It took me a long time to create this post, mainly because I am quite busy recently. The contents were drafted out in my brain since last week but as things continue to happen, it changed. For better or for worst, I could not say but most of it is self-realization. To start things off, let me summarize the Penang marathon trip. Overall it was good because the I get to experience many new things and visit some places that I would not have gone otherwise. I am not the kind who likes to go sight-seeing with streets full of other sweating and equally lost tourists. The results were great even though I thought it would have been a miracle if I managed to maintain my previous performance. I could not sleep properly the night before and I was exhausted towards the end. I was walking for a long duration but apparently the pacer I was following ran so far ahead that we could afford to walk.
As usual, the teasing as well as the various attitudes displayed by other members of the trip are quite annoying . I am sure I was a dick at some point but there were no arguments. Some of them are quite patient with me too and I really appreciate that. When we got back to KL, something weird happened in the following week. I was questioning myself and my dedication to running marathons. Looking at the upcoming Cyberjaya marathon I felt it was endless and pointless. It was taking so much of my time, so much financial resources and the training is so difficult. Other than my family, others are not as supportive. Like always, I figured I am not really disappointed with the words but with the people who teased. I am frustrated wondering why do they do it? I was stuck wondering how far the path is, how much more do I have to sacrifice and most importantly, is it worth it?
I do not really remember what happened next but before I know it I was running my usual Saturday morning long run. I wanted to take it easy and just see how it goes. Before I know it, my legs took off and it was almost race pace. I figured I enjoy running but do I really want to chase after the fast ones? While cooling off I chatted with 2 veteran runners around my area. We know each other but just as acquaintances. But one of them told me his best time and another asked me to tag along for Cyberjaya. Things look pretty good now. I have a goal and I do not need to beg for transport. Perhaps this time I can run at my best? With that eureka moment, I finally understood that I was still quite hung up on the Penang marathon. All my training may not mean anything due to outside factors. Now that I could minimize it, maybe, just maybe I could go all the way.
Now, my training is back on track. In fact, I upped the ante again. Hill is 6,8,10 degrees at speed of 8 with 10 minutes on each incline except for 10, that is on best effort basis. Speedwork is replaced with tempo runs because I figured it is dangerous to do it on a treadmill. Those two will be morning whereas evening, it will be 8k at a comfortable pace. Saturday is limited to 21k so I do not drive myself insane running alone for 90 laps. Sunday is a short recovery of 5-8k. Basically it should come up to 80k a week but I will remain flexible and stop pushing myself so hard. I still do strength training for upper body and core. This time around, I am including squats and deadlifts as a staple. I will strengthen my lower back, my glutes and my quads. Running helps to train your stamina and overall fitness but it does not do much about your strength in the short term. Maybe I could supercharge my development. I think I am good, but can always be better right?
I still have plenty to write but those are for another post. This is it for Penang! Personal thoughts and recent developments in the next one. Maybe I will write it after dinner. Maybe I will write it after my next marathon. Maybe I will not write at all. I stopped depending on this blog for support a long time ago. Now, I only write because I want to share my experiences and thoughts. And in a funny twist of fate, I do not need to change the title of my blog to reflect what I am doing nowadays.
