My First Half Marathon
Sat May 21, 2011
Countdown: 32 days, 775 hours,46557 mins, 2793464 seconds
Hello!
I have been training to run a half marathon (21K) for 3 months. Running 3-4 times a week, climbing stair cases, swimming, playing soccer and stretching. Each training session is a challenge to complete my mini-goals of the week which will prepare me for the my ultimate goal. This week my goals include cycling, climbing 92-100 flights of stairs, run 8km, 6km, and then ending the week with 15km.
It is very difficult for me to train 5 days a week and usually get in 3-4 days. I try my best and do as much as my body allows me while minimizing risk of injury. As much as I train, I take days off to rest. Recovery is just as important as training for improvements in overall strength and endurance.
It is very difficult for me to train 5 days a week and usually get in 3-4 days. I try my best and do as much as my body allows me while minimizing risk of injury. As much as I train, I take days off to rest. Recovery is just as important as training for improvements in overall strength and endurance.
In addition, my eating habits have improved. I always make sure I have a big breakfast to start my day with plenty of fiber and fruits. I eat more fish, smaller portions frequently throughout the day and drink water over juice. Also, I have reduced my fast food intake by preparing my meals ahead of time and curving hunger attacks with fresh fruit and snacks.
Start the Race!
The excitement condenses
"It all starts at 3 a.m. Saturday morning – at least for the large part of runners who are staying at hotels in Beijing. They then have three hours of contemplating their awaiting task while driving further and further up into the Chinese hills and closer to the Great Wall. At 6 a.m. the first runners start arriving at the start area. Eyes filled with excitement, anticipation and just a hint of panic stare up against the steep wall hovering in the horizon as restless legs cross the big Yin and Yang sign decorating the start and finish area. As time goes on, the endless line to the bathrooms grows smaller, people are getting in sync with the energetic warm-up girls, and before you know it, the first marathoners are on their way.
Off to the Wall
The race starts off headlong with a five-kilometer uphill run. Then the second big challenge waits: 3 km of steps, steps and more steps on the Great Wall. After stepping down the last rugged step – for now – a stretch of both paved and unpaved roads takes the runners through several villages and serene Chinese nature. The villagers in this remote part of China hardly ever see visitors, and always serve as enthusiastic and encouraging marathon spectators. After some kilometers of being cheered and clapped by happy, high-fiving children, the half marathoners run straight to the finish line, while full marathoners have a second meeting with their new best friend, the Wall. The very last part of the marathon course is another 5 kilometers of steep hill, but this time downwards. A new course record (2008)
 |
| Margaret Hagerty |
While some runners kick back in the massage chairs or just sit down in astonished wonder over what they have just accomplished, others, i.e. the marathoners, take pride in their own toughness as they run past their relaxing co-runners for another trial at the Wall. In the next few hours hundreds of runners cross the finish line, including the youngest and the oldest runner. 5-year-old Signe Jensen from Denmark ran her 5 kilometers of uneven steps in 2 hours, 9 minutes and 15 seconds. And about an hour later, the oldest person to have ever run the Wall gets her medal. Margaret Hagerty from the US, who at 85 has run the Great Wall 10K in 3:14:31, is also a Guinness World Record holder for being the oldest person n the world to have run seven marathons on seven continents. A few minutes after this Great Wall senior, the very first marathon runner throws his arms in the air and even earns the right to call himself a new course record holder. 3 hours, 18 minutes and 48 seconds was all that 37-year-old Romualdo Sanchez Garita from Mexico needed to finish his first Adventure Marathon."
My Hero:
 | |||||||||||
No comments:
Post a Comment