Runner Chronicles: Daniel Abrasowicz
The Runner Chronicles
Meet Daniel Abrasowicz, a passionate runner from Warsaw, Poland, and a valued member of Swords Athletics. Known for his unwavering dedication, Daniel can often be found pushing limits on the track with his team or participating in races that test both his speed and endurance. As a true team player, Daniel is someone who uplifts those around him, making him a role model we can all learn from.
Daniel’s running resume includes impressive accomplishments, such as making countless miles during challenging events like Border to Hel and Bridge to Madness. These experiences not only highlight his physical capabilities but also his strong bond with his teammates and his ability to thrive in intense and demanding situations.
What truly sets Daniel apart is his unique perspective on running. For him, running isn’t just a sport—it’s a playground filled with opportunities to grow physically, mentally, and socially. With every race and training session, Daniel embraces the fun in the journey, reminding us all of the joy that comes from exploring our limits and connecting with others along the way.
We had the chance to connect with Daniel to dive deeper into his running story. From how he got started to what motivates him today, here’s your chance to get to know Daniel and be inspired by his journey.
Let’s start with an introduction of yourself!
Hi, my name is Daniel, I’m 34 years old, and I live in Warsaw. People used to refer to individuals like me as 'humanists' – I’m involved in a lot of different things. From photography to making music, to running. Passions tend to change over time: some fade away, others come back stronger than before, but running has been a constant in my life for about four years now, and it’s something that has firmly become a part of who I am.
My journey with running began in a rather unconventional way – due to the company policy where I worked. According to it, we had one hour during the workday that we could dedicate to physical activity. Some people went to the gym, others rode bikes, and some simply spent that time in the kitchen drinking tea. Since I worked near a forest, I decided to take advantage of this opportunity and start trail running. At first, it was tough – running just 2-3 kilometers felt like a real struggle. But instead of giving up, I decided to stay consistent. Each week, I gradually increased the distance by 200-300 meters, which allowed me to slowly build up my endurance. Before I knew it, I was coming back to work two hours later after running a half marathon. I just hope my former employer doesn’t read this, hah!
In 2023, a friend asked me if I’d like to join one of the running groups in Warsaw. She wanted someone to run with, and although I had mostly been running solo until then, I decided to give it a try. That’s how my adventure with Swords Athletics began, a group that has since become like a second home to me. Running with people who share similar passions and goals has given me new motivation and made the training sessions even more rewarding.
Today, running is more than just physical activity to me – it’s a way to relax, break through my own weaknesses, and an unexpected opportunity to meet new people. And who knows what the future will bring – maybe a marathon, or maybe a completely new passion that will surprise me just like running did!
You are a member of the running crew Swords Athletics. Could you tell us more about your experience with a running team?
Warsaw hasn’t always been my home – I used to live in Katowice in Silesia. Moving to a new city often means parting ways with long-time friends, and for a long time, I felt 'small' in this big city. Instead of looking for a place that would embrace me, I decided to explore Warsaw on my own terms. I often rode my bike, letting the pedals take me wherever, wanting to feel like this city was starting to belong to me. Still, I preferred running alone – in a way, it compensated for my loneliness in a new city. It was my way to reset – a bit of quiet, fresh air, and space for reflection.
At first, training with Swords Athletics didn’t convince me right away. 'What’s so great about this?' I thought to myself. But the warm welcome from the other runners, the natural flow of things, made me eventually feel like I was part of something bigger. Over time, I began to realize that what had once been a solitary run through the city had become part of a shared adventure. The people I ran with had similar goals, similar problems – and the fact that we could face them together gave me an incredible sense of strength. It felt like finding my community – not only in Warsaw, but in the running world.
Running with a group became more than just physical effort. It was motivation – sometimes, when I didn’t feel like getting up early for training, all I had to do was think that 20 other people were facing the same problem but would still show up. That gave me energy. And although I don’t always feel like running with a group, I know that running gives me the freedom to choose. Sometimes I run solo, sometimes in a crowd. No one judges my choices. That’s what I love about this sport – it gives me the space to be myself, to decide how I want to experience each day.
I believe that anyone who’s been running for more than a month should try to find a running club in their city, even if they only show up once in a while. Running together is more than just training – it’s a sense of belonging to something bigger, something that’s not only physical, but mental as well. It adds meaning to my runs and makes every kilometer feel more valuable. If you have the chance to join such a group, why not give it a try? Sometimes in life, it’s worth stepping out of your comfort zone and seeing what new experiences can bring.
Running, in a way, has taught me more than just how to push through physical limits. It’s shown me the importance of consistency, patience, and the value of small victories along the way. Whether it’s shaving a few seconds off my time, running a new distance, or simply getting out there when I didn’t feel like it – every step has been a reminder that growth, both in running and in life, happens little by little. And the best part? It’s not just about crossing the finish line, but about the people you meet, the conversations you have along the way, and the sense of belonging that comes with it. It’s a journey, not just of miles, but of personal discovery.
You participated in the Border to Hel: 6 people, 1 camper, 466 km, and non-stop running.
