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Run a Marathon… Check!
I survived my first (and possibly my last) 42.195k run! Nearly bursted into tears when I crossed the finish line! ?
Received my hard earned medal for finishing the marathon. I had put so much sweat, tears, and blood into it, but it’s all worth it! I’m not sure if I enjoyed the run, just glad that I got it over with. It’s one of those crazy things I really wanna do in life, happy to have that checked off my list.
Unlike practice, my thoughts were pretty blank during the run, especially towards the 2nd half. I was so tired that I kept reciting this bible verse in my head:
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. ” (Isaiah 40:31)
My hope was seeing the next refueling station for water and a little rest. And when I passed the refueling station, I would recite this verse and start running again:
“忘記背後，努力面前的，向着標竿直跑，要得神在基督耶穌裏從上面而來的獎賞。”（腓3:13)
And when I finally crossed the finish line, I recited this final verse:
“那美好的仗我已經打過了，當跑的路我已經跑盡了，所信的道我已經守住了。”（提後4:7）?
The marathon had been on my mind so much that I couldn’t really focus and engage in many projects lately. Now with that out of the way, I really should shift my focus on other more important things. Let year 2018 begin!!
Day Before 1st Marathon
Woke up at 4am, carried out my usual morning routine, and then strolled down to the MTR station. Passed the MTR station and continued my way to the park where I have been training for months. Did some warmup and started my run at 0635 sharp. That’s when I’ll start my 1st ever marathon tomorrow, this morning is only a rehearsal, a way to prep my body and mind for the challenge.
For the rest of the day, I’ve been keeping myself busy with miscellaneous low-priority errands so that I won’t fall asleep and ruin my much needed early sleep at night. I also loaded myself up with 3 big rice meals hoping to store some extra carbohydrate for the 42k run.
Received many “add oil” messages throughout the day, I’m thankful for every single one of the blessings and prayers. I’m honestly only hoping to complete the run within the allowed time limit (6hr), should be ok, right? Wish me luck! ??
Art Therapy
Went to the funeral of Mr. Kot on Sunday evening with my dad and sister. His daughter gave a speech on Mr. Kot’s life on behalf of the family, I was moved and couldn’t control my tears. My empathy towards others seemed to have grown last year since my uncle passed away, I am now more easily being touched by other people’s stories and sob uncontrollably. I still don’t really understand sickness and death, but I prayed that I would never become senseless towards death as more of the people around me will inevitably pass away.
I didn’t sleep too well after the funeral with Mr. Kot appearing briefly in my dreams. Was feeling tired and low on energy yesterday. Forced myself to stay awake to do my calligraphy homework and some brush-and-ink cartooning in the afternoon. Was actually quite tired when I met up with the girl I like for an art jamming session in the evening. The tiredness faded unnoticeably as I focused on copying the photo onto the canvas. Art can be so therapeutic! I recall the many Monday nights I indulge myself with oil painting after work a few years back.
One of these days, I shall set up a little painting corner in the studio to paint occasionally just for the sake of its therapeutic nature.
Longest Running Practice
Completed my longest practice ever this morning! Ran about 24k, walked for about 10 min at 3/4 of the way and tried taking in a pack of power gel. My energy level seemed to have replenished somewhat as I didn’t feel the hunger towards the end like last week, but the joints on my left toes started to hurt at the end, otherwise I could probably run a little further still (but definitely not another 18k ?).
During the run, I constantly question myself why I put myself up to such turmoil?! I thought about my UW’s pastor’s recent update announcing his victory over cancer after months of battling the disease, that boosted my energy level a little. I thought about my late uncle who was defeated by cancer last Spring, he told me how he used to jog with aunt along the (artificial) river near their apartment. I also remembered the stranger I met after finishing my half marathon in Toronto in Oct., she completed 2 marathons without a true reason, but her rewarding smile told me that all the sweat that went into her prior training was totally worth it. I also recited this bible verse many times: “Those who hope in the Lord will never grow weary. They will soar on wings like eagles. They will RUN and not grow weary, they will WALK and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)
Here’s my strategy going into running my 1st marathon next Sunday:
- adjust my sleep schedule to wake up at around 4am
- rest more and hope my toes would recover in time
- do a couple of short light runs
- buy more power gels
