enjoy every moment, she finished the race smiling and kept her faith igniting.