Was at a dinner with a bunch of hardcore triatheletes last sunday. Conversation was expectedly about multi-sports, event/ training stories and 2girls1cup.
No offence but I felt that some stupid statements were made:
1. Expensive gears make better sportspeople
True enough, a pair of branded shoes beats a pair of Batas anytime for running. Better technology helps to prevent unecessary injuries and make training more enjoyable. Dri-fit attire allows for cooler exercise time and I swear by them now. I used to jog only in SAF PT kit and SAF-issues NB shoes. They were ok but I didnt like to exercise in them too often but one thing for sure, they are still good enough to help you complete a long distance race.
Expensive or branded gears to me are seriously not paramount to better results. They are simply aids to help me exercise safely and enjoyably.
It's like equipping a layman with a high end PC loaded with sophisticated programs and an engineer with just a scale rule, pencils and paper. End up, the layman will just be playing games with the PC while the engineer will still be able to churn out blueprints for a nuclear station.
2. I will be better if I train like the elites.
Don't think so. We all have different physical attributes and no 2 caps fit the same. Knowing our bodies well is important in order not to push it too hard too fast. Depending on our physical abilities, we should train appropriately and push our own limits one step at a time. My reason for not attempting the full marathon this year was because I was confident of my own body yet at the time of signing up. Also, I didn't want to struggle through 42km in 6-7 hours. I won't be jumping into a high mileage training program suggested by a seasoned athlete for sure. I shall heap on the mileage bit by bit at my own pace. All the races will be my own race after all. Maintain a strict discipline and all will fall into place for sure.
Race your own race and train at your own pace. Of course it's not wrong to dream. First HIM by 2009, I will like to make that a reality, at my own pace of course.
Monday, December 10, 2007
Khon Kaen Marathon 08
I have made up my mind. I'm going to sign up for Khon Kaen Marathon for my first full.
After slacking for a week after SCSM, I shall resume my alternate 10 & 5km daily runs with at min 25km weekend runs. This shall be a test of my will-power.
The target is to finish KKM under 5hr. I've made a promise to myself to complete SCSM 08 in 4:30. I can do it!
After slacking for a week after SCSM, I shall resume my alternate 10 & 5km daily runs with at min 25km weekend runs. This shall be a test of my will-power.
The target is to finish KKM under 5hr. I've made a promise to myself to complete SCSM 08 in 4:30. I can do it!
SCSM 07
Completed my first official half marathon (under my own name & without taking cab) last sunday. Overall it was a good run and the trainings I've put in paid off. Managed to shave almost 30 min off my AHM timing by clocking in 2:24 (self-timed and not too far off).
Felt horrible the morning before leaving for the race, lau sai twice even before stepping out of the house. Most likely due to over-binging in Bintan over the weekend. Must seriously allow for quality rest time and proper diet before a long distance event in the future.
After meeting up with TCM and gf in front of Park Royal hotel @ Beach Rd, took a brisk walk to the start line at the Esplanade bridge. Alas, at the starting line, tide began to rise and dam threatened to breach. Couldn't find an appropriate tree or bush as the first part of the race was in the CBD. Finally, reached first water point at 3km mark and decided to queue for the toilet. Long wait but quick dump, i stopped my timer during this pit stop. Hence, my official timing was 10min more.
Resumed my run, lost a bit of momentum for the next 2km but slowly picked up pace again after the 10km mark (1hr:10min). Race discipline this time was to take long fast strides when I need to walk but I couldn't maintain my hydration discipline and still took too much fluid at almost every water points. However, no stitches experienced.
There were a lot of bottlenecks along the way and I did spend considerable amount of effort to zip-zag through the crowd. Finally saw Janice at the last water point, followed her pace all the way back to the Padang. Found some reserved energy somewhere and did a sprint down the last 100m stretch.
Felt good and strong for this race, completed with no complaint or groans from the body. Must step up training now for my next first FULL marathon.
Felt horrible the morning before leaving for the race, lau sai twice even before stepping out of the house. Most likely due to over-binging in Bintan over the weekend. Must seriously allow for quality rest time and proper diet before a long distance event in the future.
After meeting up with TCM and gf in front of Park Royal hotel @ Beach Rd, took a brisk walk to the start line at the Esplanade bridge. Alas, at the starting line, tide began to rise and dam threatened to breach. Couldn't find an appropriate tree or bush as the first part of the race was in the CBD. Finally, reached first water point at 3km mark and decided to queue for the toilet. Long wait but quick dump, i stopped my timer during this pit stop. Hence, my official timing was 10min more.
Resumed my run, lost a bit of momentum for the next 2km but slowly picked up pace again after the 10km mark (1hr:10min). Race discipline this time was to take long fast strides when I need to walk but I couldn't maintain my hydration discipline and still took too much fluid at almost every water points. However, no stitches experienced.
There were a lot of bottlenecks along the way and I did spend considerable amount of effort to zip-zag through the crowd. Finally saw Janice at the last water point, followed her pace all the way back to the Padang. Found some reserved energy somewhere and did a sprint down the last 100m stretch.
Felt good and strong for this race, completed with no complaint or groans from the body. Must step up training now for my next first FULL marathon.
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