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Countdown to my first marathon

October 8, 2007 by Aleah 4 Comments

We are different, in essence from other men.
If you want to win something, run 100 meters.
If you want to experience something, run a marathon.

– Emil Zatopek


Yeah, finally, I have decided. After years of running 10ks, I will finally run my first marathon!

Despite the very daunting thought of running continuously for five hours straight (or more), I finally made up my mind that nothing will keep me away from the International Marathon for the Pasig River in 2008. I will finish it, whether I have to run, walk, or crawl. Yes, this will be a test indeed of my running “career.”

So, three weeks ago, I drew up my own training plan, based on the books and articles I’ve read on preparing for this distance. I have consulted Joe Henderson, Hal Higdon, and other big (and not so big) names in running. I have scheduled long runs, speed training, hill training, cross training days, and rest days. I’ve cut down on food intake to reduce my weight, and ate more fruits and vegetables.

I have also registered for the New Balance 25k run in November, a nice distance three months before the big event. I had thought that it would prepare me well for Pasig.

Two weeks ago, I started to implement my training plan, making notes in my log that I felt great and on track.

Then I got sick.

First, I had a cold, then fever, then a persistent cough which prevented me from continuing with my training plan. As if it was not bad enough, my cough and colds also rendered me voiceless the day I was training Bacolod-based community workers! To say that it was the worst day of my life as a trainer is an absolute understatement.

The question now is: am I ready for the New Balance Power Race? Or for the Pasig Marathon in February? Frankly, I don’t know. I still have a cold, but I’m continuing with my training, taking it easy. I know that if I miss another week of training, I would not be able to make it at Clark. Of course, I also know that if I push too hard, I would not be able to make it either. A balance must be struck.

Thinking about it all, I realize that it doesn’t augur a good beginning. But what the heck, when you’re down, there’s no way to go but up, right?

Filed Under: colds, marathon training

Comments

  1. Anonymous says

    October 9, 2007 at 8:47 am

    the bane of runners, keli, getting sick or injured. so i wish you all the best for your first marathon. brave girl! -roadrat

    Reply
  2. TRF says

    October 11, 2007 at 12:13 am

    Hi Keli,<BR/><BR/>Goodluck on your NB and 1st Marathon race, I’m sure you still have a lot of time to train. just like in the ad "slowly but surely". :)<BR/><BR/>TRF

    Reply
  3. caloyb says

    October 12, 2007 at 11:14 am

    at least you got sick early in the training rather than in the middle of your preparation. good luck on the runs. i am sure you will do well in both. 🙂

    Reply
  4. Ninoy91 says

    February 12, 2008 at 3:21 am

    Kaya mo yan, trust me its more mental than physical. People with less training finished a full marathon (yabang lang and good looks hehehe). Tama yan takbo lang, pag dating ng araw it will be the stuff that you will daydream about hahaha. Good luck, mabuhay UPM!

    Reply

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