In about two weeks’ time, Chantelle (Nike Woman) and Marvin would be challenging their bodies’ limitations in the test of human endurance. They will be running their maiden full marathons in Singapore International Marathon (SIM) on 4 December 2005. It is indeed a brave move that their first marathons are run in a foreign land.
Since they have embarked on the marathon journey, the Sunshine Runners are giving them the full support. We are certain to see them crossing the finishing line at SIM. We would celebrate the triumph and achievement with them at that proudest moment of their lives.
Note: For those who are new to marathon, the distance is 42 kilometers or 26 miles.
Since they have embarked on the marathon journey, the Sunshine Runners are giving them the full support. We are certain to see them crossing the finishing line at SIM. We would celebrate the triumph and achievement with them at that proudest moment of their lives.
Note: For those who are new to marathon, the distance is 42 kilometers or 26 miles.
SEA OF MARATHONERS: Photo showing the start of New York marathon from Verrazano Bridge. Shall we plan to stand there at the starting line within five years?
The Commitment
I can see that both of them really put in a lot of effort in their training. As for Chantelle, she even forego the Raya holidays and focused on her training runs. On the first day of Raya, Thursday 3 November, despite the early morning rain, she and a few lady running friends still pressed on and did their 20km practice run starting at Bukit Aman. That really put me to shame as I was supposed to run with them – I continued my sleep instead.
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Both are training for about four times a week ranging from 5km to 10km daily on weekdays. A long run of 20km or more is usually done on Sunday morning starting at Bukit Aman.
When a runner embarks on the marathon journey, he would be conscious of things around him: the environment, the people, the intake of food (fried and oily food is a No, No!), and above all, awareness of his physical fitness. We are supposed to live our lives this way; however, only to be motivated by the marathon challenge.
Running a maiden full marathon in a foreign land increases the risk. However, it is important to be aware of the various parameters, take the necessary precaution to overcome any obstacle. Clocking in sufficient mileage in training runs would be necessary.
Last year, we learned that one runner who attempted his maiden full marathon in Singapore was fainted before completing the race. His running buddy was looking frantically for his return only to realize later that his friend was sent to hospital by ambulance. We were shock to learn that the medical bill came to a whopping SGD 6,000 !!
It is 4 x 10 km
I once read a book that no matter how fast we run in those 10km races, the ultimate achievement is still running a full marathon. And it is in every runner’s dream to be able to run a full marathon one day. As for me, when I was running in those 10km races, I thought that I would never be able to run a full marathon in this life!
After having done four marathons since 2004, I always use this divide-and-rule method when running a full marathon: divide the course into four imaginary 10km races running back-to-back. At the completion of first 10km, tell the brain that there are still another three times the distance. Repeat the process after 20km and 30km. In this case, the mind can focus better and manage the run better.
Belief
Other than the physical strength, running a full marathon is very much involving the mental power. The first 32km is run with the body and the last 10km is run with the mind. Human legs are not designed to run continuously for more than 30km, let alone running for 42km. Most runners would agree that the power of mind to sustain the run is critical during the most adverse conditions.
Whether you are going to make it or not, it is the mental endurance power that makes the difference. Just remember that the human body has limitations; the human spirit is boundless. You can because you think you can.
Let me take this opportunity to wish Chantelle and Marvin all the best in their coming marathons. Just like the Guinness Stout advertisement “BELIEVE in yourself” – If someone is going to do it, why not you?
.
When a runner embarks on the marathon journey, he would be conscious of things around him: the environment, the people, the intake of food (fried and oily food is a No, No!), and above all, awareness of his physical fitness. We are supposed to live our lives this way; however, only to be motivated by the marathon challenge.
Running a maiden full marathon in a foreign land increases the risk. However, it is important to be aware of the various parameters, take the necessary precaution to overcome any obstacle. Clocking in sufficient mileage in training runs would be necessary.
Last year, we learned that one runner who attempted his maiden full marathon in Singapore was fainted before completing the race. His running buddy was looking frantically for his return only to realize later that his friend was sent to hospital by ambulance. We were shock to learn that the medical bill came to a whopping SGD 6,000 !!
It is 4 x 10 km
I once read a book that no matter how fast we run in those 10km races, the ultimate achievement is still running a full marathon. And it is in every runner’s dream to be able to run a full marathon one day. As for me, when I was running in those 10km races, I thought that I would never be able to run a full marathon in this life!
After having done four marathons since 2004, I always use this divide-and-rule method when running a full marathon: divide the course into four imaginary 10km races running back-to-back. At the completion of first 10km, tell the brain that there are still another three times the distance. Repeat the process after 20km and 30km. In this case, the mind can focus better and manage the run better.
Belief
Other than the physical strength, running a full marathon is very much involving the mental power. The first 32km is run with the body and the last 10km is run with the mind. Human legs are not designed to run continuously for more than 30km, let alone running for 42km. Most runners would agree that the power of mind to sustain the run is critical during the most adverse conditions.
Whether you are going to make it or not, it is the mental endurance power that makes the difference. Just remember that the human body has limitations; the human spirit is boundless. You can because you think you can.
Let me take this opportunity to wish Chantelle and Marvin all the best in their coming marathons. Just like the Guinness Stout advertisement “BELIEVE in yourself” – If someone is going to do it, why not you?
.
I hope other runners are inspired too by their determination. Soon, you would embark on the marathon journey in pursuit of your dream. If you have not been into running, start putting on the running shoes.
Just run, and don’t stop.
By KC
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