Yangon Marathon

A first visualization

Great news! It was an impulsive moment after lunch. Bought myself tickets to the Yangon Marathon on 27 January. It's hard to believe I am doing it all over again! Looks like it's a belated birthday present.

My biggest consolation is that I am finally breaking the curse of the solo traveller (to be fair it's fun travelling alone too). After travelling alone for the past 20 months, I can travel in a group now. It's true what the Holstee Manifesto says, "This is your life. Do what you love and do it often." To my surprise, friends are flocking in bringing me news that they will go with me. *star jumps and hurray!* I am sincerely grateful.

Here comes, Yangon!

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Penang Bridge International Marathon - 18 November 2012

Before the run, with Niza and friends

The goal for 2012 was clear - to attempt a full marathon. It was not without challenges. The first eight months of this year was full of pain, wounds and subsequent scars - literally and emotionally. 

On the bright side, I had insisted that pain back then was delusional that the dark clouds would eventually clear up for dawn to set in. 

Wow, I was terrified of the marathon. I didn't train enough, definitely did not log up to 30km a week. I can only say I managed to pull through.

This is truly a medal of honor, sweat and pain but it's all worth it. The joy is indescribable.

Tada! B01963 shall report to the starting line.

Huff puff, what a relief to cross the finish line.

Here we were posing with our medals at the finish line.

A photo with a guy in a banana suit! Lol.

Another group of friends whom I had breakfast with later in the day. We each had a different view of the run but couldn't help feeling blessed that we completed it safely.

Groupie shot with Kenny and Zet and friends.

The cert is here. First full marathon completed in 06:20:32.58.

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Runversation: On telling my family that I did a full marathon

I was too scared to tell my family that I was going to do a full marathon. First, the fear that they will stop me. Second, I wouldn't know what would happen.

After the run, I had a talk with my aunt:

D: You knew I ran on Sunday?
A: Yeah, I know.
D: Do you know that this run was different from other runs?
A: Yeah, I know.
D: What's the difference?
A: Oh, it's longer.

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Why I Love to Run?

There is none? I think so. :)

1. When I started out back in early 2011, I had such terrible stamina (hadn't run in 10 years), I slept so well after each run. I love it.
2. There were many reasons why I started running, one of it being, I got cheated and I was hurt. Running brought much happiness, it eventually cured a broken heart. I love it.
3. Running defines me, it makes me feel like myself all over again.
4. Running gives me a sense of freedom and most of all money can't buy.
5. I was working as a secretary and over time, by terms of career , I began to feel like I have no sense of achievement. I started running and it brought a new dimension of meaning to me.
6. I love to run because I also get to travel. There are few runs in Penang so it requires me to travel to Singapore, KL for runs. Eventually, I got to do the Bali Marathon and currently planning for Hangzhou International Marathon as well as Angkor Wat Half Marathon. Running takes me further than just 21km.

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What Fueled My Runs

The Fuel

On very rare occasions, I would have a pack of power gel. Due to the pressure of the first full marathon, I asked my two mentors on what to prepare. So one advised, "4 power gels and 1 power bar" and the other advised "5 power gels". On the same accord, they said, "consume one every hour".

Okay, point taken, the only place I know that sells these are GNC. So off I went.

It seemed like I had some choice confusion and didn't know what to buy. The Power Bar Energy gels is packed with 110 calories, cost the least, only RM7.50 each. Then there's the GU Energy Gel at RM8.00 - packed with 100 calories. Lastly, Accel Gel at RM8.90 also at 100 calories.

The helpful guy at GNC, tried to explain the differences of the 3 brands. One helps to hydrate better and the other has protein. (In my mind, heck care... just buy one each and try.)

I had 3 bananas before the run, was full to the throat. I only had my first power gel after 1.5 hours of run. There was a point when I tore off another power gel after 30 minutes instead of 1 hour. I had to run with a pack of opened gel in my hand.

Honestly, I don't even remember what is the difference between the gels now. When you are tired from running, everything tasted the same but make a huge difference in fuelling my run.

I never had the chance to eat up the Power Bar. It shall accompany me in the next run, I guess.

In conclusion, I am pretty sure everything played its role to help. From the water to 100 Plus to the toilet cubicles and soaked sponges and of course the gels. Where calories are concerned, to me, nothing beats bananas.

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10 Thoughts of My First Full Marathon

Event: Penang Bridge International Marathon

Date: 18 November 2012

Flag Off: 2 am

Completion: 6 hours 20 mins

Rank: 242/452

1. Like any virgins, I was scared to death but I am alive.
2. I wasn't alone in doing this. I started running back in February 2011 and I ran alone for the first 6 months. By the time I did my full marathon, I had many friends to run with me.
3. 42km is surprisingly, a run-able distance.
4. The last 5km was a true pain in the ass.
5. What got me going was my breathing. I bet I had never focused any harder in my life.
6. My medal, it finally felt like a medal of honor, of much sweat and pain and endurance.
7. I did not suffer much sore at all - surprisingly.
8. For the first time, I choked on my tears while running. I cried 3 times in the last 3 km.
9. Running a marathon doesn't make me an iron lady, it reaffirms that I am in every way flesh and blood. I have emotions, I felt pain, weariness but mostly, I have a big appetite. :)
10. It wasn't about the finish. It wasn't about the speed. It's about living my life to the fullest. Making meaning for myself and setting my worth and finding every reason to be grateful that I am alive and breathing. Loving a life worth living and overcoming the odds.

My certificate

Finished finally

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