Border to Hel is a non-stop, multi-day running challenge where six participants cover 466 kilometers, from the Polish-Lithuanian border to Hel on the Baltic Sea. The race is run in shifts, with a camper van following to provide support. It’s not just about the physical challenge but about mental endurance, teamwork, and pushing your limits.
The race started with excitement but soon turned into an exhausting battle against fatigue, sleep deprivation, and harsh weather. Running in shifts, we faced moments of extreme exhaustion, hunger, and frustration. But what made it all bearable was the support of the team. Whether running through pouring rain or under the sun, we knew we had each other’s backs.
The experience brought us much closer. We shared struggles, doubts, and victories, and learned to trust and motivate each other. The bond formed during such an intense challenge was something special and lasting – we saw each other at our best and worst, and that created an unspoken understanding between us. Would I do it again? Absolutely. Despite the tough moments, the sense of accomplishment and the unique bond formed with the team made it all worth it. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I would gladly take on the challenge again.
The hardest moments were when exhaustion set in, and doubts crept up. But focusing on the team and breaking the run into smaller goals helped us push through. We constantly reminded each other that we weren’t alone, and that kept us moving forward, even when it felt impossible.
Border to Hel is more than just a race – it’s about endurance, mental strength, and teamwork. It’s a challenge that tests both your body and your relationships. If you’re ready for a true test of perseverance and camaraderie, it’s an experience you won’t forget.
What are other events and experiences that have stood by you?
In 2024, I came up with the idea to run two races in one day. The New Balance 5K always happens just before the Warsaw Marathon, and I’d been hoping to beat my time from the previous year. But everything depended on whether I’d be pacing my friend during the half marathon. If I was, I’d focus on helping her hit her goal; if not, I’d go all-in for my 5K record. I waited until the last possible moment to get her decision, and in the end, I focused on the 5K. Fortunately, I managed to beat my time without too many issues, and then, just half an hour later, I was pacing my friend through her first-ever half marathon.
Being a pacer was a different experience. I had to adjust my own pace to fit the plan we’d set and keep her motivated, especially when things got tough. And believe me, there were moments when I was on the receiving end of some very creative curse words – haha. But despite the exhaustion, it felt amazing to be there for her, and seeing her cross that finish line was worth every step.
It turned out to be one of those days that really pushed me, both physically and mentally. It wasn’t just about running my own race, but also about helping someone else achieve something special. And at the end of it, when I was holding two medals, I realized that sometimes the most rewarding moments in running come not from your own personal best, but from sharing the journey with someone else.
What is your go-to recovery routine?
At the beginning of my running journey, rest was the last thing on my mind. I pushed myself to run incredible distances during the week, never allowing myself a rest day. On training sessions with the Swords Athletics group, my friends often warned me that I was heading straight for injury. And eventually, that came true, forcing me to take a break from running for a few months.
After that experience, I’ve learned how crucial it is to listen to your body, to not rush, and to work on progress gradually, rather than chasing distance for the sake of it. I’ve realized that to run fast, you sometimes need to run slow, and rest is just as vital as the training itself. Recovery isn’t just about the body; it’s about your mind, too.
I wish I could say that every day I foam-roll, stretch, and always warm up before running, but let’s be honest — that doesn’t always happen. But there’s something that truly helps me relax both physically and mentally. It’s a cozy chair, a vinyl record, and closing my eyes while immersing myself in the sounds. That hour of pure calm works for me, and honestly, it does more for my recovery than any session with a physiotherapist. It’s a reminder that recovery isn’t just about pushing harder; it’s about finding balance and nurturing both the body and the mind. Sometimes, the best way to go forward is by taking a moment to pause and let yourself fully recharge.
How would you explain running to a person who doesn’t get it and even hates it?
Imagine you’re in a car, driving along a scenic road. You’re moving, but you’re not really present in the experience—you’re just going through the motions. Now, picture yourself getting out of the car and walking the same path, feeling the air, noticing every detail around you. It’s more engaging, right? That’s a bit like running. It’s not just about moving your body—it’s about connecting with the world around you in a way that’s different from any other activity. It’s like a reset button for your mind.
I didn’t fully understand many things until I tried them myself. You might get hooked, but it’s also possible that it’s not for you, and that’s completely okay. My only advice for your first runs is to listen to your body and not force long distances too soon. Nobody starts running by tackling a half marathon at a fast pace. Take it slow, enjoy the process, and let your body gradually build strength and endurance. The most important thing is consistency, not speed or distance. Remember, every step forward counts, no matter how small.
Lastly, what is a running mantra you live by and want to share with our readers?
One mantra I live by when running is: “Take it slow, feel it.”
It’s simple, but it’s a powerful reminder that progress doesn’t always need to be fast. Whether you're running a mile or a marathon, the key is to focus on the present moment—each step, each breath—rather than getting overwhelmed by the distance ahead. Running isn’t about forcing your body to go faster; it’s about letting it flow at its own pace, trusting that every step forward is progress, no matter how slow. And when you take it slow, you can actually enjoy the process, stay injury-free, and find strength in consistency.
That’s the real magic of running: the journey, not the rush to the finish line.
