Its going be my first ever half marathon. Its been a year now having running as a way to keep up with a healthy lifestyle.
Been going through a lot of reading on the web and resources from peers about training for my first half marathon. Its going to be quite tough to achieve, but it is just another milestone to achieve.
So, what does it take to be prepared for your first long distance running, may it be a 5-km run, or a half-marathon or even doing a full 42-km marathon?
As for myself, the benchmark is to complete a 1/2 marathon; a full 21.1 kilometre distance within the time limit of 3.0 hours. Is this achievable?
As a start, I went on to the Nike+ site, being having the Nike+ App on my mobile device. There's this "Train Like a Pro" application that allows us to select the appropriate training programme that you are training for. In my case, its to be prepared for a half marathon in 13 weeks.
Phew? 13 weeks? Man, that's a leap to get into the groove of running. Why am I running by the way? To me, running is still the best way to keep fit and living a healthy lifestyle yet maintaining a low maintenance and investment. The one and only investment is to get yourself a pair of proper and suitable running shoes. The right pair of shoes is crucial as it can hurt you and thus demotivate you from running once you are injured due to mismatch and shoes that do not fit.
The Nike+ site dashboard is quite useful to help you figure out the right training for your first long distance run. Its not only running consistently and frequently, but it also advices you to train you muscles which includes a little strength training as well as mixing up your running style; 5 x 2 minutes tempo effort with 1-3 minutes intervals; if I know whatever that means? But basically, its just increasing your running effort after a 1-2 miles easy run.
Another good site that helps you DIY your training is to head on to the Adidas MiCoach Programme. That is also another site that helps beginners set their goals, and to customise a proper training in order for you to be prepared for your run.
The main thing about your training is: "Discipline". It is most needed. Try and alternate your runs and trainings by getting a running partner. Your running partner can be a "mood" booster at times, and it keeps running fun. Rotate your training times. Some in the morning, and some in the late afternoon. This helps me getting it going. Your style, you've got to determine it.
Running for fitness and exercise is a great way to keep yourself fit. So I will always remind myself to keep it simple and it has got to remain fun. I find ways to keep my runs fun by exploring new routes when running outdoors, running with friends, set new targets and beat them, mixing up the tunes and finding new songs that keeps me in the mood and many more.
My mission, to complete a half marathon this year. Why enter a half-marathon event? Is it for gold? My answer is NO. Its not for the gold, although I would wish to get it. The reason for me entering such events is to be able to gauge my ability to achieve my distance against time.
Having said all that, I hope that the training is going to be well paid-off! If it does not, well, its not going to stop me from running. Running is fun! And most importantly, it is a way of keeping a healthy lifestyle.
Showing posts with label marathon. Show all posts
Showing posts with label marathon. Show all posts
Monday, March 19, 2012
Saturday, January 14, 2012
First run for the year 2012
Its 0500hrs and time to get up and get ready for my first run for the year; the Multi-Purpose Insurans Run 2012; which was held at Padang Merbok, Kuala Lumpur. The distance, 12-kilometre run covering hilly circuit of Bukit Tunku.
The laziness to get up early this time is really bugging my head. Should I get up and go ahead with the run? Or should I just get back to the early Sunday morning breeze, under the blanket, sleeping through the morning.
Well, what the heck, I've signed up this and come this far, and its not a good start to break the chain of attendance. Get ready and gear up, Multi- Purpose Insurans Run 2012, here I come!
Drove all the way to Padang Merbok situated in Kuala Lumpur. Parked the car nearby the starting point (directly opposite BNM), and walked over to the Grid. It was packed with many unrecognised faces at the starting point. I did saw one or two familiar faces, but didn't had the chance to say hi.
Out of the blue, a group of "fancy" dressed runners was running to the starting line. Spider-man, hula dancer, cowboy, and there's this guy who's also dressed in the traditional "Sarong" with a white plain t-shirt but with proper running shoes.
I tried to make way to the front to get a head start, but, to no avail, it was just packed with runners. All getting ready for gun time. I just had to settle in the last pack of runners.
At the click of the gun, the runners dashed out to the start of the 12-kilometre run out from Padang Merbok to the hilly circuit of Bukit Tunku. I was still stunned with the turn up, and didn't even noticed the gunfire.
By the time passed the starting line, marking my start with the non-stop beeping sounds from the D-Tag Sensor plates, I started the run. Running uphill passing by Lanai KIjang. Then out left head straight for Bukit Tunku. At the third kilometre mark, I can see this Spidey fella is running ahead of me. It looked entertaining. Man, he was fit. He is still running, and ahead of me!
The first water station at the 3-kilometre mark was just packed with runners. Well, did not stop or reached out for water, as it was still early for a quench for thirst. The complete circuit had 3 water stations; 3rd, 6th and 9th kilometre markers.
I continued running the circuit, and its already pass 40-minutes in when I just passed the 5-kilometre mark. Damn. My legs are already hurting, and I have another 7-kilometres to endure to the finish line. Well, take it slowly, and I should be able to finish this without stopping. Taking every leap at my own pace.
I just had to get a taste of that 100 Plus thirst quencher at the 9th kilometre mark (I said to myself). Upon reaching it, while still running, though it was a slow pace, this soft voice over my shoulder said, "You can do it bro. See you at the finish line. Here's a cuppa 100 Plus for you."
I didn't notice I had passed the water station. Must be really tired and concentrating on the run. 9+ kilometres, and I have not stopped! That's a good sign. Thank God, this good old chap, handed me the cup and it was just enough to get that dry throat some fluids to cool it off. He was quite an old chap. Thanks to him, I was still running and managed to get a quench for thirst. Didn't get his name, didn't see his bib number. White haired guy, in the mid-50's and still running. His pace was getting faster!
I needed that boost. The run for the final 2.5-kilometres, just pacing up gradually to the finish line. By then, I think I was already doing about 8.5kph (if its on the treadmill). It should be fine. Upon reaching the last 500-metres, the crowd started cheering. The marching band playing an upbeat music. The emcee was announcing arrivals at the finish line. I was motivated to up the pace. Its just a few leaps away, a few turns and into the final stretch.
Can I make it with a finisher's medal? Alhamdulillah, I crossed the finish line at 1:28:32.5 (gun time) as published in the website. It was a good finish. I am happy with the results. Just continued the walk down after the finish line, started collecting stuff; goodie bag; and most importantly, when this marshal puts the medal around my neck! Oh, what a great feeling.
It was a good run. It was satisfying. All the effort and training is getting me there. It was a good feeling to know that I was able to finish the run without even stopping to cool off those aching calves and hamstrings. Another finisher's medal in the bag. Next runs, hopefully my dear friend who dragged me into this, will not miss a race together. Till the next race. Ciao!
The laziness to get up early this time is really bugging my head. Should I get up and go ahead with the run? Or should I just get back to the early Sunday morning breeze, under the blanket, sleeping through the morning.
Well, what the heck, I've signed up this and come this far, and its not a good start to break the chain of attendance. Get ready and gear up, Multi- Purpose Insurans Run 2012, here I come!
Drove all the way to Padang Merbok situated in Kuala Lumpur. Parked the car nearby the starting point (directly opposite BNM), and walked over to the Grid. It was packed with many unrecognised faces at the starting point. I did saw one or two familiar faces, but didn't had the chance to say hi.
Out of the blue, a group of "fancy" dressed runners was running to the starting line. Spider-man, hula dancer, cowboy, and there's this guy who's also dressed in the traditional "Sarong" with a white plain t-shirt but with proper running shoes.
I tried to make way to the front to get a head start, but, to no avail, it was just packed with runners. All getting ready for gun time. I just had to settle in the last pack of runners.
At the click of the gun, the runners dashed out to the start of the 12-kilometre run out from Padang Merbok to the hilly circuit of Bukit Tunku. I was still stunned with the turn up, and didn't even noticed the gunfire.
By the time passed the starting line, marking my start with the non-stop beeping sounds from the D-Tag Sensor plates, I started the run. Running uphill passing by Lanai KIjang. Then out left head straight for Bukit Tunku. At the third kilometre mark, I can see this Spidey fella is running ahead of me. It looked entertaining. Man, he was fit. He is still running, and ahead of me!
The first water station at the 3-kilometre mark was just packed with runners. Well, did not stop or reached out for water, as it was still early for a quench for thirst. The complete circuit had 3 water stations; 3rd, 6th and 9th kilometre markers.
I continued running the circuit, and its already pass 40-minutes in when I just passed the 5-kilometre mark. Damn. My legs are already hurting, and I have another 7-kilometres to endure to the finish line. Well, take it slowly, and I should be able to finish this without stopping. Taking every leap at my own pace.
I just had to get a taste of that 100 Plus thirst quencher at the 9th kilometre mark (I said to myself). Upon reaching it, while still running, though it was a slow pace, this soft voice over my shoulder said, "You can do it bro. See you at the finish line. Here's a cuppa 100 Plus for you."
I didn't notice I had passed the water station. Must be really tired and concentrating on the run. 9+ kilometres, and I have not stopped! That's a good sign. Thank God, this good old chap, handed me the cup and it was just enough to get that dry throat some fluids to cool it off. He was quite an old chap. Thanks to him, I was still running and managed to get a quench for thirst. Didn't get his name, didn't see his bib number. White haired guy, in the mid-50's and still running. His pace was getting faster!
I needed that boost. The run for the final 2.5-kilometres, just pacing up gradually to the finish line. By then, I think I was already doing about 8.5kph (if its on the treadmill). It should be fine. Upon reaching the last 500-metres, the crowd started cheering. The marching band playing an upbeat music. The emcee was announcing arrivals at the finish line. I was motivated to up the pace. Its just a few leaps away, a few turns and into the final stretch.
Can I make it with a finisher's medal? Alhamdulillah, I crossed the finish line at 1:28:32.5 (gun time) as published in the website. It was a good finish. I am happy with the results. Just continued the walk down after the finish line, started collecting stuff; goodie bag; and most importantly, when this marshal puts the medal around my neck! Oh, what a great feeling.
It was a good run. It was satisfying. All the effort and training is getting me there. It was a good feeling to know that I was able to finish the run without even stopping to cool off those aching calves and hamstrings. Another finisher's medal in the bag. Next runs, hopefully my dear friend who dragged me into this, will not miss a race together. Till the next race. Ciao!
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